Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve with a combination medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will examine a person's medical history and determine if other disorders, such as depression or an anxiety disorder might be causing symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first drugs to be tried. Other medications include atomoxetine, a nonstimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medications are usually the first-line treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications help to regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within your brain that control focus. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which increases concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to absorb dopamine which decreases hyperactivity.
You can make use of medicines to alleviate your symptoms, and function better at school, work, or in other areas of your life. But they can't solve all your problems. They can cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability or difficulties sleeping. Consult your physician about the possible adverse effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will decide the best medicine and dosage for you based on your symptoms of your health, your medical history and specific situation. Certain people do not react to stimulant medications, while others may not have any reaction at all.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications that are immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are taken as needed and typically peak within 30 to 60 minutes after taking them, then wear off quickly. Extended-release medicines can last for up to 16 hour and are taken once a day. They assist with the management of symptoms. Often, people who take extended-release ADHD medications also take an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the effects of certain brain chemicals that control attention and mood. It is a more long-lasting and sustained release medication than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which enhances norepinephrine and dopamine, within the brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other drugs that regulate the brain part that is responsible for your attention. These are a great option for those with ADHD who also suffer from tics or anxiety. These are referred to as cholinergic drugs and are available only on prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD, along with medication. Therapy sessions can aid you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example, a therapist may teach you techniques for organizing to keep you on top of your tasks and maintain control over your surroundings. A therapist can also teach you problem-solving and conflict resolution skills as well as methods to improve your focus and concentration. You might learn breathing exercises, meditation yoga, or other relaxation methods to relax yourself and improve your mood. This is also known as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can also assist you to develop coping skills for dealing with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common to adults with ADHD. Therapists can provide, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that teaches you how your thoughts and beliefs influence your behavior and feelings. CBT is especially effective for dealing with executive functioning issues that can be a result of ADHD issues, like trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to observe your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation that helps you manage difficult emotions, as well as the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Keep in mind that it may take some time for the body to adjust to the new medicines. It is possible that you will continue to experience issues at work and home until you've gained enough experience to cope with your symptoms. In the meantime, consider implementing small changes to your routine to help you deal with.
For instance, if you're impatient and forgetful, ask your professor or boss for accommodations that can help you excel in class. You could also request your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You might also look into marriage therapy or family counseling, which will help your loved ones and you develop a better understanding of and communication each others' challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can help alleviate symptoms and improve the functioning. These treatments can include different treatments, and may be offered in person or via the internet. These treatments may be paired with medication to achieve the best results.
One of the first steps in the treatment of ADHD is to obtain a diagnosis. A trained mental health professional uses scales and semistructured interviews to gather information on the individual's struggles. behavioral interventions for adhd will then be able to make an accurate diagnosis, and formulate a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can assist people suffering from ADHD deal with their issues and manage them. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it impacts their the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies are focused on regulating emotions and enhancing the ability to manage their time. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example helps people recognize and change negative beliefs and behaviors that may hinder their progress.
Marriage and family therapy can help address the issues ADHD can bring in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families to communicate more effectively and identify patterns that cause conflict. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve communication and help create a positive outlook on the future.
Adults with ADHD benefit from a treatment for behavioral issues by boosting their self-esteem as well as developing an accurate perspective of their abilities. It can teach them how to manage their time, money and self-organization, as well as manage their impulsive behavior and help them manage anger and stress. These skills can be taught either in group or individually with therapy.
Meditation, or mindfulness training can be an effective form of therapy for adult ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives, by teaching them to be in the present and be more aware. It can be practiced in a group setting or with a therapist, and can be utilized in combination with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on building interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD also turn to complementary treatments for health, such as dietary changes and supplements to help manage their symptoms. Although these strategies aren't scientifically proven to help improve ADHD however, some find them helpful.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying bills to meeting deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping house can be challenging when your ADHD symptoms become more severe. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand why you are acting in the way you do. You should seek out treatment in order to overcome your challenges and live a more productive lifestyle.
Many medications are effective for adults suffering from ADHD however, they don't address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. It is crucial to choose a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adult adhd, which includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you learn how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and also help you develop strategies for coping. It can also help you learn how to manage your relationships and emotions. You could also benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can reduce your anxiety and improve your concentration. It is also essential to receive assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you discover how to communicate better and deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are several types of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as interpersonal therapy, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is an evidence-based approach that assists you in changing negative thinking patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills and time management, as well as planning. It can also help you to overcome thinking distortions that lead to low mood and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of an adult cognitive remediation program showed that the program offered small group therapy sessions and coaching, in addition to exercise. This improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to have sessions with others who are facing similar issues and can be a great source of support.
There are numerous online resources that can help you locate an adult adhd therapist or a support group. Some of these services provide virtual sessions through video chat or chatrooms as well as local meetings. These services are growing in popularity, and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.