Adult ADHD Treatment
Most people with ADHD improve with a combination medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will consider a person's health history and whether other medical conditions like depression or anxiety, may be contributing to the symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs that people test. Other medications include atomoxetine, an anti-stimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications help to regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within your brain that regulate focus. These are norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which improves concentration. They also decrease the brain's natural inclination for dopamine to be absorbed which decreases hyperactivity.
You can take medicines to alleviate your symptoms, and function better at school, at work or in other areas of your life. But they can't solve all your problems. They may result in side effects like weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Consult your physician about the potential side effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate dosage and medication for you based on your individual situation, symptoms and medical background. Some people might not react to stimulant medications in any way however, others might experience no reaction whatsoever.
There are three kinds: immediate-release medication, extended-release medication, and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken when required. They typically peak between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then slowly fade. Extended-release drugs can last up to 16 hour and are taken every day. They help with managing symptoms. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications usually supplement them with a dose of instant-release late in the afternoon or evening.
treatments for add is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD in adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that control mood and attention in the brain. It is a more long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other drugs which regulate the part of the brain that is responsible for your attention. These medications can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These medications, also referred to as cholinergic drugs, are only available on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medications Therapy is often an integral part of an ADHD treatment plan. Therapy can help your family members and help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can also teach you coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help you learn methods to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist may also teach you problem-solving and conflict resolution skills as well as methods to improve your concentration and focus. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises meditation, or other relaxation techniques in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. This is sometimes called biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A therapist can also assist you to build coping skills to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common to adults with ADHD. For instance a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of talking therapy that teaches you how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes affect your mood and actions. CBT is particularly effective in addressing executive functioning issues that are related to ADHD and other disorders, such as difficulty in organizing, planning and managing time.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another alternative. It assists you in changing the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like mindfulness, which helps you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement; emotion regulation, which is focused on managing distressing emotions and the development of interpersonal skills. It is a program for people with multiple conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
It is important to keep in mind that, even if you begin taking medicine, it takes some time for your body to adapt to the new medication. You might continue to have problems at home and work until you've mastered the skills to cope with your symptoms. In the meantime, consider making small changes to your lifestyle to help you cope.
For example, if you're forgetful and impulsive, ask your professor or boss about accommodations that will help you excel in class. You may also ask your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You might also consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which can benefit your loved ones and you develop a better understanding of and communication each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial therapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve the functioning. These treatments can comprise a variety of treatments and are available in-person or online. They may also be paired with medication for the best results.
A diagnosis is the initial step in treating ADHD. A trained mental health professional will employ scales and semi-structured clinical interviews to discover the details of the individual's difficulties. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD manage their issues and manage them. Psychoeducation is one of the methods that can help patients understand their condition and the impact it has on their work, school, and relationships. Other therapies aim at improving organizational skills and managing emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people overcome negative beliefs and behavior that could hinder their progress.
Counseling for families and marriage can help with the issues that ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and spot patterns that lead to conflict. It can also help them discover ways to improve their interactions and create a positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD improve their self-esteem and build a more realistic view about their capabilities. It can teach them how to manage their time, money and their personal space and also manage their impulsive behavior and learn how to manage anger and stress. These skills can be taught in a group or individually by a therapy.
Mindfulness, or meditation training can be a useful form of therapy for adults with ADHD. It helps people gain more control over their lives, by teaching them to pay attention to the present and be more aware. It can be conducted in a group or with a therapist and can be utilized in conjunction with other treatment methods like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating ADHD in adults include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These therapies focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD employ complementary health methods to combat their symptoms, which includes eating habits and supplements. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to help improve ADHD however, some find them helpful.
Support
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you might be overwhelmed by the challenges you face. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe, everything from managing relationships to paying bills and completing deadlines can be difficult. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand why you are acting the way you do. It is essential to seek out treatment to overcome your challenges and live a more productive life.
The use of medication is effective for a lot of adults with ADHD however they do not address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. It is crucial to choose an integrated treatment plan for adults with adhd that includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you understand and manage your ADHD symptoms and build strategies for coping. It will also teach you how to manage your emotions and relationships. You could also benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can ease stress and boost your concentration. It's also important to get assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and manage anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are many types of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) metacognitive, metacognitive, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that helps you change negative thinking patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy helps you improve your organizational skills and time management, as well as planning. It can also help you resolve the distortions in your thinking that cause an uneasy mood and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults suffering from ADHD found that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises improved the quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). This type of therapy is usually less expensive than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you take part in therapy sessions with people who face similar challenges and can be more supportive.
There are numerous online resources to find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these offer virtual sessions through video chat or chatrooms as well as local meetings. These services are increasing in popularity, and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.