Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD get better by combining medication as well as behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will take into consideration the health history of the patient and determine if any other health issues like anxiety or depression, could contribute to the symptoms.
In most cases, stimulants are among the first medications that people attempt. Other medications include atomoxetine a nonstimulant (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medications are usually the first line treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs adjust the levels of chemical messengers which control the focus of your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine, which enhances your concentration. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and allow you to be more productive at school, at work or in other aspects of your life. They can't solve all your problems. They can cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability, or difficulties sleeping. Talk to your doctor regarding possible adverse effects.
Nonstimulants and stimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will decide the best medicine and dosage for you based on symptoms and health history as well as your particular situation. Some people may not respond to stimulant medication, while others may have no reaction whatsoever.
There are treatment for adult add : immediate-release medication, extended-release medication and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release drugs are taken when needed and usually peak within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and then fade away quickly. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hour and are taken once a day. They help with the management of symptoms. Most often, those who are taking extended-release ADHD medications supplement them with an immediate-release dose during the late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemicals that regulate attention and mood in the brain. It's a longer-lasting, sustained-release medication than other ADHD medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is a stimulant that increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other drugs that regulate the brain part that controls your attention. These medications may be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and tics or anxiety. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic drugs, are only available on prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD in conjunction with medication. Therapy can aid you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can also teach you coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can teach you strategies to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist may also teach you problem-solving and conflict resolution techniques, as well as techniques for improving focus and concentration. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga meditation, or other relaxation techniques to help you calm down and improve your mood. This is sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A Therapist can also help you develop coping strategies to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common in adults with ADHD. Therapists can provide, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that teaches you how your beliefs and thoughts influence your behavior and feelings. CBT is particularly effective for dealing with executive functioning issues that can be a result of ADHD, such as trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which helps you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like mindfulness, which teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement; emotion regulation, which is focused on managing emotional distress and the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Be aware that it may take a long time for your body to adjust to the new medication. There may be issues at home and at work until you've developed the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, try implementing small changes to your lifestyle to help you manage.
For instance, if you're forgetful and impulsive, ask your boss or professor about accommodations that will aid you in your studies. You could also request your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You might also think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help you and your loved ones learn to communicate better and understand each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatments can help alleviate symptoms and improve the functioning. These treatments can include a variety of different treatments and are available in person or online. These treatments may be combined with medication to achieve the best results.
One of the first steps to treating ADHD is to get a diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional uses scales and semistructured interviews to collect information about the individual's issues. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis, and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help individuals with ADHD manage their issues and develop the skills needed to deal with the challenges they face. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it affects them in school, work and relationships. Other therapies focus on managing emotions and enhancing organizational skills. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance helps people to identify and change negative beliefs and behaviors that can hinder their progress.
Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the issues ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and spot patterns that cause conflict. It can also assist them to explore ways to improve their interactions and develop a more positive outlook for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD benefit from a behavioral therapy program by improving their self-esteem and developing an honest view of their abilities. It can also teach them to manage their time and money more efficiently, improve their organizational skills, manage the impulsive behavior of their children and become better at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be taught in a group or individually with a therapist.
Mindfulness, or meditation training can be an effective therapy for adults with ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives, by teaching them to pay attention to the present moment and become more aware. It can be conducted in a group or by a therapist and can be utilized in conjunction with other treatment methods like CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for ADHD in adults include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These treatments focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD employ complementary health methods to manage their symptoms, such as diet changes and supplements. These approaches have not been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD but certain people find them beneficial.
Support
As an adult with ADHD you may feel overwhelmed by your difficulties. Everything from paying off bills to keeping deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping house is a challenge when ADHD symptoms get worse. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem, making it difficult to know why you are acting in the way you do. You should seek out treatment to overcome your difficulties and lead an active lifestyle.
Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that medications are effective but they do not treat all symptoms or improve your quality of life. That's why it's important to get a combination of therapy and medication as part of your adult treatment for adhd.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms and develop strategies for coping. It will also teach you how to manage your emotions and relationships. You may also benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can help reduce anxiety and improve your concentration. It's also important to get assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that assists you in changing negative thinking patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can assist you to improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you overcome thinking distortions that lead to low mood and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of an adult cognitive rehabilitation program revealed that the program was comprised of small group therapy sessions, coaching, as well as exercises. This improved the quality of life, and decreased symptoms (Stevenson and al 2002). This kind of therapy could be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you participate in therapy sessions with people who face similar challenges which can be friendly.
There are a number of online resources to find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these offer virtual sessions through video chat or chat rooms as well as face-to-face meetings in your local area. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.