Adult ADHD Treatment
Most people with ADHD improve with a combination medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle changes. Doctors will look at the person's medical history and whether other medical conditions like depression or anxiety, may contribute to the symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs people try. Other medications include atomoxetine non-stimulant (Strattera), and certain antidepressants.
Medication
The use of stimulant medications is typically the first line treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers which control the focus of your brain. These are dopamine and norepinephrine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which improves concentration. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and help you perform better at school, work or in other areas of your life. However, they aren't going to solve all your problems. You might experience side effects like weight loss, irritability or trouble sleeping. Speak to your doctor about possible side effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will suggest the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your particular situation, symptoms and health history. Some people are not able to react to stimulant medications, while others may not have any reaction at all.
There are three types of medications: immediate-release, extended-release medication and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are taken as needed and typically peak within 30 to 60 minutes after consumption and fade quickly. Extended-release medications are taken once every day and last for up to 16 hours, helping with symptom control. Often, people who are taking extended-release ADHD medications are supplemented with an immediate-release dose during the late afternoon or in the evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemicals that control mood and attention in the brain. It is a more long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) that works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine that work by controlling the brain part that is responsible for controlling the attention. These drugs can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and tics or anxiety. These medications, also known as cholinergic drugs are only available with a prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medication, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Therapy can aid your family and you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and lifestyle. It can also teach you coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can teach you methods to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist can help you learn the art of problem-solving and conflict resolution, as well strategies to improve concentration and focus. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises, meditation or other techniques for relaxation to help you calm down and improve your mood. It is sometimes referred to as biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A therapist can also assist you to develop coping strategies to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common to adults with ADHD. Therapists can offer, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that teaches you how your beliefs and thoughts affect your feelings and behavior. CBT is especially effective for treating executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD, such as trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another option. treating adults with adhd helps you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like mindfulness, which helps you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment; emotion regulation, which is focused on managing distressing emotions and interpersonal skills training. It is a program for people with multiple conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
It's important to remember that, even if you begin taking medication, it can take a while for your body to adjust to the new medications. You may continue to experience issues at work and home until you've mastered the skills to deal with your symptoms. In the meantime, consider implementing small changes to your routine to help you deal with.
For instance, if forgetful and impulsive, ask your boss or professor about accommodations that will aid you in your studies. In the same way, you can request family members and friends to allow for your ADHD. You might also look into marriage therapy or family counseling, which will help your loved ones as well as you become more able to communicate and comprehend each other's challenges.
Education
Psychosocial therapy for adults can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. The treatments may include a variety of therapies, and can be offered in person or via the internet. These treatments can be combined with medications to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will use scales and semistructured clinical interview to collect information about the person's challenges. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and offer the treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD manage their issues and build the necessary skills 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 the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other treatments are focused on improving organizational skills and managing emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors that could be preventing them from achieving their goals.
Counseling for families and marriage can help with the issues that ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families to communicate more effectively and identify patterns that lead to conflict. It can also assist them to discover ways to improve their interactions and create a positive outlook for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD benefit from a treatment for behavioral issues by boosting their self-esteem and establishing a realistic perspective of their abilities. It can teach them how to manage their time, money and self-organization and manage their impulsive behavior and learn to better manage stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in a group setting or individually by the therapy.
The practice of mindfulness or meditation can be an effective form of therapy to treat adults with ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives by teaching them to focus on the present and be more aware. It can be done in a group or with a therapist and it can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating ADHD for adults include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These treatments focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD utilize complementary health strategies to manage their symptoms, such as eating habits and supplements. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to help improve ADHD, some people find them helpful.
Support
You might feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying your bills to keeping deadlines at work to managing relationships and maintaining your home can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms become more severe. The symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand why you behave in the way you do. It's crucial to seek treatment to overcome your challenges and live a more productive life.
Many medications are effective for adults suffering from ADHD, but they don't address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. That's why it's important to take a mix of therapies and medication as part of your adult adhd treatment plan.
Therapy can help you understand and manage your ADHD symptoms and build coping skills. It can help you learn to manage your emotions and also your relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and improve your focus. It is also important to seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and cope with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a proven approach that assists you in developing better techniques for coping and to change negative thought patterns. Metacognitive therapy helps you improve your organization skills and time management, as well as planning. It can also help to eliminate mental distortions that can lead to an unhappy mood and a feeling of a lack of choices.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults suffering from ADHD showed that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise increased the quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). This kind of therapy is typically less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to have sessions with others who are facing similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are many online resources that can help you find an adult adhd therapist or support group. Some of these providers provide virtual sessions via video chat or chat rooms and others provide face-to-face sessions in your local area. These services are growing in popularity, and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.