Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many people with ADHD find relief from the symptoms of this disorder by taking medication. However, medication is more effective when paired with other methods of treatment.
Medication for adult ADHD typically includes stimulants as well as nonstimulant medicines. These medications can interact with medical conditions such as depression and high blood pressure.
1. Medication
The use of medication is a major part of treatment for ADHD, balancing neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce symptoms. The most common medications are stimulants that increase dopamine levels that are responsible for thinking and attention. Examples include amphetamines such as Adderall and Vyvanse, or methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medications, which increase dopamine levels but have a different chemical makeup, are also available and include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
Stimulants begin to work in 30 to 45 minutes, and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people with ADHD try different medications to determine the one that is most effective for them. It is important to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, as well as any medication you take, as they could interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can impact many aspects of your life, including relationships and work performance. They can lead to feelings of self-worth and inadequacy. People with ADHD may have difficulty completing tasks or projects. They might spend hours on one task before moving onto another, leaving behind unfinished work. They may also have trouble getting a good night's sleep and may feel groggy or uneasy throughout the day.
When taken properly If taken correctly, stimulant medicines can improve the way people with ADHD function at home and in school. They can reduce difficulties at school, and bring people closer to their families, and aid them to achieve professional goals. Treatment is not a cure, but it can make a real difference. The first step is for those with ADHD to speak with their doctor or specialist. They will discuss the options for treatment available to them and may suggest a mix of medications and therapies.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for ADHD. It assists you in examining and change negative thinking patterns that interfere with your productivity and emotional self-regulation. Studies have proven that CBT can improve functioning and symptoms, especially when it is combined with stimulant medications. Contrary to traditional psychoanalytic or psychodynamic treatments that focus on childhood traumas and experiences, CBT is goal-oriented and is focused on the present.
In therapy the therapist and you will work together to identify and challenge distressing thoughts that lead you to engage in unhealthy habits. Then you develop strategies to replace them with more effective ones. Your therapist may also assist with other issues that affect your performance, like co-existing anxiety disorders or relationships issues, mood disorders working, self-care and other issues.
For example, if you're always late, your therapist might instruct you to prioritize your tasks and use a planner. They might also suggest you be more cautious about being on time, so that you don't get overwhelmed or bored waiting for something to start. Other methods include using a clock or a watch, placing clocks in your workplace and in your home or jotting down your every day activities.
The goal is to make these tools a part of your everyday life, not just a means to manage your ADHD symptoms. However, for this to happen you'll have to find a therapist that is competent. If you don't know one consult your physician for a referral. Check local medical centers colleges, as well as the ADDitude Directory to find therapists who specialize in ADHD.
You can also find online programs that allow you to work on your skills on own, but still connect you with a coach or therapist. These programs are usually more affordable but may not provide the same level of support as a face-toface session.
3. Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with their relationships and work because they fail to complete important tasks or make quick decisions. Therapy and coaching can aid in improving communication and provide strategies to manage anxiety and frustration.
Marriage and family therapy addresses the issues that be encountered when someone with ADHD is in a relationship or working. This can lead to being unable to remember important obligations, financial struggles or having difficulty with responsibilities at home or work. Therapy can help you and your partner or coworkers improve your communication so that you can be able to better manage these challenges.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with a combination medication and cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling. The medication helps you control the symptoms, so you can concentrate on the tasks at-hand. However, the other therapies offer a more holistic way to improve your life.
It could take a while to find an adhd expert or therapist. It's worth it to improve your quality of life. Contact adhd treatment in adults for an appointment with a mental health professional. They can recommend a specialist to treat your ailment and offer counseling for you and your loved ones.
You may be eligible to participate in a study which offers new solutions to your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that examine ways to prevent or treat diseases and conditions. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is an individualized treatment that assists people suffering from ADHD overcome barriers to achieving success in everyday life. It teaches them how to improve their lives quality and improve their performance in school, work as well as at home and in social relationships. OT has been proven to be a successful treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD.
In addition to addressing symptoms, an OT will concentrate on developing skills and devising strategies that aid in daily functioning, such as time management and the development of self-control. For example, they may instruct people suffering from ADHD to break down tasks into smaller parts and use visual aids to remind them of their duties. They can also help them with the development of executive function skills which are the cognitive processes that allow individuals to plan and manage tasks and make decisions, and shift their attention to other tasks.
Adults with ADHD often have trouble organizing their physical environment and personal belongings such as wallets, books and clothes. OTs can help the clients to create systems to manage their belongings and develop routines to ensure the order. This may include using a planner, making schedules, and using visual aids. Additionally, OTs can help clients learn to recognise the relationship between their mood and the amount they are exposed to sensory stimulation. They will then be able to monitor their diet of sensory stimuli to stay clear of stimulants.
OTs can also assist people with ADHD to learn to plan recreation/relaxation into their daily routines, even if it is only for 15 minutes. This will allow them to release their anger and frustration in a more effective manner instead of taking these feelings into relationships with other people.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching to tackle certain issues. A coach may assist clients in addressing issues such as managing finances, establishing relationships, decreasing procrastination, or improving academic performance. Coaches can also help educate clients on the neurobiological and genetic factors that contribute to ADHD. This knowledge can help clients overcome the stigma that surrounds the condition and help reduce self-blame that is often promoted in popular media.
A competent ADHD coach can provide the guidance and structure needed to make the necessary changes. They can guide their client through a process of reflection to identify the behaviors that are beneficial or detrimental to reaching their goals. They can also teach their client how to change their behavior in order to improve their time management skills and develop the necessary abilities to reach their goals. A coach can also provide support and encouragement throughout the process.
It is important that clients know their symptoms are not abnormal. A professional might be the only person they ever meet who is aware of their disorder, so it's a relief to realize that their challenges are not due to their character flaws, or a personal flaw. This new understanding could free them to stop blaming their own mistakes and seek help.
A combination of medication and coaching can be very beneficial for people suffering from ADHD. The coach and psychiatrist can collaborate to work on a variety of issues like goal setting, prioritizing, motivation and organizational skills, as well as problem solving. Behavioral coaching can also be beneficial for stress, anxiety, and impulse control. Coaching can aid with goals for education or career as well. The client can decide whether or not to continue coaching or switch to a different type of mental health professional.