Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD get better with a combination of medicine, behavior strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will look at the medical history of a patient and determine if any other issues like depression or anxiety disorder could be contributing to symptoms.
In most cases, stimulants are among the first drugs people try. Other medications include atomoxetine a nonstimulant (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 in your brain that control the ability to focus. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your body, which improves your ability to concentrate. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can use medicines to alleviate your symptoms and perform better at school, at work, or in other areas of your life. They will not solve all your issues. They could cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability or trouble sleeping. Talk to your doctor about possible adverse effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will decide the best medicine and dosage for you based upon your symptoms, health history and your particular situation. Some people aren't able to respond to any stimulant medications, while others may have no reaction at all.
There are three types of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available whenever needed. They usually last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then slowly fade. Extended-release medicines are taken one time every day and last for up to 16 hours, helping in reducing symptoms. Patients who take extended-release ADHD medications usually supplement them with a dose that is instant-release late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine which was the first nonstimulant drug approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the actions of certain brain chemicals that control attention and mood. It is a more long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD drugs, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other medications that regulate the part of your brain that regulates your attention. These medications may be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or tics. These medications, also referred to as cholinergic drugs are only available by prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD, along with medication. Therapy can help you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also help you learn strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance Therapists can teach you methods for organizing to help you stay on top of tasks and keep control of your surroundings. A therapist could teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills and techniques to improve concentration and focus. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga meditation, or other techniques for relaxation in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. This is also known as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A Therapist can also help you develop coping strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common in adults with ADHD. A therapist could provide, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a talking therapy that teaches how your beliefs and thoughts affect your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in dealing with executive functioning issues related to ADHD, including difficulty planning, organizing and managing time.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which can help you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to be aware of your thoughts without judgment and regulate your emotions that helps you manage distressing emotions, and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for people who suffer from comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Keep in mind that it may take a long time for your body to adjust to new medication. You may experience issues at work and home until you've mastered the skills needed to manage symptoms. In the meantime, try implementing small changes to your lifestyle to help you deal with.
Ask your boss or professor to make accommodations if you're forgetful and impulsive. This will allow you to succeed in class. You can also ask friends and relatives to make allowances for your ADHD. You may also want to consider marriage counseling or family therapy, which can help you and your loved ones to communicate more effectively and appreciate the difficulties of one another.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatments can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments can comprise a range of treatments and are available in person or online. These treatments may be combined with medication to get the best results.
One of the first steps in treatment for ADHD is to get an assessment. A qualified mental health professional uses scales and semistructured clinical interview to gather information on the person's challenges. They will then be able to make an accurate diagnosis, and offer the treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help individuals with ADHD manage their issues and build the necessary skills to deal with them. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it affects their the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies are aimed at improving organizational skills and managing emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people change negative beliefs and behaviors that could be preventing them from achieving their goals.
Marriage and family counseling can help with the issues that ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and identify patterns that can lead to conflict. It can also assist them to explore ways to improve their interactions and develop a more positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD boost 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 manage their impulsive behavior and learn how to manage stress and anger. These abilities can be taught in a group or individually by the therapist.
Mindfulness, or meditation training is also an effective therapy for adult ADHD. It helps people gain more control over their lives by teaching them to pay attention to the present moment and become more aware. It can be done in a group or by a therapist and can be utilized in conjunction in conjunction with other treatment methods, like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as interpersonal therapy, which focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD may also resort to alternative health approaches, such as supplementation and diet changes to treat their symptoms. These approaches have not been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD but certain people find them beneficial.
Support
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you might feel overwhelmed by your challenges. Everything from paying bills to working to meet deadlines at work, managing relationships and maintaining your home can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms become more severe. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend what's happening to you. It's important to seek treatment to help you overcome your issues and lead a an active and productive life.
Many adults with ADHD discover that medications are effective, but they do not address all symptoms nor improve your quality-of-life. That's why it's important to get a combination of medication and therapy as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and also help you develop strategies to cope. It can help you learn how to manage your emotions and also your relationships. Relaxation techniques can also help you reduce stress and improve your focus. It is also important to seek help from your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to better communicate and deal with anger and the impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy. adhd adults treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that assists you in changing negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better strategies for coping. 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 poor mood and a sense of limited options.
A recent study of an adult cognitive remediation program showed that the program was comprised of small group therapy sessions, coaching, in addition to exercises. This improved quality of life, and decreased symptoms (Stevenson and al 2002). This kind of therapy is typically cheaper than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to share sessions with others who are facing similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are a number of online resources for finding an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these providers provide virtual sessions via chat rooms or video chat and others provide face-to-face meetings in your local area. These services are increasing in popularity, and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.