Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve through a combination of medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will examine the medical history of the patient and determine if any other issues like depression or anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first medications that people test. Other medications include atomoxetine, an anti-stimulant (Strattera), and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs adjust the levels of chemical messengers that control the focus of your brain. These are norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your body, which improves your focus. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can use medicines to alleviate your symptoms, and function better at work, school or in other areas of your life. However, they won't fix all your problems. There are a few negative effects like weight loss, irritability, or sleep problems. Consult your physician about the possible adverse effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will determine the best medicine and dosage for you based on symptoms, health history and your particular situation. Certain people do not respond to stimulant medications while others might not experience any reaction at all.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications that are immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Instant-release medications are used in the course of need and typically peak between 30 and 60 minutes after taking them, then wear off quickly. Extended-release medications are taken once each day and last up to 16 hours, assisting with symptom control. People who take extended release ADHD medications typically supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD in adults. It works by limiting certain chemicals that control mood and attention in the brain. It is a longer-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which enhances norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other medications that control the brain part that regulates your attention. These drugs can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety or tics. These medications, also known as cholinergic drugs, are only available on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often part of the treatment of ADHD as well as medication. Therapy can aid 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.
A therapist can help you learn methods to stay organized and in control of your environment. A therapist can teach you the art of problem-solving and conflict resolution and methods to increase concentration and focus. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises, meditation or other relaxation techniques to help you settle down and improve your mood. It is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can help you develop coping strategies to deal with emotional and behavioral issues that are common among adults with ADHD. For instance therapy with a therapist could provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a kind of talking therapy that teaches you how your beliefs, thoughts and beliefs affect your emotions and behavior. CBT is particularly effective for dealing with executive functioning issues that can be a result of ADHD, such as trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a different option. It assists you in changing the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to observe your thoughts without judgement, emotion regulation which assists you in managing distressing emotions, and training in interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that when you first begin taking medicine, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medication. There may be issues at work and home until you have developed the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, you can make small lifestyle adjustments to help cope.
For instance, if forgetful and impulsive, consult your professor or boss for accommodations that can assist you in achieving your goals in class. In the same way, you can request family members and friends to make allowances for your ADHD. You may also want to look into marriage counseling or family therapy that can assist you and your loved ones learn to communicate better and understand the difficulties of one another.
Education
Psychosocial therapy for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. The treatments may include a variety of therapies and may be delivered in person or online. They can also be combined with medication for the best results.
A diagnosis is the initial step to treat ADHD. A trained mental health professional will employ scales and semi-structured, structured clinical interviews to gather information about the person's issues. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and formulate an appropriate 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 therapies include psychoeducation, which educates patients about their condition and how it affects their work, school and relationships. Other treatments are focused on improving management skills and coping with emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people overcome negative beliefs and behaviors that may be preventing them from achieving their goals.
Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the challenges ADHD can bring in personal and professional relationships. It can assist families and couples improve their communication and recognize patterns that cause conflict. It can also help explore ways to improve interactions and create optimism for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD improve their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their abilities. It can help them learn to better manage their time, money and their personal space, as well as manage their impulsive behavior and learn how to manage stress and anger. These abilities can be taught in a group setting or individually by a psychotherapist.
Meditation or mindfulness training can be a powerful form of therapy to treat adult ADHD. It can help people be present in the moment and to be more aware of their feelings as they achieve a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be conducted in a group setting or with an therapist and used alongside other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD use complementary health approaches to combat their symptoms, which includes eating habits and supplements. While these approaches are not scientifically proven to help improve ADHD, some people find them helpful.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms are in full force, everything from managing relationships to paying bills and meeting deadlines can be a challenge. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to know what's happening to you. It is important to seek treatment to overcome your issues and live an active lifestyle.
Many people with ADHD find that medications are effective, but they do not treat all symptoms or improve your quality-of-life. This is why it's crucial to combine medication and therapy as part of your adult adhd treatment plan.
Therapy can help you to manage your ADHD symptoms and build coping skills. It will also teach you how to manage your emotions and relationships. You could also benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can reduce your stress and help you focus. It's also important to get support from family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to better communicate and deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a scientifically-based method that helps you change negative thought patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause an unhappy mood and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults suffering from ADHD found that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises, improved quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy can be less expensive 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 variety of online resources to help locate an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. how to treat adhd of these services provide virtual sessions via chat rooms or video chat as well as meetings with a face-to–face format in your area. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.