Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve through a combination of medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle changes. Doctors will examine a person's medical history and determine if any other disorders, like depression or anxiety disorder could be contributing to symptoms.
In most cases, stimulants are among the first medications that people try. Other medications include atomoxetine, a nonstimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs adjust the levels of chemical messengers that control your attention in your brain. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine, which increases your concentration. They also lessen the brain's natural tendency for dopamine to be absorbed, which reduces hyperactivity.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and help you function more effectively at work, school or in other aspects of your life. They can't solve all your problems. They may cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Speak to your doctor about the possible adverse effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage and medication for you based upon your symptoms and health history as well as your particular situation. Some people aren't able to respond to stimulant medication, while others may have no reaction whatsoever.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release 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 drugs can last up to 16 hours and are taken every day. They assist with the management of symptoms. Often, people who are taking extended-release ADHD medications supplement them with an immediate-release dose in late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It is a drug that blocks certain chemicals that regulate mood and attention in the brain. It is a longer-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain.
Your doctor could also prescribe guanfacine or clonidine, which work by regulating the part of your brain that is responsible for controlling the attention. They can be beneficial for people with ADHD who also have anxiety or tics. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic medications are only available with a prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD as well as medication. Therapy can help your family members and help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can help you develop strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help you learn techniques for staying organized and in control of your environment. A therapist may also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills and techniques to increase focus and concentration. You could learn breathing exercises, meditation yoga, or other relaxing techniques to help you relax and improve your mood. It is sometimes referred to as biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A Therapist can also help you develop coping skills for dealing with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common among adults with ADHD. For instance therapy with a therapist could provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy through which you learn you how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in treating executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD issues, like trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which can help you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to observe your thoughts without judgment and regulate your emotions which assists you in managing distressing emotions, and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Be aware that it may take a while for the body to adjust to the new medications. It is possible that you will continue to experience problems at home and work until you've mastered the skills to manage your symptoms. In the meantime, you can try implementing small changes in your lifestyle to help you manage.
For instance, if you're forgetful and impulsive, ask your boss or professor about accommodations that will help you excel in class. You can also request family members and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You might also think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help your loved ones and you learn to communicate and understand the challenges of each other.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve function. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies and may be offered in person or online. These treatments may be combined with medications to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the initial step in treating ADHD. adhd in adults treatment qualified mental health professional will employ scales and semi-structured, structured clinical interviews to gather information about the individual's challenges. Then, they can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend an effective treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help individuals with ADHD deal with their issues and develop the skills needed to deal with them. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it affects their work, school and relationships. Other therapies are focused on regulating emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive therapy, for instance helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and habits that could hinder their progress.
Family therapy and marriage can assist in addressing the challenges ADHD can bring to professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and identify the patterns that can cause to conflict. It can also help them discover ways to improve their interactions and develop a more positive outlook for the future.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from a behavioral therapy program by improving their self-esteem and developing a realistic view of their abilities. It can also help them to manage their time and money more efficiently, improve their organizational skills, manage their impulsive behavior, and improve in managing anger and stress. These abilities can be taught in a group setting or in a private session with an therapy.
Meditation, or mindfulness training is also an effective form of therapy for adult ADHD. It can help people concentrate on the present moment and be more aware of their emotions, helping them achieve a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group setting or with an therapist and used in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. These treatments focus on improving interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD employ complementary health methods to manage their symptoms, including diet changes and supplements. These approaches have not been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD however certain people find them beneficial.
Support
You might feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms are in full force all the way from managing relationships to paying bills and keeping deadlines can be difficult. The symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend why you behave the way you do. You should seek treatment in order to overcome your difficulties and lead a more productive lifestyle.
Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that medication is effective, but they do not address all symptoms nor improve your quality-of-life. It is crucial to choose an integrated treatment plan for adults suffering from adhd, which includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop strategies for coping. It will also teach you how to manage your mood and relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and increase your focus. It is also important to seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are many types of talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a scientifically-based method that helps you overcome 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 resolve thinking distortions that lead to low mood and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults suffering from ADHD showed that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise, improved quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson et al 2002). This type of therapy is usually cheaper than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to share sessions with others who are dealing with similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are a number of online resources to find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these sites offer virtual sessions using video chat or chatrooms as well as local meetings. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.