Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve through a combination of medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will review the medical history of the patient and determine if any other issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder might be causing symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first drugs that people attempt. Other medications include atomoxetine, a nonstimulant (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
The use of stimulant medications is typically the first line treatment for adults with ADHD. treating adhd in adults adjust the levels of chemical messengers which control the focus of your brain. These are norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which improves concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can use medication to ease your symptoms, and function better at school, work, or in other areas of your life. They won't solve all your problems. They can cause adverse effects, such as weight loss, irritability, or trouble sleeping. Speak to your doctor regarding possible side effects.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will determine the best dosage and medicine for you based on your symptoms of your health, your medical history and particular situation. Some people may not respond to stimulant medications in any way however, others might experience no reaction at all.
There are three types: immediate-release medication, extended-release medication and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are taken as needed and typically peak between 30 and 60 minutes after taking them and then fade away quickly. Extended-release medications are taken once each day and last up to 16 hours, assisting in reducing symptoms. People who take extended release ADHD medications typically supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD in adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that regulate mood and attention in the brain. It is a long-lasting and sustained release medication than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that enhances norepinephrine and dopamine, within your brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine and clonidine, which work by regulating the brain part that regulates your attention. These may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD who also suffer from tics or anxiety. These medications, 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, along with medication. Talk therapy can help your family members as well as help you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example Therapists can teach you methods for organizing to ensure you are on top of tasks and keep control of your environment. A therapist could teach you how to resolve conflicts and problem-solving and strategies to improve concentration and focus. You may learn breathing exercises, meditation yoga, or other relaxing techniques to calm yourself and improve your mood. It is sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A therapist can also assist you to build coping skills to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common in adults with ADHD. For instance a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of talking therapy that teaches you the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes affect your mood and actions. CBT is particularly effective in addressing executive functioning issues related to ADHD, including difficulty organizing, planning, and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you how to observe your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation which assists you in managing difficult emotions, as well as interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with multiple conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Keep in mind that it may take a while for the body to adjust to the new medications. You may experience issues at home and at work until you've developed the skills needed to manage symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle adjustments to help manage.
Ask your boss or professor to make accommodations if you're forgetful and impulsive. This will help you get through your classes. You may also ask your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You may also want to look into family therapy or marriage counseling that can aid you and your loved ones learn to communicate better and understand the difficulties of one another.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies and may be provided in person or online. They may also be paired with medications to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the initial step to treat ADHD. A trained mental health professional uses scales and semistructured interviews to gather data on the individual's issues. Then, they will determine the cause of the problem and offer a 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 therapies include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it impacts them in school, work and relationships. Other therapies aim at improving management skills and coping with emotions. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance helps people recognize and change negative beliefs and habits that could be limiting their progress.
Marriage and family therapy can help address the challenges ADHD can cause in personal and professional relationships. It can teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and recognize patterns that lead to conflict. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve communication and help create a positive outlook on the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD improve their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their capabilities. It can also teach how to manage their time and money more efficiently, improve their organizational skills, control impulsive behavior and become better in managing anger and stress. These skills can be learned in a group or individually by a therapist.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness is also an effective therapy for adult ADHD. It can help people be present in the moment and to be more aware of their feelings, helping them attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group or in a therapy session with a therapist and it can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, including CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on developing interpersonal skills. Certain people suffering from ADHD are also turning to complementary health approaches, such as dietary changes and supplements to help manage their symptoms. While these approaches are not scientifically proven to help improve ADHD but some people consider them beneficial.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms flare it can be difficult to manage relationships to paying bills and meeting deadlines can be challenging. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem, making it difficult to comprehend why you behave the way you do. You should seek treatment to overcome your difficulties and live an improved life.
Many people with ADHD discover that medication is effective, but they do not solve all the symptoms or improve your quality-of-life. It is crucial to choose a treatment plan that is a combination of both 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 coping strategies. It can also teach you ways to manage your relationships and emotions. Relaxation techniques can help you reduce stress and improve your focus. You should also seek out the support of your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a scientifically-based method that assists you in changing negative thinking patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you overcome thinking distortions that lead to an uneasy mood and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program showed that the program offered small group therapy sessions, coaching, as well as exercises. This improved the quality of life, and decreased symptoms (Stevenson and al 2002). This kind of therapy could be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to share sessions with others who are experiencing similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are numerous online resources that can help you find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these provide virtual sessions via chat rooms or video chat, while others offer face-to-face sessions in your area. These services are growing in popularity, and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.