Adult ADHD Treatment
Most people with ADHD improve through a combination of medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will look at the medical history of a patient and determine if any other disorders, like depression or anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first drugs people attempt. Other medications include the nonstimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants in certain forms.
Medication
Stimulant medications are usually the first-line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that regulate your focus in your brain. These are dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine, which enhances your ability to concentrate. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to take in dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can use medications to improve your symptoms and perform better at work, school or in other areas of your life. However, they won't fix all your problems. They can cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability or trouble sleeping. Speak to your doctor regarding possible side effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will determine the best medicine and dosage for you based on symptoms, health history and your specific situation. Some people may not respond to stimulant medications in any way however, others might experience no reaction whatsoever.
There are three kinds of medications: immediate-release, extended-release medication, and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken whenever required. They usually last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake, and then quickly wear off. Extended-release medications are taken once each day and last up to 16 hours, assisting in reducing symptoms. Patients who take extended-release ADHD medications typically supplement them with a dose of instant-release late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the effects of certain brain chemicals that control attention and mood. It is a long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine, within your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine and clonidine, which work by regulating the part of your brain that regulates attention. These medications may be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These medications are known as cholinergic agents and are only available on prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medications, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment program. Therapy can aid your family and you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also teach you strategies for coping and how to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance, a therapist may teach you techniques for organizing to help you stay on top of your work and maintain control over your surroundings. A therapist may also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills as well as methods to increase focus and concentration. You may learn meditation, breathing exercises yoga, or other relaxation techniques to calm yourself and improve your mood. It is sometimes referred to as biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A therapist can assist you to come up with strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues common in adults with ADHD. For instance therapy with a therapist could provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of talk therapy that teaches you the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes affect your mood and actions. CBT is particularly effective at addressing executive functioning issues associated with ADHD and other disorders, such as difficulty in planning, organizing, and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another option. It assists you in changing the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment and emotion regulation, which is focused on managing difficult emotions; and interpersonal skills training. It is a great option for people suffering from multiple disorders, like anxiety and depression.
It is important to keep in mind that even when you start taking medicine, it takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. You may experience issues at work and home until you've mastered the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, consider implementing small changes to your lifestyle to help you deal with.
For instance, if impatient and forgetful, ask your boss or professor about accommodations that can help you excel in class. You could also ask your family and friends to make accommodations for your ADHD. You may also want to think about marriage counseling or family therapy that can assist you and your loved ones to communicate better and understand the challenges of each other.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies and may be delivered in person or via online. These treatments may be paired with medication to get the best results.
One of the first steps in the treatment of ADHD is to get an assessment. A qualified mental health professional will utilize scales and semi-structured interviews to discover the details of the person's issues. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to aid people suffering from ADHD manage their issues and manage their symptoms. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which educates patients about their condition and how it affects their the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people overcome negative beliefs and behaviors that may hinder their progress.
Family therapy and marriage can assist in addressing the challenges ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families develop a better communication and identify the patterns that can cause conflicts. It can also help them explore ways to improve their interactions and create a positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD boost their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their abilities. It can help them learn to better manage their finances, time, and organize themselves and also manage their impulsive behavior and learn how to manage stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in group or individually by the help of a therapist.
The practice of mindfulness or meditation can be a powerful method of treatment for adults with ADHD. It can help people be present in the moment and to be more aware of their emotions and feelings, allowing them to gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group or with an therapist and combined alongside other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These treatments are focused on improving interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD employ complementary health methods to manage their symptoms, such as dietary changes and supplements. These approaches have not been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD but some people find them useful.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When adult adhd treatments , everything from managing relationships to paying bills and keeping deadlines can be challenging. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend what's happening to you. You should seek treatment in order to overcome your challenges and lead an improved life.
Medications are effective for many adults suffering from ADHD, but they don't address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. It is crucial to choose a combination treatment plan for adults with adhd that includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you learn to control your ADHD symptoms and build the ability to cope. It can help you learn to manage your emotions and your relationships. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can help reduce stress and boost your concentration. It is also essential to receive support from family and friends. Talk therapy can help you understand how to communicate more effectively and manage anger and impulsive behavior.
There are several types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a tried and tested method that helps you improve your coping skills and change negative thought patterns. Metacognitive therapy helps you improve your organizational skills and time management, as well as planning. It can also help resolve the distortions in your thinking that cause a bad mood and feeling that you have a limited number of choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD revealed that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson et al 2002). This type of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you take part in sessions with others who face similar challenges which can be supportive.
There are a number of online resources to find an adult adhd therapist and support groups. Some of these services provide virtual sessions via video chat or chat rooms as well as meetings with a face-to–face format in your area. These services are increasing in popularity and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.