Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve their performance with a combination of medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will take into consideration a person's health history and determine if any other health issues, such as anxiety or depression, might be contributing to the symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs people attempt. Other medications include the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first-line treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications alter the levels of chemical messengers which control the focus of your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine, which increases your ability to concentrate. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to absorb dopamine and reduces hyperactivity.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and help you perform better at school, work or in other aspects of your life. However, they won't fix all your problems. They can result in side effects like weight loss, irritability, or difficulties sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the possible side effects of any medication you're prescribed.
Nonstimulants and stimulants are used to treat ADHD in adults. Your doctor will recommend the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your particular situation, symptoms, and health history. Some people aren't able to respond to stimulant medication however, others might experience no reaction whatsoever.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and Atomoxetine. Instant-release medications are used when needed and usually peak between 30 and 60 minutes after consumption and fade quickly. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hour and are taken once a day. They aid in symptom management. The majority of people who are taking extended-release ADHD medications also take an immediate-release dose in the 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 attention and mood in the brain. It is a longer-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medicines, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is a stimulant that increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other medications that regulate the part of your brain that is responsible for your attention. These medications can be beneficial for people with ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These medications, also known as cholinergic medications, are only available on prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often included in the treatment of ADHD, along with medication. Therapy sessions can help you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can also teach you coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance Therapists can teach you organizational techniques to help you stay on top of your tasks and keep control of your environment. A therapist can teach you how to resolve conflicts and problem-solving and strategies to improve concentration and focus. You could learn breathing exercises, meditation yoga, or other relaxation techniques to help you relax and improve your mood. This is also known as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can help you come up with strategies to deal with emotional and behavioral issues that are common among adults with ADHD. Therapists can, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that teaches how your beliefs and thoughts influence your behavior and feelings. CBT is particularly effective in treating executive functioning issues related to ADHD which include difficulty in organizing, planning and managing time.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can help you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which helps you to be aware of 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 co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Keep in mind that it may take a while for the body to adjust to new medications. You may continue to experience problems at home and work until you've gained enough experience to cope with your symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle changes to help manage.
For instance, if forgetful and impulsive, ask your boss or professor about accommodations that will aid you in your studies. You may also ask your friends and family to accommodate your ADHD. You might also consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which can benefit your loved ones as well as learn to communicate and understand each other's challenges.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can ease symptoms and improve function. These treatments can comprise a range of therapies and can be offered in person or online. These treatments may be paired with medication to obtain the most effective results.
One of the first steps in the treatment of ADHD is to get a diagnosis. A trained mental health professional uses scales and semistructured interviews to gather information on the individual's issues. Then, they will identify the issue and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can assist people suffering from ADHD manage their issues and manage their symptoms. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it affects their work, school and relationships. Other therapies focus on managing emotions and enhancing organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people overcome negative attitudes and behaviors that may hinder their progress.
Therapy for families and marriage can assist in addressing the issues ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and identify the patterns that can cause conflict. It can also assist in identifying ways to improve interactions and create a positive outlook on the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral therapy by improving their self-esteem and developing an accurate view of their abilities. It can also teach how to manage their time and money more effectively and improve their organizational skills, manage the impulsive behavior of their children and become better at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in a group setting or individually by an therapy.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness, can also be a useful form of therapy for adults with ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives by teaching them to focus on the moment and be more aware. It can be practiced in a group setting or with a therapist and can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, including CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as interpersonal therapy, which is focused on developing interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD may also resort to alternative health approaches, such as dietary changes and supplements to treat their symptoms. These methods haven't been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD however, some people find them useful.
Support
You might feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe, 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 comprehend what's happening to you. You should seek treatment in order to overcome your challenges and live an active lifestyle.
Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that medication is 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 treatment for adhd.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms and help you develop strategies for coping. It can also help you learn how to manage your mood and relationships. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can ease anxiety and improve your concentration. It is also important to seek help from your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to communicate better and cope with anger and the impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that helps you overcome negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy helps you improve your organizational skills as well as time management and planning. It can also help resolve mental distortions that can lead to negative moods and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults suffering from ADHD revealed that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises, improved quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy is usually cheaper than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to share sessions with other people who are facing similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are natural add treatment that can help you find an adult adhd therapist or a support group. Some of these services provide virtual sessions through video chat or chatrooms as well as local meetings. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.