Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve their performance with a combination of medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will take into consideration the health history of the patient and whether any other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, could be contributing to symptoms.
In most cases, stimulants are among the first medications that people try. Other medications include atomoxetine, non-stimulant (Strattera), and certain antidepressants.
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 norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine, which enhances your focus. They also decrease the brain's natural tendency for dopamine to be absorbed and reduces hyperactivity.
Medications can improve your symptoms and help you be more productive at school, work or in other aspects of your life. They will not solve all your issues. They can cause adverse effects, such as weight loss, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Consult your physician about the potential side effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will determine the best medicine and dosage for you based upon your symptoms and health history as well as your particular situation. Certain people do not respond to stimulant medications while others might not experience any reaction at any time.
There are three types that are available: immediate-release medication, extended release medication and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are taken as needed and typically peak within 30 to 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. Most often, those who are taking extended-release ADHD medications are supplemented with an immediate-release dose during the late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant drug approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the action of certain chemicals in the brain that control mood and attention. It is a long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD drugs, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that enhances norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine or other medications that control the brain part that regulates your attention. These medications may be beneficial for people with ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These medications are known as cholinergic drugs and are available only on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Therapy can help your family and you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and lifestyle. It can teach you strategies and coping skills to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help you learn strategies to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. Therapists can also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving techniques as well as methods to increase concentration and focus. You may learn meditation, breathing exercises yoga, or other relaxation methods to relax yourself and improve your mood. This is also known as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can help you create strategies for coping with behavioral and emotional issues that are common among adults with ADHD. For example therapy with a therapist could provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of talking therapy that teaches you the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in treating executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD, such as trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which assists you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts without judgment and regulate your emotions which assists you in managing difficult emotions, as well as interpersonal skills training. It is for people with multiple disorders, like anxiety and depression.
Keep in mind that it may take a while for the body to adjust to new medication. You may experience problems at work and home until you've developed the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle changes to help you manage.
For instance, if indecisive and forgetful, you should ask your boss or professor for accommodations that can help you excel in class. You can also ask your friends and family to provide accommodations for your ADHD. You may also want to think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help your loved ones and you become more able to communicate and comprehend each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can reduce symptoms and improve the functioning. The treatments may include a variety of treatments, and may be offered in person or via online. These treatments may be paired with medication to obtain the most effective results.
One of the first steps in treating ADHD is to obtain an assessment. A qualified mental health professional will use scales and semistructured clinical interview to gather information on the individual's struggles. They can then make an accurate diagnosis, and formulate the treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD deal with their issues and manage them. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it affects their the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and improving the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive therapy, for instance helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and habits that could be limiting their progress.
Marriage and family counseling can help with the issues that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can assist families and couples develop a better communication and identify patterns that lead to conflict. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve interactions and provide positive expectations for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD improve their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their capabilities. It can teach them how to manage their time, money and their personal space and manage their impulsive behavior and learn to better manage stress and anger. These skills can be learned either in a group setting or with a therapist.
Meditation or mindfulness training can be a powerful method of treatment for adults with ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives by educating them to be in the moment and be more aware. It can be conducted in a group or by an therapist and utilized in conjunction with other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating ADHD in adults include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These therapies focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD utilize complementary health strategies to manage their symptoms, including eating habits and supplements. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD, some people consider them beneficial.
Support
You may feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms are in full force it can be difficult to manage relationships to paying bills and keeping deadlines can be difficult. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to know what's going on with you. You should seek out treatment to overcome your challenges and live an improved life.
Medications are effective for many adults with ADHD however, they don't treat all of the symptoms or enhance your quality of life. It is crucial to choose an integrated treatment plan for adults with adhd that includes therapy and medication.
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 emotions and relationships. Relaxation techniques can also help you reduce stress and improve your concentration. You should also seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
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 thinking patterns and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy helps you improve your organization skills and time management, as well as planning. It can also help you to overcome thinking distortions that lead to poor mood and a sense of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD found that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises, improved quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson et al 2002). This type of therapy can be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. holistic treatment for adhd of therapy permits you to share sessions with others who are experiencing similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are numerous online resources that can help you find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these services provide virtual sessions via chat rooms or video chat and others provide face-to-face sessions in your local area. These services are increasing in popularity, and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.