Treating Adults With ADHD
If you suffer from ADHD, even the simplest tasks can be difficult. It might be difficult to rise in the morning, meet deadlines and maintain healthy relationships at work and home.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must experience five or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that began before age 12 and interfere with school and work functioning.
The effects of medication
Stimulants are the most popular medications for treating adults with ADHD. These medications balance and increase the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, which are essential to the brain's ability to control impulses, plan and follow through with tasks, and concentrate. They can also ease symptoms that hinder daily functioning, like disorganization and problems maintaining relationships.
There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications. The two most popular are amphetamine and methylphenidate. These drugs are available in the form of patches, liquids or pills. They are also able to be combined with psychotherapy. Adults with ADHD are typically prescribed long-acting tablets that release the medication slowly. These tablets are taken only once per day. These drugs are believed to be more efficient than intermediate- or short-acting drugs that require patients to take their medication as many as four times a day.
When taking a stimulant it is crucial to inform your doctor about any adverse effects you're experiencing. These can include nausea, decreased appetite, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Stimulants may also cause tics to become more obvious and may cause minor delays in growth for teenagers and children.
Antidepressants may be prescribed by a doctor to control symptoms of impulsivity in those who aren't treated with medication for adult ADHD. Antidepressants aren't specifically approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but studies show they can be helpful in many cases.
It's also important to understand that even though medications can improve the ability to plan, organize, and carry out daily tasks, they are not the only solution for ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD must still work hard to build and maintain healthy relationships, adhere to good sleep habits and incorporate a balanced diet as well as exercise into their lives.
People with ADHD typically have difficulty in their interpersonal relationships because of their erratic behavior, poor time management, and poor organization skills. Therapy that focuses on issues with relationships or classes that teach the art of conflict resolution and communication can help. Many couples also benefit from counseling because it can help them overcome patterns of blame-taking that cause marital conflict or prevent families from working well together.
Psychotherapy
If you're an adult who suffers from ADHD and you're a child of ADHD, you might find that psychotherapy will help you get control of your life and reduce the symptoms. Typically add and treatment will provide emotional support and help build skills to improve your time management, organizational abilities as well as your problem-solving skills and impulsive behavior. Psychotherapy can also help you deal with family and relationship issues that are often encountered when dealing with ADHD.
Generally speaking, talk therapy can be carried out in person or via phone. In some instances, talk therapy is used in conjunction with medication to treat mental conditions like anxiety and depression. It is also used to treat other problems such as chronic pain or serious illnesses.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy. It involves finding negative thoughts and changing them to improve behavior. This usually involves examining the past and examining challenges and struggles. Your therapist will teach you how to break these experiences down so that you can discern the negative patterns of thinking that could have influenced these issues.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a different option. DBT teaches you a variety of skills that will help you manage your emotions and behaviors. It can help you develop mindfulness which allows your mind to calm down and focus on the present. It will also help you manage your emotions so that they don't trigger impulse-driven behaviors.
Other types of psychotherapy include interpersonal therapy as well as the use of hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy and interpersonal therapy can help you understand and express your emotions in healthy ways. These techniques can help you build confidence and self-esteem as well as aiding you in dealing with anger and frustration.
Finally, family and marriage therapy can help address the issues that ADHD can cause in your relationships with family members. It will help you better communicate with your partner or spouse and identify efficient ways to tackle financial issues, anger over unfinished responsibilities, or disagreements over how best to handle an impulsive way of making decisions.
Counseling
The first step in treatment of adults suffering from ADHD is to make sure that the patient undergoes an exhaustive physical examination. A doctor will look for underlying conditions which can cause ADHD. These include anxiety, depression and mood swings. Mood disorders can often co-exist alongside ADHD and exacerbate symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD should also be screened for alcohol and drug addiction.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD learn how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Adults suffering from ADHD are able to receive counseling in various ways, such as sessions for groups and individuals on platforms online, as well as telephone-based therapy. The goal of counseling is to help people develop the necessary abilities, like managing stress and anger as well as regulating emotions, and enhancing communication and problem-solving.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of talk therapy that teaches strategies for coping for dealing with ADHD. It involves working with a therapist to identify negative thought processes that can lead to issues like poor time management or an impulsive behavior. CBT can be used in conjunction with medications or on its own.
Family counseling is usually a part of the treatment for adults with ADHD. Children and couples may be frustrated by the difficulties of living with someone suffering from ADHD, especially when it creates relationship issues. Couples therapy can help partners learn to communicate better and resolve conflicts, as well as support each other's goals when ADHD is present.
Other types of therapy for talk are also available, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT uses mindfulness training to improve a patient's self awareness and manage impulsive behavior. It also teaches strategies to reduce stress, focus and enhance executive functioning.
Some people with ADHD discover that making changes to their diet and incorporating more exercise can help reduce the symptoms. Exercise can improve concentration, improve mood and reduce hyperactivity. A diet that is rich in nutritious foods can help to reduce impulses and provide essential nutrients. Additionally, a healthy sleep routine is essential for a healthy night's sleep. Making sure you have a regular bedtime, and following a regular wake-up routine can help reduce anxiety, improve focus and promote better overall health.
Coaching
Coaching for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on practical solutions, not unlike psychotherapy, which can assist with emotional issues. A professional coach will teach you how to cut down on distractions, set up a productive workspace and prioritize tasks. They can also teach techniques for relaxation that can help to reduce impulsivity and improve focus.
Another issue for people who suffer from ADHD is keeping motivation up to accomplish goals and tasks and a coach can help by offering encouragement and a structure. They can use strategies like the Pomodoro Technique to help maintain focus and efficiency. They can also help people establish healthy eating habits and exercise routines to boost energy levels.
It can be difficult to establish relationships for people with ADHD, and coaching can help with this by helping them develop effective communication skills. They can also help people who suffer from ADHD maintain a positive relationship by focusing more on their strengths rather than their issues. In addition, coaching can help people with ADHD to understand their own habits and behavior and how they affect others.
Many adults with ADHD struggle to control their emotions, and this can impact their self-esteem, as well as their social and career performance. A coach can help teach stress reduction techniques that can increase attention and coping skills, such as mindfulness and meditation. This can improve sleep, which can be disrupted by racing thought and sleepless nights.
A coach can also assist people develop healthier eating habits, which can be a problem for those with ADHD. They can give tips on how to buy groceries, cook meals and keep healthy snacks on hand. This can help avoid over-indulging in foods that are high in sugar, fat, or salt, which can trigger ADHD symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from coaching, which is an integral component of their treatment. It can be paired with psychotherapy and medications to manage symptoms. It is important to thoroughly investigate the credentials of a coach prior to choosing one. A licensed mental health professional may assist in recommending someone, or those with ADHD can find their own coach through online forums or through word of mouth.