Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD are able to improve their condition by combining medication, behavior strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will look at the medical history of the patient and determine if other issues like depression or anxiety disorder could be contributing to symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first medications that people attempt. Other medications include the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
The use of stimulant medications is typically the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications help to regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that regulate the focus. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which enhances concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to draw dopamine, which decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
You can use medication to ease your symptoms and perform better at school, at work or in other areas of your life. They can't solve all your problems. They may cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability or difficulties sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the possible adverse effects of any medication you're prescribed.
The drugs used to treat ADHD for adults include both stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will decide the best medicine and dosage for you based on your symptoms of your health, your medical history and particular situation. Some people aren't able to respond to stimulant medications in any way however, others might experience no reaction at all.
There are three types of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medication can be taken when needed. They typically peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake and then slowly fade. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hour and are administered once a day. They aid in managing symptoms. The majority of people who are taking extended-release ADHD medications also take an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine which was the first nonstimulant drug approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the actions of certain chemicals in the brain that control mood and attention. It is a longer-lasting, sustained-release medication than other ADHD medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is a stimulant that increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other drugs that control the part of the brain that regulates your attention. These drugs can be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or tics. These medications, also referred to as cholinergic medications are only available by prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment plan. Therapy can aid your family and you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and lifestyle. It can also help you learn strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can show you strategies to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist may also teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills and techniques to improve your focus and concentration. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises, meditation or other techniques for relaxation in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. This is sometimes called hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A therapist can assist you to create strategies for coping with emotional and behavioral issues common in adults with ADHD. A therapist could offer, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy that is a form of talking therapy that teaches you how your beliefs and thoughts influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is especially effective for treating executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD, such as trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another option. It assists you in changing how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to observe your thoughts without judgment and emotion regulation, which helps you manage distressing emotions, and interpersonal skills training. It is a great option for people suffering from comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Keep in mind that it may take a long time for your body to adjust to new medicines. You may continue to experience issues at work and home until you've gained enough experience to cope with your symptoms. In the meantime, try implementing small changes to your routine to help you cope.
For instance, if you're impatient and forgetful, ask your professor or boss about accommodations that can aid you in your studies. Similarly, you can ask friends and relatives to accommodate your ADHD. You may also want to think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which will help your loved ones as well as you learn to communicate and understand each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatments can help alleviate symptoms and improve performance. The treatments may include a variety of therapies, and can be provided in person or online. These treatments may be paired with medication to get the best results.
One of the first steps in treating ADHD is to get a diagnosis. treatment adult adhd qualified mental health professional utilizes scales and semistructured clinical interview to gather data on the person's challenges. They will then be able to make an accurate diagnosis and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help individuals with ADHD manage their problems and build skills to cope with these issues. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which educates patients about their condition and how it affects their the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other treatments are focused on improving the ability to manage emotions and organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people change negative attitudes and behaviors that could be holding them back.
Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the challenges ADHD can bring to professional and personal relationships. It can help families and couples learn how to communicate better and recognize patterns that cause to conflict. It can also help explore ways to improve interactions and create optimism for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD increase their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their abilities. It can also teach them to manage their time and money more effectively and improve their organizational skills, control their impulsive behavior, and improve at managing stress and anger. These abilities can be taught in a group or in a private session with a therapist.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness, can also be a useful form of therapy for adults with ADHD. It can teach people to concentrate on the present moment and become more aware of their emotions as they achieve a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group setting or with a therapist and can be utilized in combination with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as interpersonal therapy, which focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD use complementary health approaches to manage their symptoms, including diet changes and supplements. These strategies have not been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD however certain people find them beneficial.
Support
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you might be overwhelmed by the challenges you face. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe it can be difficult to manage relationships to paying bills and meeting deadlines can be difficult. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to know what's happening to you. You should seek treatment in order to overcome your difficulties and live an active lifestyle.
Medications are effective for many adults with ADHD however, they don't address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. That's why it's important to take a mix of medication and therapy as part of your adult adhd treatment plan.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms and help you develop strategies for coping. It can help you learn to manage your emotions and also your relationships. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can reduce your stress and boost your concentration. It is also important to seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you understand how to communicate better and manage anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are several types of talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that assists you in changing negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy assists you in improving your organizational skills, time management and planning. It can also help to eliminate thinking distortions which lead to a bad mood and feeling that you have a limited number of choices.
A recent study of an adult cognitive remediation program found that the program offered small group therapy sessions and coaching, as well as exercises. This improved quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and al. 2002). This kind of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you participate in therapy sessions with people who are facing similar issues and can be more supportive.
There are many online resources to help locate an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. Some of these providers provide virtual sessions via chat rooms or video chat as well as face-to-face meetings in your local area. These services are growing in popularity and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.