Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve their performance with a combination of medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will take into consideration the health history of the patient and whether other medical conditions like anxiety or depression, might be contributing to symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first medication that is tried. Other treatments include the nonstimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medications are usually the first-line treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control your attention in your brain. These are norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your body, which improves your concentration. They also lessen the brain's natural inclination for dopamine to be absorbed which decreases hyperactivity.
Medications can improve your symptoms and help you function more effectively at school, work or in other aspects of your life. They won't solve all your problems. They may cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of any medication you're prescribed.
The drugs used to treat ADHD for adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will recommend the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your specific situation, symptoms and medical history. Some people may not respond to any stimulant medications and others may experience no reaction at all.
There are adhd treatment adults that are available: immediate-release medication, extended release medication, and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken as required. They usually peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake and then slowly fade. Extended-release medications are taken once every day and last for up to 16 hours, aiding in the control of symptoms. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications typically supplement them with a dose of instant-release late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It is a drug that blocks certain chemicals that control mood and attention in the brain. It is a longer-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medicines, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other drugs that control the brain part that is responsible for your attention. These medications can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These medications are known as cholinergic agents and are available by prescription only from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD, along with medication. Therapy sessions can aid you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also teach you strategies for coping and how to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can show you strategies to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist can teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, as well methods to increase focus and concentration. You may learn meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or other relaxation techniques to help you relax and improve your mood. It is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can also help you develop coping skills for dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common in adults with ADHD. A therapist can, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that teaches you how your beliefs and thoughts affect your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in dealing with executive functioning issues associated with ADHD, including difficulty planning, organizing and managing time.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which assists you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment and emotion regulation, which focuses on managing distressing emotions and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with multiple conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that, even if you begin taking medication, it can take a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. It is possible that you will continue to experience problems at home and work until you've gained enough experience to manage your symptoms. In the meantime, you can try implementing small changes in your lifestyle to help you cope.
For instance, if you're forgetful and impulsive, consult your professor or boss about accommodations that can help you excel in class. You could also ask your friends and family to provide accommodations for your ADHD. You may also want to consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help your loved ones as well as you learn to communicate and understand each others' challenges.
Education
Psychosocial therapy for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve function. The treatments comprise a variety of therapies and can be offered in person or online. They may also be paired with medication to achieve the most effective results.
A diagnosis is the initial step in treating ADHD. A qualified mental health professional utilizes scales and semistructured clinical interview to collect information about the individual's issues. They will then be able to make an accurate diagnosis and formulate the treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD cope with their problems and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation is one of the therapies that help patients comprehend their condition and its effects on their work, school and relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and enhancing organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example helps people to identify and change negative beliefs and behaviors that can be holding them back.
Family and marriage counseling can help overcome the difficulties that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and identify patterns that lead to conflict. It can also help explore 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 establishing an accurate view of their abilities. It can teach them how to better manage their money, time, and organize themselves and manage their impulsive behavior and help them manage stress and anger. These skills can be learned either in group or individually with a therapist.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness is also an effective form of therapy for adults with ADHD. It can help people focus on the present moment and to be more aware of their feelings as they attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group or by a therapist, and is used alongside other treatment methods like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for ADHD for adults include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These therapies focus on improving interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD employ complementary health methods to combat their symptoms, which includes eating habits and supplements. Although these strategies aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD however, some find them beneficial.
Support
As a mature adult with ADHD you may feel overwhelmed by your difficulties. Everything from paying off bills to meeting deadlines at work to managing relationships and maintaining your home is a challenge when ADHD symptoms become more severe. The symptoms can also impact your self-esteem, making it difficult to comprehend why you behave in the way you do. You should seek out treatment to overcome your issues and lead an active lifestyle.
Many medications are effective for adults with ADHD however they do not address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. That's why it's important to combine therapy and medication as part of your adult adhd treatment plan.
Therapy can help you to control your ADHD symptoms and build the ability to cope. It can also help you learn how to manage your relationships and emotions. You may also benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can reduce your anxiety and improve your concentration. It is also important to seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you understand how to communicate more effectively and manage anger and impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that helps you overcome negative thinking patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy is a way to improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you to overcome mental distortions that can lead to low mood and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program showed that the program included small group therapy sessions and coaching, in addition to exercise. This improved the quality of life, and decreased symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy is typically less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to have sessions with others who are experiencing similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are many online resources to find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these sites offer virtual sessions using video chat or chatrooms and others provide local meetings. These services are growing in popularity and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.