Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD get better through a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will consider the health history of the patient and whether other medical conditions, such as anxiety or depression, could be contributing to the symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first medications that is tried. Other treatments include the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medications are usually the first-line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that control focus. These are dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which enhances focus. They also decrease the brain's natural tendency to absorb dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity.
You can use medication to ease your symptoms, and function better at work, school or in other areas of your life. They will not solve all your issues. You might experience side effects like weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Speak to your doctor regarding possible side effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will determine the best dosage and medicine for you based on your symptoms and health history as well as your particular situation. adhd untreated in adults are not able to respond to stimulant medications while others may not have any reaction at all.
There are three types: immediate-release medication, extended-release medication, and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken whenever required. They usually last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake, and then slowly fade. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hours and are administered once a day. They assist with symptom management. Patients who take extended-release ADHD medications typically supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine which was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the effects of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate mood and attention. It is a longer-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine, within your brain.
Your doctor may also prescribe guanfacine or clonidine which regulate the brain part that is responsible for controlling your attention. These are a great option for those with ADHD who also have tics or anxiety. These are referred to as cholinergic agents. They are available only on prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medication therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment program. Therapy sessions can help you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can help you develop strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example Therapists can teach you methods for organizing to help you stay on top of your tasks and control your environment. A therapist can teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills and methods to increase focus and concentration. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga, meditation or other relaxation techniques to help you settle down and improve your mood. It is sometimes referred to as biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A therapist can help you create strategies for coping with the behavioral and emotional issues common in adults with ADHD. A therapist can provide, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that teaches you how your thoughts and beliefs influence your mood and behavior. CBT is particularly effective for dealing with executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD issues, like trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can help you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to observe your thoughts without judgement and regulate your emotions which assists you in managing difficult emotions, as well as the development of interpersonal skills. It is for people with multiple disorders, like depression and anxiety disorders.
It's important to remember that when you first begin taking medicine, it takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medications. It is possible that you will continue to experience problems at home and work until you've mastered the skills to deal with your symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle changes to help you cope.
For example, if you're forgetful and impulsive, ask your professor or boss for accommodations that can help you excel in class. Similarly, you can request family members and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You may also want to think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which can benefit your loved ones as well as you learn to communicate and understand the challenges of each other.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning. The treatments comprise a variety of therapies and can be offered in-person or online. They can also be used with medications to get the best results.
One of the first steps in treatment for ADHD is to get an assessment. A qualified mental health professional will employ scales and semi-structured, structured clinical interviews to gather information about the individual's challenges. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and recommend an effective treatment plan.
Talk therapy can assist people suffering from ADHD cope with their problems and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation is one of the methods that can help patients understand their condition and its effects on work, school and relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and improving the ability to manage their time. Cognitive therapy, for instance helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that can hinder their progress.
Counseling for families and marriage can help address the challenges that ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help families and couples develop a better communication and recognize patterns that cause conflict. It can also help them explore ways to improve their communication and create a positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD improve their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their abilities. It can teach them how to better manage their finances, time and their personal space, as well as control their impulsive behaviors and learn how to manage anger and stress. These skills can be taught either in a group setting or in a private session with the therapy.
Meditation, or mindfulness training is also an effective therapy for adults with ADHD. It can teach people to concentrate on the present moment and to be more aware of their feelings, helping them gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be done in a group setting or with a therapist, and is utilized in conjunction in conjunction with other treatment methods, like CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. These treatments are focused on improving interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD employ complementary health methods to combat their symptoms, which includes dietary changes and supplements. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD but some people consider them beneficial.
Support
As an adult with ADHD You may feel overwhelmed by your challenges. Everything from paying your bills to keeping deadlines at work to managing relationships and maintaining your home can be challenging when your ADHD symptoms become more severe. The symptoms can also impact your self-esteem, making it difficult to understand why you are acting in the way you do. It's important to seek treatment to overcome your challenges and live more productively.
The use of medication is effective for a lot of adults with ADHD however they do not address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. It is crucial to choose a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adult adhd, which includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you learn how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and also help you develop coping strategies. It will also teach you how to manage your emotions and relationships. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress and boost your concentration. It is also important to seek support from family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and the impulsive behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a well-established method that helps you improve your strategies for coping and alter negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy helps you improve your organizational skills, time management and planning. It can also help resolve mental distortions that can lead to negative moods and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of an adult cognitive rehabilitation program revealed that the program was comprised of small group therapy sessions, coaching, as well as exercises. This improved quality of life, and decreased symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy is usually more affordable than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you be a part of therapy sessions with people who face similar challenges and can be more supportive.
There are a number of online resources that can help you find an adult adhd therapist and support groups. Some of these services provide virtual sessions via video chat or chat rooms, while others offer meetings with a face-to–face format in your area. These services are growing in popularity and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.