Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve their performance with a combination of medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle changes. Doctors will look at the person's medical history and determine if any other health issues like anxiety or depression, might be contributing to the symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first drugs people test. Other medications include atomoxetine, non-stimulant (Strattera), and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These medications alter the levels of chemical messengers that control your focus in your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which improves concentration. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can take medications to improve your symptoms, and function better at school, work or in other aspects of your life. However, they aren't going to solve all your problems. You may experience negative effects like weight loss, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Talk to your doctor about possible adverse effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will determine the best medicine and dosage for you based on your symptoms and health history as well as your specific situation. Some people will not respond to stimulant medications while others may not experience any reaction at all.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medication can be taken whenever needed. They typically last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake, and then gradually fade away. Extended-release medications are taken once every day and last for up to 16 hours, aiding in reducing symptoms. Patients who take extended-release ADHD medications usually supplement them with a dose that is instant-release late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD in adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that control mood and attention in the brain. It's a longer-lasting and sustained-release medication than other ADHD drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine and clonidine that work by controlling the brain part that is responsible for controlling your attention. These medications can be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or tics. These are referred to as cholinergic agents. They are available only on prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medications, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment program. Therapy sessions can assist you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can help you learn strategies and coping skills to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance Therapists can teach you methods for organizing to help you stay on top of tasks and control your environment. A therapist can also teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques and techniques to improve your focus and concentration. You may learn meditation, breathing exercises yoga, or other relaxation techniques to calm yourself and improve your mood. This is also referred to as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can also help you develop coping skills for dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common to adults with ADHD. For example a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a kind of talking therapy that teaches you the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in addressing executive functioning issues related to ADHD and other disorders, such as difficulty in planning, organizing and managing time.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which helps you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like mindfulness, which teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment; emotion regulation, which is focused on managing emotional distress; and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with comorbid conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders.
Keep in mind that it may take a long time for your body to adjust to the new medicines. You may experience issues at work and home until you have developed the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle changes to help you deal with the symptoms.
For example, if you're impatient and forgetful, ask your boss or professor for accommodations that can assist you in achieving your goals in class. You may also ask your friends and family to accommodate your ADHD. You might also want to think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help you and your loved ones to communicate better and comprehend each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatments can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments can include different therapies, and can be provided in person or via the internet. They may also be paired with medications to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A trained mental health professional will utilize scales and semi-structured, structured clinical interviews to collect information about the person's issues. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to aid people suffering from ADHD deal with their issues and manage their symptoms. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it affects them in school, work and relationships. Other therapies focus on managing emotions and improving organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example helps people recognize and change negative beliefs and habits that could hinder their progress.
Marriage and family counseling can help address the challenges that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families improve their communication and identify patterns that lead conflicts. treatment of add can also assist them to find ways to improve their interactions and develop a more positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD boost their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their capabilities. It can help them learn to manage their time, money and their personal space and also control their impulsive behaviors and help them manage anger and stress. These skills can be taught in a group or individually by the therapy.
Mindfulness, or meditation training, can also be an effective therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives, by teaching them to be in the present and be more aware. It can be done in a group or by a therapist, and is utilized in conjunction alongside other treatment methods like CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for ADHD for adults include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These therapies focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD are also turning to complementary treatments for health, such as diet and supplements to treat their symptoms. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to help improve ADHD but some people consider them beneficial.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe it can be difficult to manage relationships to paying bills and completing deadlines can be challenging. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend what's happening to you. It's important to seek treatment to overcome your difficulties and live a more productively.
The use of medication is effective for a lot of adults with ADHD however, they don't treat all of the symptoms or enhance your quality of life. It is crucial to choose a combination treatment plan for adults with adhd that includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and also help you develop strategies for coping. It will also teach you how to manage your relationships and emotions. You may also benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can ease stress and help you concentration. It is also essential to receive help from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are a variety of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a scientifically-based method that helps you overcome negative thought patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy is a way to improve organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you resolve the distortions in your thinking that cause low mood and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults suffering from ADHD revealed that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises increased the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). This kind of therapy is typically more affordable than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to share sessions with others who are dealing with similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are many online resources that can help you find an adult adhd therapist and support groups. Some of these provide virtual sessions via video chat or chat rooms 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.