Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve with a combination medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will examine the medical history of the patient and determine if other issues like depression or anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
The stimulants are often the first medications tried. Other medications include the nonstimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated first with stimulant medications. These medications help to regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that regulate focus. These are dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which improves concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to absorb dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and allow you to perform better at work, school or in other areas of your life. They won't solve all your problems. You may experience side effects like weight loss, irritability or trouble sleeping. Consult your physician about the possible side effects of any medication you're prescribed.
Nonstimulants and stimulants are used to treat ADHD in adults. Your doctor will decide the best dosage and medicine for you based on your symptoms of your health, your medical history and specific situation. Some people aren't able to respond to stimulant medication however, others might experience no reaction at all.
There are three types of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available whenever required. They usually last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then gradually fade away. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hour and are taken every day. They assist with managing symptoms. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications often supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant drug approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the actions of certain brain chemicals that control attention and mood. It is a more long-lasting and sustained-release medication than other ADHD medicines, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is a stimulant that increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine and clonidine that work by controlling the part of your brain that regulates attention. These may be helpful for people with ADHD who also have tics or anxiety. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic drugs are only available with a prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication Therapy is often an integral part of an ADHD treatment plan. Therapy sessions can help you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example Therapists can teach you methods for organizing to ensure you are on top of tasks and control your environment. A therapist can teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills and strategies to improve concentration and focus. You might learn meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or other relaxation techniques to help you relax and improve your mood. This is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can also help you develop coping strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common to adults with ADHD. For example a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a kind of talk therapy that teaches you how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes influence your feelings and actions. CBT is particularly effective in treating executive functioning issues associated with ADHD which include difficulty in planning, organizing and managing time.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a different alternative. It helps you change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like mindfulness, which helps you to look at your thoughts and feelings without judgment and emotion regulation, which is focused on managing difficult emotions and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that when you first begin taking medicine, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medications. There may be issues at home and work until you've developed the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, consider implementing small changes to your lifestyle to help you cope.
Ask your boss or professor for accommodations if you are forgetful and impulsive. This will allow you to succeed in class. In the same way, you can ask friends and relatives to make allowances for your ADHD. You might also want to think about family therapy or marriage counseling that can aid you and your loved ones learn to communicate better and understand the challenges of each other.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. The treatments comprise a range of therapies that can be provided in-person or online. These treatments can be combined with medication to obtain the most effective results.
One of the first steps in treating ADHD is to get an assessment. A qualified mental health professional will utilize scales and semi-structured clinical interviews to gather information about the person's issues. They can then identify the issue and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD deal with their issues and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation is one of the therapies that help patients comprehend their condition and its impact on work, school and relationships. Other therapies are aimed at improving organizational skills and managing emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example helps people to identify and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that can hinder their progress.
Family therapy and marriage can help to address the challenges ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help families and couples develop a better communication and identify patterns that lead conflicts. It can also help them find ways to improve their interactions and create a positive outlook for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from a behavioral therapy program by improving their self-esteem and developing an honest view of their abilities. It can also teach how to manage their time and finances more effectively and improve their organizational skills, control their impulsive behavior, and improve in managing anger and stress. These abilities can be taught in a group setting or individually by the therapy.
Meditation or mindfulness training can be an effective method of treatment for adults with ADHD. It helps people gain more control over their lives, by teaching them to be in the present and be more aware. It can be practiced in a group or by a therapist, and is used in conjunction with other treatment methods, like CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on developing interpersonal skills. Certain people suffering from ADHD also turn to complementary health approaches, such as dietary changes and supplements to treat their symptoms. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD however, some find them helpful.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms are in full force, everything from managing relationships to paying bills and completing deadlines can be challenging. The symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend why you are acting in the way you do. You should seek out treatment in order to overcome your issues and live an improved life.
Many adults with ADHD find that medications are effective, but they do not address all symptoms nor improve your quality-of-life. This is why it's crucial to take a mix of therapy and medication as part of your adult treatment for adhd.
Therapy can help you understand and control your ADHD symptoms and develop the ability to cope. It can also help you learn how to manage your emotions and relationships. You could also benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can reduce your anxiety and improve your focus. It is also important to seek support from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to better communicate and deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are many kinds of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a well-established method that helps you develop better strategies for coping and alter negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you overcome mental distortions that can lead to an unhappy mood and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of an adult cognitive rehabilitation program revealed that the program was comprised of small-sized group therapy sessions and coaching, as well as exercise. This improved quality of life, and decreased symptoms (Stevenson and al. 2002). treatment for add in adults of therapy is typically cheaper than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to have sessions with others who are facing similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are many online resources that can help you locate an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. Some of these offer virtual sessions through chatrooms or video chat as well as local meetings. These services are growing in popularity, and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.