Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD are able to improve their condition through a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will look at the medical history of the patient and determine if any other conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder might be causing symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs people try. Other medications include atomoxetine non-stimulant (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated first by taking stimulant medication. These drugs help adjust the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that regulate the ability to focus. These are norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which increases focus. They also reduce the brain's natural response to taking in dopamine, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Medications can improve your symptoms and allow you to function more effectively at school, work or in other aspects of your life. However, they aren't going to solve all your problems. They can cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Speak to your doctor regarding possible adverse effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants can be used to treat ADHD in adults. Your doctor will decide the best medicine and dosage for you based upon your symptoms and health history as well as your particular situation. Some people might not react to any stimulant medications and others may experience no reaction whatsoever.
There are three kinds of medications: immediate-release, extended-release medication, and atomoxetine. Instant-release medications are used when needed and usually peak within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and fade quickly. Extended-release medications are consumed once every day and last for up to 16 hours, helping in reducing symptoms. Most often, those who take extended-release ADHD medications are supplemented with an immediate-release dose during the late afternoon or in the evening.
Atomoxetine, which was the first non-stimulant drug to be approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the effects of certain chemicals in the brain that control mood and attention. It's a longer-lasting, sustained-release medication than other ADHD medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other medications that control the brain part that regulates your attention. These may be helpful for people with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or tics. These are referred to as cholinergic drugs and are available only on prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD, along with medication. Talk therapy can help your family members as well as help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can help you develop strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance therapy can teach you techniques for organizing to keep you on top of your tasks and control your surroundings. Therapists can also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving techniques as well as methods to increase focus and concentration. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga, meditation or other techniques for relaxation to help you settle down and improve your mood. This is also referred to as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can also help you build coping skills to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common among adults with ADHD. Therapists can offer, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a talking therapy that teaches how your beliefs and thoughts affect your behavior and feelings. CBT is particularly effective at treating executive functioning issues that are related to ADHD, including difficulty organizing, planning, and time management.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you how to observe your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation which assists you in managing distressing emotions, and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Be aware that it may take a long time for your body to adjust to new medication. You may experience issues at home and at work until you have developed the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, try implementing small changes to your lifestyle to help you deal with.
For instance, if you're forgetful and impulsive, consult your professor or boss for accommodations that can assist you in achieving your goals in class. You could also request your family and friends to make accommodations for your ADHD. You may also want to look into family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help you and your loved ones to communicate more effectively and appreciate each other's challenges.
Education
Psychosocial therapy for adults can ease symptoms and improve performance. The treatments comprise a range of therapies and can be offered in person or online. These treatments can be paired with medication to achieve the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step to treat ADHD. A trained mental health professional will employ scales and semi-structured, structured clinical interviews to collect information about the person's issues. They can then determine the cause of the problem and recommend a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can assist people suffering from ADHD manage their issues and manage their symptoms. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which educates patients about their condition and how it impacts their school, work and relationships. Other therapies aim at improving the ability to manage emotions and organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors that could be holding them back.
Marriage and family counseling can help overcome the difficulties that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families improve their communication and identify the patterns that can cause conflicts. It can also assist them to explore ways to improve their communication and create a more positive outlook for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral therapy by improving their self-esteem and establishing an honest perception of their capabilities. It can also help how to manage their time and money more effectively, improve their organizational skills, manage impulsive behavior and become better in managing anger and stress. These skills can be taught in a group or in a private session with an therapist.
Mindfulness, or meditation training can be an effective therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives by teaching them to focus on the present moment and become more aware. It can be done in a group or in a therapy session with a therapist and can be used in combination with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating ADHD in adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. These therapies focus on improving interpersonal skills. Certain people suffering from ADHD are also turning to complementary treatments for health, such as supplementation and diet changes, to manage their symptoms. These methods haven't been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD however some people find them useful.
Support
As a mature adult with ADHD You may be overwhelmed by the challenges you face. When your ADHD symptoms flare all the way from managing relationships to paying bills and meeting deadlines can be challenging. The symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend why you behave the way you do. It's important to seek treatment to overcome your issues and lead a more productively.
Many people with ADHD discover that medications are effective but they do not address all symptoms nor improve your quality-of-life. That's why it's essential to get a combination of therapies and medication as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.
Therapy can help you to manage your ADHD symptoms and build coping skills. It can also help you learn how to manage your relationships and emotions. Relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing stress and increase your focus. It is also important to seek help from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you understand how to communicate better and manage anger and impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. adhd treatment in adults 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 to eliminate mental distortions that can lead to a bad mood and a feeling of a lack of choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD found that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises, improved quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy could be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to share sessions with other people who are experiencing similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are many online resources to help you find an adult adhd therapist or a support group. Some of these sites offer virtual sessions using video chat or chatrooms as well as local meetings. These services are growing in popularity and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.