Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD get better with a combination of medicine and behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will review the medical history of the patient and determine if other issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder could be contributing to symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first medications that people test. Other medications include the nonstimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated first by taking stimulant medication. These medications alter the levels of chemical messengers which control your attention in your brain. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which increases focus. They also decrease the brain's natural tendency for dopamine to be absorbed, which reduces hyperactivity.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and help you function more effectively at school, at work or in other aspects of your life. They can't solve all your issues. They can cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability or trouble sleeping. Speak to your doctor regarding possible adverse effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants can be used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage and medication for you based on symptoms and health history as well as your specific situation. adhd treatment in adults do not react to stimulant medication while others might not experience any reaction at any time.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are taken as needed and typically peak between 30 and 60 minutes after taking them and fade quickly. Extended-release drugs can last up to 16 hour and are taken every day. They assist with managing symptoms. Often, people who take extended-release ADHD medications also take an immediate-release dose in late afternoon or in the 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 longer-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which enhances norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine and clonidine, which work by regulating the part of your brain that is responsible for controlling attention. These medications may be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and tics or anxiety. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic drugs are only available by prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medications therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Therapy can help your family members and help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can also help you learn strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example therapy can teach you techniques for organizing to help you stay on top of your work and keep control of your environment. A therapist could teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills and strategies to improve 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 known as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can also help you build coping skills to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common to adults with ADHD. Therapists can, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that teaches how your beliefs and thoughts affect your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective at dealing with executive functioning issues associated with ADHD which include difficulty in planning, organizing and managing time.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation that helps you manage distressing emotions, and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those who suffer from comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
It is important to keep in mind that even when you start taking medicine, it takes a while for your body to adapt to the new medication. You might continue to have issues at work and at home until you've gained enough experience to deal with your symptoms. In the meantime, you can try making small changes to your routine to help you manage.
For instance, if you're impatient and forgetful, ask your boss or professor about accommodations that will assist you in achieving your goals in class. You may also ask your family and friends to make accommodations for your ADHD. You might also think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which will help your loved ones and you become more able to communicate and comprehend each others' challenges.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. The treatments may include a variety of therapies and may be delivered in person or online. They can also be used with medication for the most effective results.
One of the first steps in the treatment of ADHD is to obtain a diagnosis. A trained mental health professional utilizes scales and semistructured interviews to gather data on the individual's struggles. Then, they can identify the issue and offer an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to help people with ADHD manage their issues and manage their symptoms. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it impacts their work, school and relationships. Other therapies aim at improving organizational skills and managing emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example helps people recognize and change negative beliefs and behaviors that may hinder their progress.
Marriage and family therapy can help address the issues ADHD can cause in personal and professional relationships. It can teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and recognize patterns that cause conflict. It can also help them find ways to improve their communication and create a more positive outlook for the future.
Adults with ADHD benefit from a treatment for behavioral issues by boosting their self-esteem as well as developing an honest perception of their capabilities. It can help them learn to manage their time, money and self-organization, as well as control their impulsive behaviors and learn how to manage stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in a group setting or through a therapist.
Meditation or mindfulness training is a potent form of therapy to treat adults with ADHD. It can help people concentrate on the present moment and become more aware of their emotions and feelings, allowing them to gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group or with a therapist and it can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, including CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for ADHD in adults include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These therapies focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD are also turning to complementary treatments for health, such as supplementation and diet changes to help manage their symptoms. These approaches have not been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD but some people find them helpful.
Support
As a mature adult with ADHD, you might be overwhelmed by the challenges you face. When your ADHD symptoms flare all the way from managing relationships to paying bills and keeping deadlines can be challenging. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem, making it difficult to comprehend why you are acting the way you do. It is essential to seek out treatment to overcome your issues and lead a a more productive life.
Medications are effective for many adults suffering from ADHD however they do not solve all the 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 strategies to cope. It will also teach you how to manage your relationships and emotions. Relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing stress and improve your concentration. It's also important to get help from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is an evidence-based approach that assists you in changing negative thinking patterns and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy is a way to improve your organizational skills, plan and time management. It can also help you overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause an uneasy mood and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD found that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise increased the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). This kind of therapy can be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. It also allows you to take part in therapy sessions with people who are facing similar issues and can be more helpful.
There are many online resources to help locate an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. Some of these providers provide virtual sessions via chat rooms or video chat 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.