Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD are able to improve their condition through a combination of medication, lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will look at the health history of the patient and whether other medical conditions, such as anxiety or depression, might be contributing to the symptoms.
They are usually the first medication that is tried. Other medications include the nonstimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated first with stimulant drugs. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers which control your focus in your brain. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which improves focus. They also decrease the brain's natural desire for dopamine to be absorbed and reduces hyperactivity.
You can take medication to ease your symptoms and perform better at work, school or in other aspects of your life. They will not solve all your problems. There are treatment for adults with add like weight loss, irritability or sleep problems. Speak to your doctor about possible adverse effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will determine the best dosage and medicine for you based on your symptoms of your health, your medical history and particular situation. Some people might not react to stimulant medication and others may experience no reaction at all.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken when required. They typically peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake and then gradually fade away. Extended-release medicines are taken one time each day and last up to 16 hours, assisting with symptom control. People who take 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 action of certain brain chemicals that control mood and attention. It is a more long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which enhances norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Your doctor might also prescribe guanfacine or clonidine which regulate the part of your brain that controls your attention. These are a great option for people with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or tics. These are referred to as cholinergic agents and are only available on prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medications therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment program. Therapy can aid your family members as well as help you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and lifestyle. It can help you develop strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example Therapists can teach you techniques for organizing to help you stay on top of tasks and control your surroundings. A therapist can teach you how to resolve conflicts and problem-solving, as well techniques to improve concentration and focus. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga, meditation or other relaxation techniques in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. This is also known as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A Therapist can also help you develop coping skills for dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common among adults with ADHD. For instance a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of therapy through which you learn you how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your mood and behavior. CBT is especially effective for addressing the executive functioning problems that are associated with ADHD like difficulty planning, organizing and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment and emotion regulation, which is focused on managing emotional distress and the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for people who suffer from comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
It is important to keep in mind that, even if you begin taking medication, it takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medications. You may experience problems at home and at work until you've mastered the skills needed to manage symptoms. In the meantime, try implementing small changes to your routine to help you manage.
For example, if you're impatient and forgetful, ask your boss or professor for accommodations that can aid you in your studies. You could also ask your friends and family to provide accommodations for your ADHD. You may also want to look into marriage therapy or family counseling, which can benefit your loved ones and you learn to communicate and understand the challenges of each other.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can help alleviate symptoms and improve performance. These treatments may comprise a variety of therapies and can be offered in person or via the internet. They can also be used with medication to achieve the best results.
One of the first steps to treating ADHD is to obtain a diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional uses scales and semistructured interviews to collect information about the individual's issues. Then, they can determine the cause of the problem and offer an effective treatment plan.
Talk therapy can assist people suffering from ADHD cope with their problems and manage them. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it affects their work, school and relationships. Other therapies focus on managing emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive therapy, for instance, helps people identify and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that may be holding them back.
Marriage and family counseling can help overcome the difficulties that ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can assist families and couples improve their communication and recognize patterns that cause to conflict. It can also assist in identifying ways to improve communication and create a positive outlook on the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD benefit from a treatment for behavioral issues by boosting their self-esteem and establishing an honest view of their abilities. It can help them learn to manage their money, time and self-organization, as well as control their impulsive behaviors and learn to better manage stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in a group or individually by a therapy.
Meditation or mindfulness training is a potent form of therapy to treat adults with ADHD. It can teach people to be present in the moment and become more aware of their emotions, helping them gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group setting or with a therapist, and can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for ADHD in adults include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These treatments focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD may also resort to alternative methods of health, like dietary changes and supplements to treat their symptoms. These methods haven't been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD however some people find them helpful.
Support
As an adult with ADHD, you might be overwhelmed by the challenges you face. Everything from paying your bills to keeping deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping house can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms get worse. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand what's going on with you. It's crucial to seek treatment to help you overcome your challenges and live more productively.
Many people with ADHD discover that medication is effective but they do not solve all the symptoms or improve your quality of life. It's important that you get an integrated treatment plan for adult adhd, which includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms and develop the ability to cope. It will also teach you how to manage your mood and relationships. Relaxation techniques can also help you reduce stress and improve your focus. It is also important to seek support from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you discover how to communicate more effectively and manage anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are many types of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a proven approach that helps you improve your coping skills and change negative thought patterns. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills and time management, as well as planning. It can also help to eliminate thinking distortions which lead to a bad mood and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults suffering from ADHD found that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises, improved quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy could be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you take part in sessions with others who are facing similar issues and can be more helpful.
There are a variety of online resources to help find an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. Some of these services offer virtual sessions using chat rooms or video chat and others provide face-to-face sessions in your local area. These services are increasing in popularity and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.