Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD get better by combining medication as well as behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will look at a person's medical history and determine if any other issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder could be contributing to symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first medications that is tried. Other medications include atomoxetine non-stimulant (Strattera), and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs help adjust the levels of two chemical messengers within your brain that control focus. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your body, which improves your ability to concentrate. They also decrease the brain's natural tendency to absorb dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity.
The use of medicines can ease your symptoms and allow you to function more effectively at school, work or in other aspects of your life. They won't solve all your issues. There are a few adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Consult Iam Psychiatry about the possible adverse effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will determine the best medicine and dosage for you based upon your symptoms and health history as well as your particular situation. Some people may not respond to any stimulant medications, while others may have no reaction whatsoever.
There are three kinds of medications: immediate-release, extended-release medication, and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken when needed. They usually peak between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then quickly wear off. Extended-release drugs can last up to 16 hour and are taken once a day. They help with managing symptoms. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications often supplement them with a dose that is instant-release late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the effects of certain chemicals in the brain that control attention and mood. It is a more long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which enhances norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other medications that control the part of the brain that controls your attention. They can be beneficial for those with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or tics. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic drugs are only available with a prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
Therapy is often part of the treatment of ADHD as well as medication. Talk therapy can help you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can teach you strategies and coping skills to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example therapy can teach you techniques for organizing to help you stay on top of your work and maintain control over your environment. A therapist may also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills and techniques for improving concentration and focus. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises, meditation or other relaxation techniques in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. This is also known as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can also help you build coping skills to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common in adults with ADHD. Therapists can provide, 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 for treating executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD issues, like trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which assists you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like 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 a program for people with multiple conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
It is important to keep in mind that even when you start taking medication, it takes some time for your body to adapt to the new medication. It is possible that you will continue to experience problems at home and work until you've developed enough skills to deal with your symptoms. In the meantime, you can try making small changes in your lifestyle to help you cope.
For instance, if impatient and forgetful, ask your boss or professor for accommodations that can help you excel in class. In the same way, you can ask your family and friends to allow for your ADHD. You may also want to think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which will help your loved ones as well as you develop a better understanding of and communication each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatments can reduce symptoms and improve performance. These treatments can include different therapies and may be offered in person or online. They can also be used with medication to achieve the most effective results.
One of the first steps in treatment for ADHD is to get a diagnosis. A trained mental health professional will use scales and semistructured clinical interview to gather data on the individual's struggles. They can then identify the issue and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to assist people suffering from ADHD deal with their issues and manage the symptoms. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which educates patients about their condition and how it impacts them in the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies aim at improving management skills and coping with emotions. Cognitive therapy, for instance helps people to identify and alter negative beliefs and habits that could be limiting their progress.
Marriage and family counseling can help address the challenges that ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and identify patterns that can lead to conflict. It can also help them discover ways to improve their communication and develop a more positive outlook for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from behavioral therapy by improving their self-esteem as well as developing a realistic view of their abilities. It can also help how to manage their time and money more efficiently, improve their organizational skills, manage impulsive behavior and become better in managing anger and stress. These skills can be taught either in a group setting or through the help of a therapist.
Mindfulness, or meditation training can be a useful form of therapy for adult ADHD. It helps people gain more control over their lives, by teaching them to focus on the present moment and become more aware. It can be practiced in a group or with a therapist and can be used alongside other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD employ complementary health methods to manage their symptoms, including dietary changes and supplements. These methods haven't been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD however certain people find them beneficial.
Support
You might feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe, everything from managing relationships to paying bills and meeting deadlines can be difficult. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem, making it difficult to understand why you are acting in the way you do. You should seek out treatment to overcome your issues and live an active lifestyle.
Many medications are effective for adults with ADHD, but they don't address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. That's why it's essential to combine medication and therapy as part of your adult adhd treatment plan.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop strategies to cope. It can also teach you ways to manage your mood and relationships. You may also benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can help reduce anxiety and improve your focus. You should also seek the support of your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you understand how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that helps you overcome negative thinking patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause an unhappy mood and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults with ADHD found that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises increased the quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy is usually more affordable than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you participate in sessions with others who have similar challenges which can be friendly.
There are a number of online resources to find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these provide virtual sessions via video chat or chat rooms and others provide meetings with a face-to–face format in your area. These services are increasing in popularity and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.