Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve through a combination of medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will examine the medical history of the patient and determine if there are any other issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
The stimulants are often the first drugs to be to be tried. Other treatments include the nonstimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medications are usually the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that regulate focus. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which increases concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural desire to absorb dopamine and reduces hyperactivity.
Medications can improve your symptoms and help you be more productive at work, school or in other aspects of your life. They won't solve all your issues. You might experience side effects like weight loss, irritability or sleep problems. Talk to your doctor about possible adverse effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will suggest the right medicine and dose for you based on your specific situation, symptoms, and health history. Some people aren't able to respond to any stimulant medications, while others may have no reaction whatsoever.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications that are immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Instant-release medications are used as needed and typically peak within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and then fade away quickly. Extended-release medications are taken once every day and last for up to 16 hours, aiding in the control of symptoms. Patients who take extended-release ADHD medications often supplement them with a dose that is instant-release late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD in adults. It works by limiting certain chemicals that control mood and attention in the brain. It is a more long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine, within your brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine, which work by regulating the brain part that is responsible for controlling the attention. These medications can be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These medications, also referred to as cholinergic drugs are only available with a prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often included in the treatment of ADHD, along with medication. Talk therapy can assist you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can also help you learn strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can teach you techniques for staying organized and in control of your surroundings. Therapists can also teach you problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, as well as techniques to increase concentration and focus. You may learn meditation, breathing exercises yoga, or other relaxation methods to relax yourself and improve your mood. This is sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A therapist can also assist you to develop coping skills for dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common among adults with ADHD. For instance therapy with a therapist could provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a kind of therapy through which you learn you how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes influence your feelings and actions. CBT is particularly effective in dealing with executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD and other disorders, such as difficulty in planning, organizing, and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another alternative. It helps you change your way of reacting to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you how to observe your thoughts without judgment and regulate your emotions that helps you manage emotional distress, as well as interpersonal skills training. It is a great option for people suffering from comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Keep in mind that it may take a long time for your body to adjust to new medications. It is possible that you will continue to experience problems at home and work until you've developed enough skills to cope with your symptoms. In the meantime, try implementing small changes to your routine to help you cope.
For instance, if you're forgetful and impulsive, consult your professor or boss about accommodations that will aid you in your studies. In the same way, you can request family members and friends to allow for your ADHD. You might also consider marriage counseling or family therapy, which can help you and your loved ones to communicate more effectively and appreciate each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can help alleviate symptoms and improve performance. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies, and can be provided in person or via the internet. They can also be combined with medications to get the most effective results.
A diagnosis is the initial step to treat ADHD. A qualified mental health professional uses scales and semistructured interviews to gather data on the person's challenges. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and offer a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with their issues and build skills to cope with the challenges they face. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it affects them in work, school and relationships. Other treatments are focused on improving management skills and coping with emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people overcome negative beliefs and behavior that may be holding them back.
Family and marriage counseling can help with the issues that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can assist families and couples learn how to communicate better and identify the patterns that can cause conflicts. It can also assist them to discover ways to improve their communication and create a positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD improve their self-esteem and build a more realistic view about their capabilities. It can help them learn to manage their money, time and self-organization, as well as manage their impulsive behavior and help them manage stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in a group setting or in a private session with an therapist.
The practice of mindfulness or meditation can be an effective method of treatment for adults with ADHD. It can help people concentrate on the present moment and become more aware of their feelings as they attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group or with a therapist, and can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. These treatments focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD may also resort to alternative health approaches, such as supplementation and diet changes to treat their symptoms. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to help improve ADHD but some people find them helpful.
Support
As a mature adult with ADHD You may be overwhelmed by the challenges you face. Everything from paying off bills to working to meet deadlines at work, managing relationships and keeping house can be challenging when your ADHD symptoms flare up. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend the issues you're experiencing. It's crucial to seek treatment to help you overcome your challenges and live an active and productive life.
Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that medications are effective but they do not treat all symptoms or improve your quality-of-life. This is why it's crucial to take a mix of therapy and medication as part of your adult adhd treatment plan.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms and help you develop strategies for coping. It can also teach you ways to manage your emotions and relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and increase your focus. It is also important to seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to better communicate and deal with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are treatment adult adhd of talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that assists you in changing negative thinking patterns and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy assists you in improving your organization skills and time management, as well as planning. It can also help to eliminate the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults suffering from ADHD found that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise improved the quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson et al 2002). This kind of therapy is often cheaper than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you participate in therapy sessions with other people who are facing similar issues and can be more supportive.
There are a number of online resources that can help you find an adult adhd therapist and support groups. Some of these offer virtual sessions through video chat or chatrooms as well as local meetings. These services are growing in popularity and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.