Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve by combining medication as well as lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies 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.
Most often, stimulants are the first medications that people test. Other medications include atomoxetine a nonstimulant (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are often treated first with stimulant drugs. They help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within your brain that regulate the ability to focus. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your body, which improves your concentration. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and enable you to be more productive at school, at work or in other aspects of your life. But they can't solve all your problems. There are a few adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability, or sleep problems. Discuss with your doctor the possible adverse effects of any medication you are prescribed.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will recommend the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your specific situation, symptoms, and health history. Some people are not able to react to stimulant medication while others might not experience any reaction at all.
There are three types of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release drugs are taken as needed and typically peak within 30 to 60 minutes after taking them and fade quickly. Extended-release drugs can last up to 16 hour and are taken once a day. They aid in managing symptoms. People who take extended release ADHD medications typically supplement them with a dose that is instant-release late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that control mood and attention in the brain. It is a more long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine, within the brain.
Your doctor might also prescribe guanfacine or clonidine that work by controlling the part of your brain that regulates attention. These drugs can be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or tics. These are referred to as cholinergic agents. They are available by prescription only from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment plan. Therapy can help your family members and help you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can teach you strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help you learn strategies to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist may also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving techniques and techniques to improve your concentration and focus. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises, meditation or other techniques for relaxation to help you settle down and improve your mood. It is also referred to as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can help you create strategies for coping with the behavioral and emotional issues common in adults with ADHD. For example a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of talking therapy that teaches you how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes influence your feelings and behaviors. CBT is particularly effective in addressing the executive functioning problems that are associated with ADHD like difficulty planning, organizing and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a different alternative. It helps you change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like mindfulness, which teaches you to look at your thoughts and feelings without judgement and emotion regulation, which focuses on managing difficult emotions and the development of interpersonal skills. It is for people with comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Keep in mind that it may take a long time for your body to adjust to new medicines. You might continue to have issues at work and home until you've developed enough skills to cope with your symptoms. In the meantime, try implementing small changes to your routine to help you manage.
For instance, if indecisive and forgetful, you should ask your professor or boss about accommodations that will assist you in achieving your goals in class. In the same way, you can ask your family and friends to make allowances for your ADHD. You may also want to consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which can benefit your loved ones as well as develop a better understanding of and communication each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatments can reduce symptoms and improve the functioning. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies and may be provided in person or online. These treatments may be paired with medication to get the best results.
One of the first steps to the treatment of ADHD is to obtain an assessment. A trained mental health professional utilizes scales and a semistructured interview to gather information on the person's challenges. They can then identify the issue and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to aid people suffering from ADHD manage their issues and manage them. Psychoeducation is one of the therapies that can help patients understand their condition and its impact on work, school and relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and enhancing the ability to manage their time. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people overcome negative attitudes and behaviors that may be preventing them from achieving their goals.
Counseling for families and marriage can help with the issues that ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help families and couples how to communicate more effectively and spot patterns that lead to conflict. It can also assist them to find ways to improve their communication and create a positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD improve their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their abilities. It can help them learn to better manage their money, time and their personal space, as well as control their impulsive behaviors and help them manage stress and anger. These skills can be learned in a group or individually through the help of a therapist.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness is also an effective therapy for adult 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 or with a therapist, and can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as interpersonal therapy, which focuses on developing interpersonal skills. treating adhd in adults with ADHD also turn to complementary health approaches, such as dietary changes and supplements to help manage their symptoms. These methods haven't been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD however, some people find them helpful.
Support
As a mature adult with ADHD, you might feel overwhelmed by your difficulties. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe it can be difficult to manage relationships to paying bills and keeping deadlines can be difficult. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem, making it difficult to know why you are acting in the way you do. It is important to seek treatment in order to overcome your challenges and live an improved life.
Medications are effective for many adults suffering from ADHD however, they don't address all 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 teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms and help you develop strategies to cope. It can help you learn how to manage your emotions, and relationships. Relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing stress and increase your focus. It is also essential to receive help from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and how to 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 a proven approach that helps you improve your coping skills and change negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills as well as time management and planning. It can also help resolve the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program found that the program was comprised of small-sized group therapy sessions and coaching, as well as exercise. This improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy could be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. It also allows you to be a part of sessions with others who are facing similar issues and can be more friendly.
There are a variety of online resources to help locate an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. Some of these provide virtual sessions via video chat or chat rooms and others provide face-to-face sessions in your local area. These services are gaining in popularity, and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.