Adult ADHD Treatment
Most people with ADHD improve their performance with a combination of treatment, behavioral strategies and lifestyle changes. Doctors will consider the health history of the patient and determine if any other health issues, such as anxiety or depression, might contribute to the symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs that people test. Other treatments include the non-stimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants in certain forms.
Medication
The use of stimulant medications is typically the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications help to regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that regulate the focus. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine, which increases your concentration. They also lessen the brain's natural inclination to absorb dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity.
You can take medications to improve your symptoms, and function better at school, at work, or in other areas of your life. They will not solve all your issues. You might experience negative effects like weight loss, irritability or trouble sleeping. Consult your physician about the possible adverse effects of any medication you're prescribed.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will decide the best dosage and medicine for you based upon your symptoms and health history as well as your particular situation. Some people might not react to any stimulant medications, while others may have no reaction whatsoever.
There are treat adhd in adults of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available whenever required. They usually peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake and then slowly fade. Extended-release medicines are taken one time every day and last for up to 16 hours, assisting in the control of 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, works by limiting the action of certain chemicals in the brain that control attention and mood. It is a more long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine, which work by regulating the part of your brain that is responsible for controlling attention. These medications can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These medications, also known as cholinergic medications are only available by prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medication therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Talk therapy can help you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance therapy can teach you techniques for organizing to help you stay on top of your tasks and maintain control over your environment. A therapist can also teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques, as well as techniques to increase focus and concentration. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises, meditation or other techniques for relaxation to help you settle down and improve your mood. This is sometimes called hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A therapist can assist you to develop coping strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common to adults with ADHD. For instance a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of talking therapy that teaches you the way your beliefs, thoughts and beliefs affect your emotions and behavior. CBT is particularly effective for treating executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD, such as trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which helps you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you how to be aware of your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation, which helps you manage emotional distress, as well as training in interpersonal skills. It is a program for people with multiple conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Remember that it can take a while for the body to adjust to new medication. You might continue to have issues at work and home until you've developed enough skills to deal with your symptoms. In the meantime, you can try implementing small changes in your lifestyle to help you cope.
For instance, if impatient and forgetful, consult your professor or boss about accommodations that will assist you in achieving your goals in class. You can also ask your family and friends to provide accommodations for your ADHD. You might also think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help you and your loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and appreciate the challenges of each other.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can help alleviate symptoms and improve the functioning. These treatments can include different therapies and may be offered in person or via online. These treatments can be combined with medications to get the best results.
One of the first steps in treating ADHD is to obtain a diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional will use scales and semistructured clinical interview to gather data on the individual's issues. They will then be able to make an accurate diagnosis, and formulate the treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to aid people suffering from ADHD cope with their problems and manage them. 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 the ability to manage emotions and organizational skills. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that may be limiting their progress.
Counseling for families and marriage can help overcome the difficulties 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 in exploring ways to improve communication and help create positive expectations for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from behavioral therapy by improving their self-esteem as well as developing an accurate view of their abilities. It can also teach how to manage their time and finances more effectively and improve their organizational skills, manage impulsive behavior and become better at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in a group setting or by therapy.
Meditation or mindfulness training can be a powerful form of therapy to treat adult ADHD. It helps people gain more control over their lives by teaching them to focus on the moment and be more aware. It can be conducted in a group setting or with a therapist, and is combined with other treatment methods like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD utilize complementary health strategies to combat their symptoms, which includes eating habits and supplements. These methods haven't been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD however some people find them useful.
Support
As an adult suffering from ADHD you may feel overwhelmed by your challenges. Everything from paying your bills to meeting deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping house can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms flare up. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to know why you behave in the way you do. It is important to seek treatment to overcome your issues and live an active lifestyle.
Many adults with 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 get a combination of medication and therapy as part of your adult treatment for adhd.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and also help you develop coping strategies. It can help you learn how to manage your emotions and relationships. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can reduce your stress and boost your focus. You should also seek the support of your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are a variety of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a proven approach that helps you develop better strategies for coping and alter negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy assists you in improving your organizational skills, time management and planning. It can also help you resolve the distortions in your thinking that cause an uneasy mood and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of an adult cognitive remediation program found that the program offered small-sized group therapy sessions and coaching, in addition to exercise. This improved quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. It also allows you to participate in therapy sessions with other people who have similar challenges and can be more supportive.
There are numerous online resources to help locate 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 growing in popularity, and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.