Adult ADHD Treatment
Most people with ADHD improve with a combination medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will look at a person's medical history and determine if there are any other conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first medications that people try. Other medications include atomoxetine a nonstimulant (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated first with stimulant medications. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control the focus of your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine, which increases your focus. They also lessen the brain's natural inclination for dopamine to be absorbed, which reduces hyperactivity.
Medications can improve your symptoms and enable you to be more productive at school, work or in other areas of your life. However, they won't fix all your problems. You may experience side effects like weight loss, irritability or sleep problems. Discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
Nonstimulants and stimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will suggest the right medicine and dose for you based on your individual situation, symptoms and health history. Certain people do not respond to stimulant medications while others might not experience any reaction at any time.
There are three types of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken whenever required. They usually last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then gradually fade away. Extended-release medicines can last for up to 16 hours and are taken every day. They aid in 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 drug approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the action of certain brain chemicals that control mood and attention. It's a longer-lasting and sustained-release medication than other ADHD drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) that is a stimulant that increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain.
Your doctor might also prescribe guanfacine or clonidine which regulate the brain part that regulates your attention. These medications may be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These are referred to as cholinergic drugs and are available only on prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medications Therapy is often an integral part of an ADHD treatment plan. Therapy can help your family members and help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also teach you strategies for coping and how to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance therapy can teach you organizational techniques to help you stay on top of your tasks and control your surroundings. Therapists can also teach you problem-solving and conflict resolution techniques and 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. It is sometimes referred to as biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A therapist can help you develop coping strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues common in adults with ADHD. A therapist could, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy that is a form of talking therapy that teaches you how your thoughts and beliefs influence your mood and behavior. CBT is especially effective for addressing the executive functioning problems that are associated with ADHD issues, like trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is another option. It helps you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment and emotion regulation, which focuses on managing difficult emotions; and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with multiple disorders, like anxiety and depression.
Remember that it can take some time for the body to adjust to the new medication. You may experience problems at home and at work until you've developed the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, consider implementing small changes to your lifestyle to help you cope.
For instance, if you're impatient and forgetful, ask your professor or boss about accommodations that will assist you in achieving your goals in class. Similarly, you can ask friends and relatives to make allowances for your ADHD. You might also look into marriage therapy or family 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 therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. These treatments may include a variety of different treatments and are available 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 trained mental health professional will utilize scales and semi-structured interviews to collect information about the individual's challenges. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to assist people suffering from ADHD manage their issues and manage them. Psychoeducation is one of the methods that help patients comprehend their condition and the impact it has on work, school and relationships. Other therapies are aimed at improving management skills and coping with emotions. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance helps people to identify and alter negative beliefs and habits that could be holding them back.
Marriage and family counseling can help address the challenges that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and identify patterns that lead to conflict. It can also assist in identifying ways to improve interactions and create positive expectations for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD boost their self-esteem and build a more realistic view about their capabilities. It can help them learn to manage their time, money, and organize themselves, as well as control their impulsive behaviors and help them manage stress and anger. These skills can be mastered either in a group setting or with the help of a therapist.
The practice of mindfulness or meditation can be a powerful method of treatment for adults with ADHD. It can help people gain more control over their lives by educating them to be in the present moment and become more aware. It can be done in a group or with a therapist and can be combined with other treatment methods like CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for ADHD for adults include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These therapies focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD use complementary health approaches to combat their symptoms, which includes diet changes and supplements. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD but some people find them helpful.
Support
As an adult with ADHD, you might feel overwhelmed by your challenges. Everything from paying off bills to meeting deadlines at work to managing relationships and maintaining your home is a challenge when ADHD symptoms flare up. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand why you behave in the way you do. You should seek treatment in order to overcome your difficulties and lead a more productive lifestyle.
The use of medication is effective for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD however, they don't treat all of the symptoms or enhance your quality of life. It is essential to get a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adult adhd, which includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms and build strategies for coping. It can teach you how to manage your emotions, and your relationships. Relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing stress and improve your focus. You should also seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and cope with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a tried and tested method that helps you improve your coping skills and change negative thought patterns. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organization skills, time management and planning. treating adhd in adults can also help you resolve the distortions in your thinking that cause low mood and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program showed that the program was comprised of small group therapy sessions and coaching, along with 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 lets you take part in sessions with others who face similar challenges, which can be more supportive.
There are numerous online resources to help you locate an adult adhd therapist or a support group. Some of these services provide virtual sessions through video chat or chatrooms, while others offer local meetings. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.