Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve through a combination of medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle changes. Doctors will review a person's medical history and determine if there are any other disorders, like depression or anxiety disorder could be contributing to symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first drugs people attempt. Other medications include atomoxetine non-stimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medications are usually 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 ability to focus. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your body, which improves your focus. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to draw dopamine, which can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The use of medicines can ease your symptoms and enable you to be more productive at work, school or in other areas of your life. They can't solve all your issues. They could result in side effects like weight loss, irritability, or difficulties sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of any medication you're prescribed.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage and medication for you based upon your symptoms and health history as well as your specific situation. Certain people do not respond to stimulant medications 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 medications are taken when needed and usually peak between 30 and 60 minutes after taking them and fade quickly. Extended-release medicines are taken one time every day and last up to 16 hours, helping in reducing symptoms. People who take extended release ADHD medications usually supplement them with a dose of instant-release late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemicals that regulate mood and attention in the brain. It is a longer-lasting, sustained-release medication than other ADHD drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) that works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine, which work by regulating the brain part that regulates the attention. These are a great option for those suffering from ADHD who also have tics or anxiety. These medications, also referred to as cholinergic medications are only available with a prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medications therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment plan. Therapy sessions can aid you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can help you develop strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance, a therapist may teach you organizational techniques to ensure you are on top of your tasks and control your environment. A therapist can teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, as well strategies to improve concentration and focus. You may learn meditation, breathing exercises yoga, or other relaxing techniques to calm yourself and improve your mood. It is sometimes referred to as biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A therapist can help you develop coping strategies to deal with emotional and behavioral issues common in adults with ADHD. For treatment for adults with add with a therapist could provide 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 especially effective for dealing with executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD like difficulty organizing, planning and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which can help you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to observe your thoughts without judgement and regulate your emotions that helps you manage distressing emotions, and the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Be aware that it may take a long time for your body to adjust to new medication. You might continue to have problems at home and work until you've developed enough skills to deal with your symptoms. In the meantime, consider implementing small changes to your routine to help you deal with.
Ask your professor or boss for accommodations if you're unorganized and impulsive. This will help you get through your classes. You can also request family members and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You might also think about marriage counseling or family therapy that can help you and your loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and appreciate the challenges of each other.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve function. These treatments can comprise a range of treatments and are available in person or online. These treatments can be combined with medication to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A trained mental health professional will use scales and a semistructured interview to gather information on the person's challenges. Then, they will identify the issue and provide an effective treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to assist people suffering from ADHD cope with their problems and manage their symptoms. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it affects their work, school and relationships. Other therapies focus on managing emotions and improving organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people to change their negative beliefs and behaviors that may be holding them back.
Marriage and family therapy can help address the issues ADHD can cause in personal and professional relationships. It can teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and identify patterns that can lead to conflict. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve interactions and help create a positive outlook on the future.
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD improve their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their capabilities. It can also help them to manage their time and money more efficiently and improve their organizational skills, manage their impulsive behavior, and improve in managing anger and stress. These skills can be learned either in a group setting or by the help of a therapist.
Meditation or mindfulness training is a potent method of treatment for adult ADHD. It can help people focus on the present moment and to be more aware of their emotions, helping them gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group setting or in a therapy session with a therapist and it can be used in combination with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for ADHD in adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. These therapies focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD are also turning to complementary methods of health, like supplementation and diet changes, to manage their symptoms. These strategies have not been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD however some people find them useful.
Support
You may feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying bills to meeting deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping your house clean is a challenge when ADHD symptoms get worse. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to know the issues you're experiencing. It is important to seek treatment to overcome your issues and lead an active lifestyle.
The use of medication is effective for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD, but they don't address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. It is essential to get an integrated treatment plan for adults suffering from adhd, which includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you understand and control your ADHD symptoms and build strategies for coping. It can also help you learn how to manage your mood and relationships. Relaxation techniques can also help you reduce stress and improve your focus. You should also seek support 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 many types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that helps you change negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help to eliminate the distortions in your thinking that cause a bad mood and feeling that you have a limited number of choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program revealed that the program offered small group therapy sessions and coaching, in addition to exercises. This improved quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy can be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to share sessions with other people who are experiencing similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are a number of online resources for finding an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these providers offer virtual sessions using chat rooms or video chat, while others offer meetings with a face-to–face format in your area. These services are growing in popularity and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.