Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD get better by combining medication and lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will look at the person's medical history and determine if any other health issues like anxiety or depression, might be contributing to the symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first medications that people attempt. Other medications include the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants in certain forms.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs help adjust the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that regulate the ability to focus. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which increases focus. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to take in dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Medications can improve your symptoms and enable you to function more effectively at school, work or in other aspects of your life. However, they won't fix all your problems. You might experience side effects like weight loss, irritability, or trouble sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the possible adverse effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
The medications used to treat ADHD for adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will recommend the right medicine and dose for you based on your specific situation, symptoms, and health history. Some people may not respond to stimulant medication however, others might experience no reaction at all.
There are three types of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available when needed. They typically peak between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then gradually fade away. Extended-release medicines can last for up to 16 hours and are administered once a day. They aid in symptom management. Most often, those who take extended-release ADHD medications supplement them with an immediate-release dose in late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant 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, sustained release medication than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that enhances norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other drugs which regulate the part of the brain that is responsible for your attention. These are a great option for those with ADHD who also have anxiety or tics. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic drugs, are only available on prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment plan. Talk therapy can aid you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also help you learn strategies for coping and how to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help you learn strategies to stay organized and in control of your environment. A therapist can teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills and techniques to improve concentration and focus. You could learn meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or other relaxation techniques to calm yourself and improve your mood. It is sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A therapist can help you create strategies for coping with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common among adults with ADHD. A therapist could, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy that is a form of talking therapy that teaches how your thoughts and beliefs influence your behavior and feelings. CBT is particularly effective at addressing executive functioning issues associated with ADHD which include difficulty in organizing, planning and managing time.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you how to observe your thoughts without judgment and regulate your emotions, which helps you manage emotional distress, as well as interpersonal skills training. It is a great option for people suffering from co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Be aware that it may take a while for the body to adjust to new medicines. You may experience issues at home and work until you've mastered the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle changes to help cope.
For instance, if forgetful and impulsive, consult your professor or boss about accommodations that can aid you in your studies. You can also request family members and friends to allow for your ADHD. You might also consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which will help your loved ones as well as you become more able to communicate and comprehend each others' challenges.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments may include a variety of different therapies that can be provided in-person or online. These treatments may be combined with medication to obtain the most effective results.
One of the first steps to treating ADHD is to get a diagnosis. A trained mental health professional will employ scales and semi-structured clinical interviews to discover the details of the individual's challenges. They will then be able to make an accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD manage their problems and develop the skills needed to deal with them. Psychoeducation is one of the therapies that help patients understand their condition and its effects on their work, school and relationships. Other therapies focus on managing emotions and improving the ability to manage their time. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people change negative beliefs and behaviors that may hinder their progress.
Marriage and family counseling can help with the issues that ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and recognize patterns that lead to conflict. It can also help explore ways to improve communication and create positive expectations for the future.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from a treatment for behavioral issues by boosting their self-esteem and developing an accurate perception of their capabilities. It can also help them to manage their time and money more effectively, improve their organizational skills, manage impulsive behavior and become better in managing anger and stress. These skills can be learned either in a group setting or through therapy.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness is also an effective therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can help people focus on the present moment and be more aware of their emotions as they gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group setting or with a therapist, and is utilized in conjunction with other treatment methods like CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for ADHD for adults include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These treatments focus on improving interpersonal skills. Certain people suffering from ADHD also turn to complementary methods of health, like diet and supplements to help manage their symptoms. These approaches have not been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD however, some people find them helpful.
Support
As an adult with ADHD, you might be overwhelmed by the challenges you face. When your ADHD symptoms are in full force, everything from managing relationships to paying bills and meeting deadlines can be a challenge. The symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand why you behave in the way you do. It is important to seek treatment in order to overcome your challenges and live an improved life.
Many adults with ADHD discover that medications are effective, but they do not address all symptoms nor improve your quality of life. This is why it's crucial to get a combination of therapies and medication as part of your adult adhd treatment plan.
Therapy can help you understand and control your ADHD symptoms and build coping skills. It can also teach you ways to manage your emotions and relationships. Relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing stress and improve your focus. You should also seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk treating add in adults can help you learn how to better communicate and deal with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are many kinds of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) metacognitive, metacognitive, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a scientifically-based method that assists you in changing negative thinking patterns and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help resolve thinking distortions which lead to negative moods and feeling that you have a limited number of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults with ADHD revealed that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise improved the quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). This kind of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to have sessions with others who are dealing with similar issues and can be a great source of support.
There are numerous online resources that can help you find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these offer virtual sessions using video chat or chatrooms and others provide local meetings. These services are growing in popularity and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.