Adult ADHD Treatment
Most people with ADHD improve through a combination of treatment, behavioral strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will look at a person's health history and whether other medical conditions like anxiety or depression, could be contributing to the symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first drugs to be that is tried. Other treatments include the non-stimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control your attention in your brain. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your body, which improves your concentration. They also lessen the brain's natural inclination for dopamine to be absorbed, which reduces hyperactivity.
Medications can improve your symptoms and help you perform better at school, at work or in other aspects of your life. But they can't solve all of your issues. There are a few adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Consult your physician about the possible adverse effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage and medication for you based on symptoms, health history and your particular situation. Some people might not react to stimulant medications in any way, while others may have no reaction whatsoever.
There are three kinds of medications: immediate-release, extended-release medication and atomoxetine. Instant-release medications are used as needed and typically peak within 30 to 60 minutes after taking them and then fade away quickly. Extended-release medications are taken once every day and last for up to 16 hours, helping in reducing symptoms. The majority of people who take extended-release ADHD medications supplement them with an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine which was the first nonstimulant drug approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the effects of certain brain chemicals that regulate mood and attention. It is a more long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain.
Your doctor may also prescribe guanfacine or clonidine which regulate the part of your brain that controls the attention. These medications may be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and tics or anxiety. These medications are known as cholinergic agents and are available by prescription only from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment program. Therapy can aid your family members as well as help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and lifestyle. It can help you develop strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help you learn methods to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist could teach you how to resolve conflicts and problem-solving as well as techniques to improve focus and concentration. You may learn breathing exercises, meditation yoga, or other relaxing techniques to help you relax and improve your mood. It is also referred to as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
treatment of add in adults can assist you to come up with 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 talk therapy that teaches you the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in dealing with executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD which include difficulty in planning, organizing, and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another alternative. It helps you change your way of reacting to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to observe your thoughts without judgment and regulate your emotions, which helps you manage distressing emotions, and the development of interpersonal skills. It is a great option for people suffering from co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that even when you start taking medication, it takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. You may experience issues at work and home until you've mastered the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, consider making small changes in your lifestyle to help you cope.
For instance, if you're impatient and forgetful, consult your professor or boss about accommodations that will assist you in achieving your goals in class. You may also ask your friends and family 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 better and comprehend the challenges of each other.
Education
Psychosocial therapy for adults can ease symptoms and improve function. These treatments can include different therapies and may be provided 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 qualified mental health professional will use scales and a semistructured interview to gather data on the person's challenges. They can then identify the issue and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD cope with their problems and manage the symptoms. Psychoeducation is one of the therapies that help patients comprehend their condition and its effects on school, work, and relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and improving the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people overcome negative beliefs and behaviors that may hinder their progress.
Family and marriage counseling can help address the challenges that ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help couples and families to communicate more effectively and spot patterns that lead to conflict. It can also help them discover ways to improve their communication and develop a more positive outlook for the future.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from behavioral therapy by improving their self-esteem and developing an accurate perspective of their abilities. It can teach them how to better manage their time, money and their personal space and also control their impulsive behaviors and learn how to manage stress and anger. These skills can be mastered either in group or individually through a therapist.
Meditation, or mindfulness training is also a useful form of therapy for adult ADHD. It can help people gain more control over their lives by teaching them to focus on the present moment and become more aware. It can be practiced in a group or with an therapist and used in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as 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. Some people suffering from ADHD also turn to complementary methods of health, like dietary changes and supplements to treat their symptoms. While these approaches are not scientifically proven to reduce ADHD but some people find them beneficial.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying off bills to keeping deadlines at work to managing relationships and maintaining your home can be challenging when your ADHD symptoms get worse. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand the issues you're experiencing. treatment for adults with add to seek treatment to help you overcome your issues and lead a more productively.
Many medications are effective for adults with ADHD however, they don't address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. That's why it's important to combine therapies and medication as part of your adult adhd treatment plan.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and also help you develop strategies to cope. It can teach you how to manage your emotions and relationships. Relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing stress and improve your focus. It's also important to get assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you discover how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are many types of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) metacognitive, metacognitive, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that helps you overcome negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy can assist you to improve organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help to eliminate thinking distortions which lead to an unhappy mood and feeling that you have a limited number of options.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD showed that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises, improved quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy is often 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 many online resources to find an adult adhd therapist and support groups. Some of these sites offer virtual sessions using video chat or chatrooms and others provide local meetings. These services are gaining popularity and research is being conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.