Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve through a combination of medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle changes. Doctors will examine the medical history of the patient and determine if any other conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder could be contributing to symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first drugs people attempt. Other medications 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 with ADHD. These medications alter the levels of chemical messengers which control the focus of your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your body, which improves your concentration. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to draw dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can make use of medicines to alleviate your symptoms, and function better at school, work or in other aspects of your life. They won't solve all your issues. They can cause adverse effects, such as weight loss, irritability, or trouble sleeping. Consult your physician about the possible side effects.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will recommend the right medicine and dose for you based on your specific situation, symptoms and health history. Some people aren't able to respond to stimulant medications in any way, while others may have no reaction at all.
There are three types: immediate-release medication, extended-release medication 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 can last for up to 16 hours and are administered once a day. They help with symptom management. People who take extended release ADHD medications typically supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the actions of certain chemicals in the brain that control mood and attention. It is a more long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other drugs which regulate the brain part that controls your 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 only on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medications, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Therapy can assist you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also teach you strategies for coping and how to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example therapy can teach you organizational techniques to ensure you are on top of tasks and maintain control over your surroundings. A therapist may also teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills and techniques to improve your concentration and focus. 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 also help you develop coping strategies to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common among adults with ADHD. For example a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a kind of therapy through which you learn you how your thoughts, beliefs and beliefs affect your emotions and actions. CBT is especially effective for treating executive functioning issues that co-travel with ADHD, such as trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another option. It helps you change the way you react to difficult emotions. adhd untreated in adults includes mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts without judgment and emotion regulation which assists you in managing distressing emotions, and the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
It is important to keep in mind that, even if you begin taking medicine, it takes some time for your body to adapt to the new medication. You might continue to have issues at work and home until you've developed enough skills to manage your symptoms. In the meantime, consider making small changes to your routine to help you cope.
Ask your professor or boss for accommodations if you're indecisive and forgetful. This will allow you to get through your classes. Similarly, you can ask friends and relatives to make allowances for your ADHD. You might also think about family therapy or marriage counseling that can assist you and your loved ones learn to communicate better and understand the difficulties of one another.
Education
For adults, psychosocial therapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve performance. The treatments may include a variety of therapies, and can be offered in person or via online. They can also be used with medication to achieve the best results.
One of the first steps in treatment for ADHD is to receive a diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional will use scales and semi-structured interviews to collect information about the person's issues. Then, they will determine the cause of the problem and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help individuals with ADHD manage their problems and build the necessary skills to deal with the challenges they face. Psychoeducation is one of the methods that can help patients understand their condition and its effects on work, school, and relationships. Other therapies focus on regulating emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people change negative attitudes and behaviors that may be holding them back.
Family and marriage counseling can help address the challenges that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can help families and couples develop a better communication and identify the patterns that can cause to conflict. It can also help them discover ways to improve their interactions and create a positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD improve their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their capabilities. It can teach them how to manage their finances, time, and organize themselves and also control their impulsive behaviors and learn to better manage anger and stress. These skills can be taught in a group setting or in a private session with a therapist.
Mindfulness, or meditation training is also an effective therapy for adult ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives, by teaching them to pay attention to the present moment and become more aware. It can be done in a group or with an therapist and 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 treatments are focused on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD also turn to complementary treatments for health, such as supplementation and diet changes to treat their symptoms. These strategies have not been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD however some people find them useful.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms flare, everything from managing relationships to paying bills and keeping deadlines can be a challenge. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend why you are acting the way you do. You should seek out treatment to overcome your challenges and lead an improved life.
Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that medications are effective however they don't solve all the symptoms or improve your quality of life. That's why it's essential to combine therapies and medication as part of your adult treatment for adhd.
Therapy can help you to control your ADHD symptoms and develop the ability to cope. It can also teach you ways to manage your mood and relationships. Relaxation techniques can also help you reduce stress and improve your focus. It is also important to seek support from family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to better communicate and deal with anger and the impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a scientifically-based method that assists you in changing 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 you overcome thinking distortions which lead to a bad mood and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program found that the program offered small group therapy sessions and coaching, as well as exercise. This improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and al 2002). This kind of therapy is usually cheaper than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you participate in therapy sessions with people who have similar challenges and can be more friendly.
There are numerous online resources for finding an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these services provide virtual sessions through chatrooms or video chat and others provide local meetings. These services are growing in popularity and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.