Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve their performance with a combination of medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will consider the person's medical history and whether other medical conditions, such as depression or anxiety, may be contributing to the symptoms.
They are usually the first medications that is tried. Other medications include atomoxetine, an anti-stimulant (Strattera), and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated first with stimulant drugs. These medications alter the levels of chemical messengers that control your focus in your brain. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine, which increases your ability to concentrate. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Medications can improve your symptoms and help you perform better at school, work or in other areas of your life. They can't solve all your problems. They could cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability, or difficulties sleeping. Speak to your doctor regarding possible adverse effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants can be used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate dosage and medication for you based on your individual situation, symptoms, and health background. Some people might not react to stimulant medication however, others might experience no reaction at all.
There are three types that are available: immediate-release medication, extended release medication and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are taken in the course of need and typically peak within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and fade quickly. Extended-release medications are consumed once every day and last for up to 16 hours, assisting in the control of symptoms. Most often, those who take extended-release ADHD medications also take an immediate-release dose in the late 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 long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine or clonidine or other medications that regulate the part of your brain that is responsible for your attention. These may be helpful for those with ADHD who also have tics or anxiety. These medications, also known as cholinergic medications are only available with a prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medications Therapy is often an integral part of an ADHD treatment program. Talk therapy can help your family members as well as help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also teach you strategies and coping techniques 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 as well as methods to increase focus and concentration. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises meditation, or other relaxation techniques to help you settle down and improve your mood. It is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can also help you build coping skills to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common in adults with ADHD. Therapists can provide, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that teaches you how your beliefs and thoughts affect your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in addressing the executive functioning problems that can be a result of ADHD, such as trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another alternative. It helps you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you how to be aware of your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation, which helps you manage difficult emotions, as well as training in interpersonal skills. It is designed for people who suffer from comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
It's important to remember that, even if you begin taking medication, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medication. You may experience issues at work and home until you have developed the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle adjustments to help deal with the symptoms.
For example, if you're indecisive and forgetful, you should consult your professor or boss about accommodations that will help you excel in class. You could also ask your friends and family to accommodate your ADHD. You might also look into family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help you and your loved ones to communicate more effectively and appreciate the challenges of each other.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can reduce symptoms and improve performance. The treatments comprise a variety of therapies and can be offered in-person or online. They can also be used with medications to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the initial step in treating ADHD. A trained mental health professional uses scales and semistructured interviews to gather data on the individual's issues. They can then identify the issue and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help individuals with ADHD manage their issues and build skills to cope with the challenges they face. Psychoeducation is one of the treatments that help patients comprehend their condition and its effects on school, work, and relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and enhancing organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people to change their negative beliefs and behavior that may be preventing them from achieving their goals.
Family and marriage counseling can help with the issues that ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help couples and families improve their communication and identify the patterns that can cause conflicts. It can also assist in identifying ways to improve interactions and provide positive expectations for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD boost their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their abilities. It can also teach how to manage their time and money more effectively and improve their organizational skills, control impulsive behavior and become better at managing stress and anger. These skills can be learned in a group or individually with a therapist.
Meditation, or mindfulness training, can also be an effective form of therapy for adult ADHD. It helps 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 used in combination with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on building interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD may also resort to alternative treatments for health, such as dietary changes and supplements to help manage their symptoms. These methods haven't been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD however some people find them useful.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying your bills to working to meet deadlines at work, managing relationships and keeping house can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms flare up. The symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand why you behave in the way you do. It's important to seek treatment to overcome your challenges and live an active and productive life.
Many adults suffering from ADHD find that medications are effective, but they do not solve all the symptoms or improve your quality of life. It is essential to get a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adult adhd, which includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can help you to control your ADHD symptoms and build the ability to cope. It can help you learn how to manage your emotions, and relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and improve your focus. You should also seek out assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are I Am Psychiatry of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships, and metacognitive 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 organizational skills, time management and planning. It can also help to eliminate thinking distortions which lead to negative moods and feeling that you have a limited number of options.
A recent study of an adult cognitive remediation program showed that the program included small group therapy sessions, coaching, in addition to exercises. This improved quality of life, and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to share sessions with other people who are dealing with similar issues and can be a great source of support.
There are numerous online resources for finding an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these provide virtual sessions via video chat or chat rooms and others provide meetings with a face-to–face format in your local area. These services are gaining popularity, and research is being conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.