Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD get better through a combination of medication as well as behavior strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will consider the person's medical history and whether any other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, might be contributing to the symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first medications that people try. Other medications include atomoxetine, a nonstimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated first with stimulant medications. These medications alter the levels of chemical messengers that control your attention in your brain. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine, which increases your focus. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to absorb dopamine which decreases hyperactivity.
You can make use of medicines to alleviate your symptoms, and function better at work, school or in other aspects of your life. They won't solve all your problems. You may experience side effects like weight loss, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of any medication you are prescribed.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will suggest the right medicine and dose for you based on your particular situation, symptoms and health background. Some people are not able to respond to stimulant medications while others may not experience any reaction at any time.
There are three types that are available: immediate-release medication, extended release medication, and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available when required. They usually last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake, and then gradually fade away. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hour and are taken every day. They aid in symptom management. Patients who take extended-release ADHD medications usually supplement them with a dose of instant-release late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine, which was the first non-stimulant drug to be approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the action of certain brain chemicals that regulate mood and attention. It is a long-lasting and sustained release medication than other ADHD drugs, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine and dopamine, within the brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine and clonidine which regulate the brain part that regulates your attention. These may be helpful for people with ADHD who also have anxiety or tics. These medications, also referred to as cholinergic medications are only available by prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medications therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment program. Talk therapy can assist you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also teach you coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help you learn strategies to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist can help you learn the art of problem-solving and conflict resolution as well as methods to increase focus and concentration. You might learn breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques to help you relax and improve your mood. This is sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A therapist can also help you build coping skills to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common to adults with ADHD. A therapist could, for example, provide 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 dealing with executive functioning issues associated with ADHD, including difficulty planning, organizing and managing time.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can help you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which helps you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment and emotion regulation, which is focused on managing distressing emotions and the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Keep in mind that it may take a while for the body to adjust to the new medication. There may be issues at home and work until you've mastered the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, try making small changes in your lifestyle to help you cope.
Ask your boss or professor for accommodations if you're unorganized and impulsive. This will allow you to achieve success in class. In the same way, you can ask friends and relatives to make allowances for your ADHD. You might also consider marriage counseling or family therapy that can assist you and your loved ones to communicate better and understand the difficulties of one another.
Education
Psychosocial therapy for adults can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments can include different treatments, and may be offered in person or via the internet. They may also be paired with medication for the most effective results.
One of the first steps to treating ADHD is to receive a diagnosis. A trained mental health professional uses scales and semistructured interviews to gather information on the person's challenges. They will then be able to make an accurate diagnosis, and offer a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD manage their issues and build the necessary skills to deal with these issues. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it impacts them in school, work and relationships. Other therapies are focused on regulating emotions and enhancing organizational skills. treatment for adult add helps people overcome negative beliefs and behavior that may be holding them back.
Marriage and family therapy can help to address the issues ADHD can cause in personal and professional relationships. It can help families and couples improve their communication and identify patterns that lead conflict. It can also assist them to discover ways to improve their interactions and create a positive outlook for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a behavioral therapy program by improving their self-esteem and developing a realistic view of their abilities. It can help them learn to manage their time, money, and organize themselves and also manage their impulsive behavior and help them manage stress and anger. These skills can be taught in a group or individually by the therapy.
The practice of mindfulness or meditation can be a powerful method of treatment for adults with ADHD. It helps people gain more control over their lives by educating them to pay attention to the moment and be more aware. It can be done in a group or in a therapy session with a therapist and it can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for ADHD in adults include cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These treatments are focused on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD are also turning to complementary methods of health, like dietary changes and supplements to treat their symptoms. These approaches have not been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD however certain people find them beneficial.
Support
You may feel 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 is a challenge when ADHD symptoms get worse. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to know why you behave in the way you do. You should seek out treatment in order to overcome your issues and lead an active lifestyle.
Many people with ADHD discover that medications are effective, but they do not address all symptoms nor improve your quality of life. That's why it's essential to get a combination of therapy and medication as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.
Therapy can help you understand and control your ADHD symptoms and develop coping skills. It can help you learn to manage your emotions, and relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and improve your concentration. 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 the impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a proven approach that helps you improve your coping skills and change negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organization skills as well as time management and planning. It can also help you to overcome mental distortions that can lead to low mood and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program showed that the program was comprised of small group therapy sessions and coaching, along with exercises. This improved the quality of life, and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and al 2002). This type of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to share sessions with other people who are experiencing similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are many online resources that can help you locate an adult adhd therapist or support group. Some of these providers offer virtual sessions through chat rooms or video chat and others provide face-to-face meetings in your area. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.