Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve their performance with a combination of medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will consider the person's medical history and whether other medical conditions, such as anxiety or depression, could contribute to the symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs people try. Other medications include atomoxetine, non-stimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated first with stimulant medications. These drugs adjust the levels of chemical messengers that regulate the focus of your brain. These are norepinephrine and dopamine. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which improves focus. They also decrease the brain's natural inclination to absorb dopamine which decreases hyperactivity.
You can take medications to improve your symptoms, and function better at school, work or in other aspects of your life. However, they aren't going to solve all your problems. There are a few negative effects like weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Talk to your doctor regarding possible adverse effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants are used to treat ADHD in adults. Your doctor will recommend the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your specific situation, symptoms and medical background. Some people aren't able to respond to stimulant medication and others may experience no reaction at all.
There are three types of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and Atomoxetine. Instant-release medications are used in the course of need and typically peak between 30 and 60 minutes after taking them and fade quickly. Extended-release medications are taken once every day and last up to 16 hours, helping in the control of symptoms. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications usually supplement them with a dose of instant-release late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine which was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the action of certain brain chemicals that control mood and attention. It is a long-lasting and sustained release medication than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which enhances norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other medications that control the brain part that regulates your attention. These are a great option for people with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or tics. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic drugs are only available by prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
Therapy is often part of the treatment of ADHD as well as medication. Therapy sessions can help you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can also help you learn strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance therapy can teach you methods for organizing to ensure you are on top of your work and control your environment. A therapist could teach you how to resolve conflicts and problem-solving, as well techniques to improve focus and concentration. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga, meditation or other techniques for relaxation to help you calm down and improve your mood. It is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A Therapist can also help you develop coping skills for dealing with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common among adults with ADHD. A therapist can offer, 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 especially effective for treating executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD, such as trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a different alternative. It helps you change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to observe your thoughts without judgment and emotion regulation that helps you manage difficult emotions, as well as interpersonal skills training. It is a great option for people suffering from multiple disorders, like anxiety and depression.
It is important to keep in mind that even when you start taking medication, it can take a while for your body to adapt to the new medication. It is possible that you will continue to experience issues at work and at home until you've mastered the skills to manage your symptoms. In the meantime, try implementing small changes to your lifestyle to help you cope.
For instance, if you're impatient and forgetful, ask your professor or boss for accommodations that can assist you in achieving your goals in class. You could also ask your family and friends to provide accommodations for your ADHD. You may also want to 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
Psychosocial treatment for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. The treatments comprise a variety of therapies that can be provided in person or via the internet. These treatments can be combined with medication to get the best results.
One of the first steps to the treatment of ADHD is to obtain a diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional will use scales and semistructured interviews to collect information about the individual's struggles. They can then identify the issue and offer a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD manage their issues and manage them. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it affects their work, school and relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and improving organizational skills. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that can be holding them back.
Family therapy and marriage can help address the challenges ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and identify patterns that lead to conflict. It can also help them explore ways to improve their communication and create a more positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD increase their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their abilities. It can help them learn to better manage their money, time, and organize themselves and also control their impulsive behaviors and learn to better manage anger and stress. These abilities can be taught in a group setting or in a private session with an psychotherapist.
Meditation, or mindfulness training can be a useful form of therapy for adult ADHD. It can teach people to be present in the moment and to be more aware of their emotions as they attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group or with a therapist and can be combined with other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. These treatments focus on improving interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD use complementary health approaches to combat their symptoms, which includes diet changes and supplements. These approaches have not been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD however, some people find them useful.
Support
As a mature adult with ADHD you may feel overwhelmed by your challenges. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe, everything from managing relationships to paying bills and keeping deadlines can be a challenge. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand what's happening to you. It's important to seek treatment to overcome your issues and lead a a more productive life.
The use of medication is effective for a lot of adults with ADHD, but they don't treat all of the symptoms or enhance your quality of life. learn more 's why it's important to take a mix of medication and therapy as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.
Therapy can help you learn how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop coping strategies. It can also help you learn how to manage your relationships and emotions. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can help reduce stress and help you concentration. It is also essential to receive support from family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are many kinds of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) metacognitive, metacognitive, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a proven approach that helps you improve your strategies for coping and alter negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy assists you in improving your organization skills, time management and planning. It can also help you overcome thinking distortions which lead to negative moods and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults with ADHD showed that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises, improved quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy could be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to have sessions with others who are facing similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are numerous online resources that can help you locate an adult adhd therapist or a support group. Some of these providers offer virtual sessions through video chat or chat rooms and others provide face-to-face sessions in your area. These services are increasing in popularity and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.