Adult ADHD Treatment
Most people with ADHD improve with a combination medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will review the medical history of the patient and determine if there are any other issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
The stimulants are often the first medications that is tried. Other treatments include the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These medications help to regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that regulate focus. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which enhances concentration. They also lessen the brain's natural inclination to absorb dopamine and reduces hyperactivity.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and allow you to be more productive at work, school or in other aspects of your life. However, they won't fix all your problems. You might experience side effects like weight loss, irritability, or sleep problems. Consult your physician about the possible adverse effects of any medication you're prescribed.
Nonstimulants and stimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will recommend the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your particular situation, symptoms and health history. Some people might not react to stimulant medication however, others might experience no reaction at all.
There are three kinds that are available: immediate-release medication, extended release medication and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medication can be taken when required. They typically last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake, and then gradually fade away. Extended- adhd symptoms and treatment can last up to 16 hour and are taken every day. They aid in managing symptoms. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications often supplement them with a dose that is instant-release late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD in adults. It works by limiting certain chemicals that regulate mood and attention in the brain. It's a longer-lasting, sustained-release medication than other ADHD medicines, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine or other medications that regulate the brain part that is responsible for your attention. These are a great option for people with ADHD who also suffer from tics or anxiety. These medications, also referred to as cholinergic medications are only available with a prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medications therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Therapy sessions can assist you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can help you develop strategies and coping skills to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can teach you strategies to stay organized and in control of your environment. A therapist may also teach you problem-solving and conflict resolution skills and techniques to increase focus and concentration. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises 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 emotional and behavioral issues that are common in adults with ADHD. A therapist could, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that teaches how your thoughts and beliefs influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in dealing with executive functioning issues related to ADHD and other disorders, such as difficulty in organizing, planning, 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 judgement and regulate your emotions, which helps you manage difficult emotions, as well as interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
It is important to keep in mind that when you first begin taking medicine, it takes a while for your body to adapt to the new medication. You may continue to experience issues at work and at home until you've mastered the skills to cope with your symptoms. In the meantime, you can make small lifestyle changes to help cope.
For example, if you're forgetful and impulsive, consult your professor or boss about accommodations that can aid you in your studies. Similarly, you can ask your family and friends to allow for your ADHD. You may also want to consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which will help your loved ones as well as develop a better understanding of and communication each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial therapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve performance. These treatments can comprise a range of treatments and are available in-person or online. These treatments may be combined with medication to achieve the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A qualified mental health professional uses scales and a semistructured interview to gather data on the person's challenges. They will then be able to make an accurate diagnosis and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD manage their issues and build skills to cope with the challenges they face. Psychoeducation is one of the therapies that help patients comprehend their condition and its impact on work, school and relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive therapy, for instance, helps people identify and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that may be holding them back.
Marriage and family therapy can help address the challenges ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help couples and families to communicate more effectively and identify patterns that can lead to conflict. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve communication and provide a positive outlook on the future.
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD improve their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their abilities. It can teach them how to manage their time, money and their personal space, as well as manage their impulsive behavior and learn to better manage anger and stress. These skills can be taught in a group or individually by a psychotherapist.
Meditation, or mindfulness training is also an effective form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It helps people gain more control over their lives by educating them to focus on the present moment and become more aware. It can be done in a group or with a therapist, and it can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as interpersonal therapy, which is focused on developing interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD utilize complementary health strategies to manage their symptoms, including diet changes and supplements. Although these strategies aren't scientifically proven to help improve ADHD but some people find them beneficial.
Support
As a mature adult with ADHD you may feel overwhelmed by your challenges. When your ADHD symptoms flare all the way from managing relationships to paying bills and completing deadlines can be difficult. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand why you behave the way you do. You should seek treatment in order to overcome your challenges and lead an active lifestyle.
Many people with ADHD discover that medication is effective but they do not address all symptoms nor improve your quality-of-life. It is crucial to choose a combination treatment plan for adult adhd, which includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms and develop strategies for coping. It can also teach you ways to manage your mood and relationships. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can reduce your anxiety 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 impulsive behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a proven approach that helps you improve your coping skills and change negative thought patterns. Metacognitive therapy is a way to improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help resolve mental distortions that can lead to an unhappy mood and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults suffering from ADHD showed that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise increased the quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy can be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to share sessions with other people who are dealing with similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are a variety of online resources that can help you locate an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. Some of these offer virtual sessions via chatrooms or video chat and others provide local meetings. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.