Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD get better with a combination of medicine as well as behavior strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will take into consideration a person's health history and determine if any other health issues, such as anxiety or depression, might be contributing to symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first drugs people attempt. Other medications include atomoxetine, non-stimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first-line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that regulate the focus of your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which enhances concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural inclination to absorb dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and enable you to be more productive at school, work or in other aspects of your life. They can't solve all your issues. They may cause adverse effects, such as weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Consult your physician about the potential side effects of any medication you are prescribed.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate dosage and medication for you based on your individual situation, symptoms, and health background. Some people may not respond to stimulant medications in any way however, others might experience no reaction whatsoever.
There are three types of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available whenever required. They typically peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake, and then quickly wear off. Extended-release medicines can last for up to 16 hour and are taken once a day. They help with managing symptoms. Most often, those who are taking extended-release ADHD medications supplement them with an immediate-release dose in late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It is a drug that blocks certain chemicals that regulate mood and attention in the brain. It is a long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine, within your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other medications that regulate the brain part that regulates your attention. These medications may be beneficial for people with ADHD and anxiety or tics. These medications are known as cholinergic drugs and are available by prescription only from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment program. Therapy can aid your family members as well as help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can help you learn strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can show you strategies to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist could teach you the art of problem-solving and conflict resolution, as well strategies to improve concentration and focus. You could learn breathing exercises, meditation yoga, or other relaxation methods to relax yourself and improve your mood. It 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. Therapists can provide, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a talking therapy that teaches you how your thoughts and beliefs influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective at addressing executive functioning issues associated with ADHD which include difficulty in organizing, planning and managing time.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can help you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment and emotion regulation, which focuses on managing distressing emotions and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that when you first begin taking medication, it can take some time for your body to adjust to the new medications. You may experience problems at home and work until you've developed the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, you can make small lifestyle adjustments to help deal with the symptoms.
For example, if you're indecisive and forgetful, you should ask your boss or professor about accommodations that can aid you in your studies. In the same way, you can ask your family and friends to allow for your ADHD. You might also consider family therapy or marriage counseling that can assist you and your loved ones learn to communicate better and comprehend the difficulties of one another.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatments can reduce symptoms and improve the functioning. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies, and can be offered in person or via online. These treatments may be paired with medication to obtain the most effective results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A qualified mental health professional utilizes scales and semistructured clinical interview to gather information on the person's challenges. Then, they can make an accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to help people with ADHD deal with their issues and manage them. Psychoeducation is one of the methods that can help patients understand their condition and its impact on school, work and relationships. Other therapies focus on regulating emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors that may hinder their progress.
Family and marriage counseling can help with the issues that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and spot patterns that can lead to conflict. It can also assist them to 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 develop a more realistic attitude about their capabilities. It can teach them how to better manage their time, money and their personal space and also manage their impulsive behavior and learn to better manage anger and stress. These abilities can be taught in a group setting or in a private session with a psychotherapist.
Meditation or mindfulness training can be a powerful form of therapy to treat adults with ADHD. It can teach people to concentrate on the present moment and be more aware of their emotions and feelings, allowing them to gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be done in a group setting or with a therapist and it can be used in combination with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD utilize complementary health strategies to manage their symptoms, such as eating habits and supplements. Although treating add aren't scientifically proven to help improve ADHD, some people find them helpful.
Support
You might feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms are in full force all the way from managing relationships to paying bills and completing deadlines can be challenging. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand the issues you're experiencing. It's important to seek treatment to overcome your challenges and live more productively.
Many people with ADHD find that medications are effective but they do not treat all symptoms or improve your quality-of-life. It's important that you get a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adults with adhd that includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you learn how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop coping strategies. It can help you learn how to manage your emotions, and also your relationships. Relaxation techniques can help you reduce stress and improve your focus. You should also seek out the support of your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you understand how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are a variety of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a well-established method that helps you develop better techniques for coping and to change negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you overcome thinking distortions which lead to an unhappy mood and a feeling of a lack of choices.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults suffering from ADHD showed that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises improved the quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy is usually less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to share sessions with other people who are dealing with similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are a variety of online resources to help find an adult adhd therapist or a support group. Some of these offer virtual sessions via video chat or chatrooms as well as local meetings. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to assess their effectiveness.