Blog entry by Sibyl Biehl
Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve by combining medication, behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will consider the person's medical history and determine if any other health issues like depression or anxiety, may be contributing to symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first drugs that people try. Other medications include atomoxetine, an anti-stimulant (Strattera), and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first-line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications alter the levels of chemical messengers that regulate your attention in your brain. These are dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your body, which improves your focus. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to take in dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
The use of medicines can ease your symptoms and help you be more productive at work, school or in other areas of your life. However, they aren't going to solve all of your issues. You may experience adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability or sleep problems. Consult your physician about the possible side 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 evidence based treatment for adhd in adults on your particular situation, symptoms and medical background. Some people might not react to stimulant medications in any way however, others might experience no reaction at all.
There are three types of ADHD medications that are immediate-release, extended-release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken as required. They typically peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake, and then quickly wear off. Extended-release medications are consumed once each day and last up to 16 hours, assisting in reducing symptoms. The majority of people who take extended-release untreated adhd in female adults medications also take an immediate-release dose in late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that control mood and attention in the brain. It is a longer-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which enhances norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine, which work by regulating the brain part that is responsible for controlling the attention. These are a great option for those suffering from ADHD who also have anxiety or tics. These medications, also referred to as cholinergic drugs are only available with a prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment program. Talk therapy can aid you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can also teach you coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example Therapists can teach you techniques for organizing to keep you on top of your tasks and keep control of your environment. A therapist can also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving techniques and techniques to increase focus and concentration. You may learn breathing exercises, meditation yoga, or other relaxing methods to relax yourself and improve your mood. It is sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A therapist can assist you to come up with strategies to deal with behavioral and emotional issues that are common among adults with ADHD. For example, a therapist can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of therapy through which you learn you how your beliefs, thoughts and beliefs affect your emotions and behaviors. CBT is particularly effective in treating executive functioning issues associated with ADHD and other disorders, such as difficulty in planning, organizing, and time management.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is another alternative. It assists you in changing the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to observe your thoughts without judgment and emotion regulation, which helps you manage difficult emotions, as well as the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Remember that it can take some time for the body to adjust to new medication. You may continue to experience problems at home and work until you've developed enough skills to deal with your symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle changes to help cope.
For instance, if you're impatient and forgetful, ask your boss or professor about accommodations that will help you excel in class. Similarly, you can ask friends and relatives to accommodate your ADHD. You may also want to look into marriage counseling or family therapy that can assist you and your loved ones to communicate better and understand each other's challenges.
Education
Psychosocial therapy for adults can ease symptoms and improve function. These treatments can include different therapies and may be offered in person or via online. These treatments can be paired with medication to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the initial step to treat ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will use scales and semi-structured interviews to discover the details of the individual's challenges. They can then determine the cause of the problem and offer a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD manage their issues and manage the symptoms. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which educates patients about their condition and how it affects them in work, school and relationships. Other therapies focus on managing emotions and enhancing the ability to manage their time. Cognitive therapy, for instance helps people recognize and change negative beliefs and behaviors that may hinder their progress.
Marriage and family counseling can help address the challenges that ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help families and couples improve their communication and identify patterns that lead conflict. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve communication and create positive expectations for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD boost their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their abilities. It can also help them to manage their time and finances more effectively, improve their organizational skills, manage the impulsive behavior of their children and become better at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be mastered in a group or individually with therapy.
Meditation or mindfulness training is a potent form of therapy to treat adults with ADHD. It can help people concentrate on the present moment and be more aware of their emotions, helping them attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be conducted in a group setting or with a therapist, and is combined with other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD use complementary health approaches to manage their symptoms, including eating habits and supplements. These strategies have not been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD however, certain people find them beneficial.
Support
You may feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms are in full force, everything from managing relationships to paying bills and meeting deadlines can be difficult. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to know what's going on with you. You should seek out treatment to overcome your challenges and lead a more productive lifestyle.
Many people with ADHD find that medications are effective but they do not solve all the symptoms or improve your quality of life. It's important that you get a combination treatment plan for adults suffering from adhd, which includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop strategies to cope. It can teach you how to manage your emotions and your relationships. You may also benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can help reduce anxiety and improve your concentration. It is also important to seek help from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you discover how to communicate more effectively and manage anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are many types of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that helps you change negative thinking patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy assists you in improving your organizational skills, time management and planning. It can also help you overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause an uneasy mood and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program revealed that the program offered small group therapy sessions and coaching, along with exercise. This improved quality of life, and decreased symptoms (Stevenson and al. 2002). This type of therapy is often less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to share sessions with other people who can Treat adhd in adults are experiencing similar issues and can be a great source of support.
There are a number of online adhd treatment for adults resources to find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these provide virtual sessions via video chat or chat rooms as well as face-to-face sessions in your area. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.