Adult ADHD Treatment

The majority of people with ADHD improve by combining medication and lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will review the medical history of a patient and determine if other disorders, such as depression or an anxiety disorder might be causing symptoms.

They are usually the first drugs to be that is tried. Other medications include atomoxetine non-stimulant (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.

Medication

Stimulant medication is usually the first-line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs help adjust the levels of two chemical messengers within your brain that regulate the ability to focus. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine, which increases your focus. They also lessen the brain's natural tendency to absorb dopamine and reduces hyperactivity.

You can take medication to ease your symptoms, and function better at work, school or in other aspects of your life. However, they won't fix all of your issues. There are a few negative effects like weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Consult your physician about the potential side effects of any medication that you are prescribed.

Both stimulants and nonstimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage and medication for you based on your symptoms and health history as well as your specific situation. Some people aren't able to respond to stimulant medications in any way, while others may have no reaction at all.

There are three kinds of medications: immediate-release, extended-release medication and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken as needed. They typically peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake, and then quickly wear off. Extended-release medications are taken once each day and last up to 16 hours, assisting in the control of symptoms. Patients who take extended-release ADHD medications typically supplement them with a dose that is 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 effects of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate mood and attention. It is a more long-lasting and sustained release medication than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine, in your brain.

Your doctor could also prescribe guanfacine or clonidine, which work by regulating the part of your brain that is responsible for controlling attention. These medications may be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and tics or anxiety. These medications, also known as cholinergic medications are only available by prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.

Therapy

Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD in conjunction with medication. Therapy can help 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 skills 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 surroundings. A therapist may also teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques, as well as techniques to increase focus and concentration. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga, meditation or other techniques for relaxation in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. It is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.

A therapist can help you come up with strategies to deal with emotional and behavioral issues common in adults with ADHD. Therapists can, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy that is a form of talking therapy that teaches how your beliefs and thoughts influence your mood and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in treating executive functioning issues that can be a result of ADHD, such as trouble planning, organizing and time management.

Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which assists you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts without judgment and emotion regulation, which helps you manage emotional distress, as well as the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for people with comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression.

It's important to remember that, even if you begin taking medicine, it takes 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 needed to manage symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle adjustments to help manage.

Ask your boss or professor for accommodations if you're unorganized and impulsive. This will help you succeed in class. You may also request your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You might also consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help your loved ones as well as you learn to communicate and understand each others' challenges.

Education

Psychosocial therapy for adults can ease symptoms and improve functioning. The treatments comprise a range of therapies and can be offered in person or via the internet. They can also be combined with medication for the most effective results.

A diagnosis is the first step to treat ADHD. A qualified mental health professional utilizes scales and semistructured clinical interview to collect information about the individual's struggles. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan.

Talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with their issues and build skills to cope with the challenges they face. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it impacts them in the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies are aimed at improving the ability to manage emotions and organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that may hinder their progress.

Marriage and family therapy can help address the challenges ADHD can bring in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and recognize patterns that can lead to conflict. It can also help them discover ways to improve their communication and create a more positive outlook for the future.

Behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD boost their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their capabilities. It can also teach how to manage their time and money more efficiently, improve their organizational skills, control impulsive behavior and become better at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be taught in a group setting or individually by an therapist.

Meditation, or mindfulness training, can also be an effective therapy for adults with ADHD. It can teach people to concentrate on the present moment and become more aware of their feelings as they achieve a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be done in a group or by an therapist and combined alongside other treatment methods like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

Other treatment options for ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. These therapies focus on improving interpersonal skills. Certain people suffering from ADHD also turn to complementary health approaches, such as diet and supplements to treat their symptoms. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD but some people find them beneficial.

Support

You may feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe all the way from managing relationships to paying bills and keeping deadlines can be challenging. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand what's going on with you. You should seek out treatment in order to overcome your challenges and lead a more productive lifestyle.

Many adults suffering from ADHD find that medications are effective but they do not address all symptoms nor improve your quality-of-life. This is why it's crucial to get a combination of therapy and medication as part of your adult treatment for adhd.

Therapy can help you to control your ADHD symptoms and build strategies for coping. It can teach you how to manage your emotions, and also your relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and improve your focus. You should also seek out the support of your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to better communicate and deal with anger and impulsive behavior.

There are many types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is an evidence based treatment for adhd in adults-based approach that assists you in changing negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help to eliminate the distortions in your thinking that cause an unhappy mood and feeling that you have a limited number 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 exercise, improved quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). This type of therapy is often more affordable than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to have sessions with others who are dealing with similar issues and can be a great source of support.

There are numerous online resources that can help you find an adult adhd therapist and support groups. Some of these services offer virtual sessions using chat rooms or video chat, while others offer face-to-face sessions in your area. These services are gaining popularity and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.