Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Medication can help many adults suffering from ADHD to alleviate the symptoms. The effectiveness of medication is greater when combined other treatment methods.
Adult medication for ADHD typically includes stimulants as well as nonstimulant medicines. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and depression, may be a problem for these medications.
1. Medication
Medication is a significant element of treatment for ADHD that balances neurotransmitters in the brain to alleviate symptoms. The primary medications are stimulants that increase dopamine levels that are responsible for thinking and attention. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines such as Adderall or Vyvanse. Non-stimulant drugs, which boost dopamine levels, but have a different chemical makeup are also available. They include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
Stimulants start to work after 30 to 45 minutes, and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people suffering from ADHD experiment with different treatment options over time to find what works best for them. It's important to disclose your other health issues and other medications you're taking to your doctor because some of them may interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect the entirety of your life including relationships and work performance. They can cause feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty completing projects or tasks. They may spend a long time on one task before moving to another, leaving unfinished work. They may also have trouble sleeping well and feel tired or even irritable throughout the day.
When properly taken, stimulant drugs can improve how people who suffer from ADHD function in school and at home. They can ease difficulties at school, bring people closer together with their families, and aid them to reach their professional goals. Treatment is not a cure but it can make a significant difference. The first step is for those with ADHD to speak with their doctor or specialist. They will discuss the treatment options available to them and may suggest a combination of medications and therapies.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is an effective treatment for ADHD. It assists you in examining and alter your negative thought patterns, which interfere with your self-regulation and productivity. Studies have shown that CBT can help improve symptoms and performance, particularly when combined with stimulant medication. CBT is an orientated therapy that focuses on the moment. It is different from traditional psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies, which explore childhood traumas and experiences.
In therapy sessions the therapist and you collaborate to pinpoint and address the troubling thoughts that keep you trapped in bad habits. You then develop strategies to replace these thoughts with more positive ones. Your therapist may also help you with other issues that can affect your performance, such as co-existing mood disorders or anxiety and relationship issues working, and self-care.
If you're always late, your therapist could teach you to prioritize tasks and utilize a planner. They might also suggest that you arrive early so that you don't become stressed or bored waiting for things to start. Other options include using a watch or clock watch, placing clocks in your workplace and in your home or jotting down your every day activities.
The goal is to make these tools a regular part of your daily routine and not just a means to get rid of your ADHD symptoms. But for this to happen, you'll need to find a therapist that is competent. Ask your doctor for a recommendation if you don't already know one. Check with your local medical centers and colleges, as well as the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.
You can also look for online programs that give you the option of practicing techniques on your own without connecting you with coaches or therapists. These programs are often cheaper, but they may not offer the same level support as a face-toface session.
3. Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle in their relationships and work because they forget important tasks or make impulsive decisions. Therapy and coaching can aid in improving communication and provide strategies to deal with stress and anger.
Family therapy and marriage therapy address the issues that may arise when someone who suffers from ADHD is in a relationship with someone or at work. These issues could include being unable to remember important obligations, financial struggles, or trouble with responsibilities at home or work. Therapy can also help you and your coworkers or partners develop better communication so that you can manage these difficulties more effectively.
Adult ADHD is usually treated using the use of a combination of medications as well as cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling. The medication helps you control the symptoms, so that you can concentrate on the task at hand. However other therapies provide a more holistic way to improve your life.
If you have adult adhd, it might be a long time before you find a therapist or coach who specializes in treating the disorder. It's worth it to increase your quality of life. Contact your primary care physician for a referral to a mental health professional. They'll recommend a specialist who can manage your symptoms and provide guidance for you and your family.
You may be able to participate in a clinical study which offers new remedies for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that examine ways to detect and treat or prevent diseases. Speak to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in a study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is an individualized treatment that helps people with ADHD overcome barriers to success in daily life. It teaches them skills to improve their life quality and improve their performance at school, work at home, at work, and in social interactions. OT has been shown to be a successful treatment option for adults with ADHD.
In adhd treatment in adults to treating symptoms in addition to addressing the underlying issues, an OT will concentrate on developing skills and developing strategies that help with day-to-day functioning, including time management and the development of self-control. For instance, they could instruct people suffering from ADHD to break down tasks into smaller pieces and employ visual aids to remind them of their responsibilities. They can also assist them to develop executive function abilities. These are cognitive processes that help people to plan, manage and complete the task, and also make decisions and shift their attention to other tasks.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty organising their personal belongings and environment like books, clothing and wallets. OTs help their clients to create routines and strategies to manage their life. This can include using visual aids, preparing schedules, and using an organizer. The OTs can also assist clients in learning to recognise the relationship between mood and the amount of sensory stimulation they experience and help them monitor their sensory diet to avoid stimulants.
OTs can also assist people with ADHD to learn to plan recreation/relaxation into their daily routines, even if it is only for 15 minutes. This can help them let go of their frustration and restlessness in more appropriate ways, rather than transfer these feelings to relationships with other people.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Coaching for behavior can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD who need to address specific issues. A coach could assist clients with issues like managing money, building relationships, reducing procrastination or improving academic performance. Coaches can also teach clients about the neurobiological and genetic factors that cause ADHD. This knowledge can help clients overcome the stigma that is associated with ADHD as well as the self-blame often promoted by the media.
A skilled ADHD coach can provide the guidance and structure needed to make the necessary changes. They can guide their client through a process of reflection to determine which habits are beneficial or detrimental to attaining their goals. They can also teach their client how to change their behavior in order to improve their time management skills and acquire the necessary abilities to reach their goals. A coach can also provide assistance and encouragement throughout the process.
It is essential for patients to be aware that their issues are normal. A professional may be the only person they interact with who understands their condition, so it can be a relief to know that their problems aren't caused by their character flaws or some personal flaw. This newfound understanding can also liberate people from blaming themselves and to seek help.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a combination of medication and behavior coaching. The psychiatrist and the coach can work together to address various issues, including goal setting, prioritizing work, motivation, organization skills and problem solving. Behavioral coaching is also helpful for stress, anxiety, and controlling impulses. A coach can help with educational or vocational goals as well. The client can decide whether they want to continue coaching or switch to another type of mental health professional.