Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults with ADHD to ease the symptoms. However, medication is more effective when combined with other treatment methods.
Adult medication for ADHD typically includes stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and depression could be a problem for these medications.
1. Medication
The use of medication is an crucial aspect of treating ADHD. It balances neurotransmitters and reduces symptoms. The most popular drugs are stimulants that boost dopamine, a chemical responsible for attention and thinking. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines like Adderall or Vyvanse. Atomoxetine, Strattera, and Guanfacine both of which are non-stimulant medicines that increase dopamine but have an entirely different chemical composition, are also available.
The stimulants start to work within 30 to 45 minutes and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people suffering from ADHD try different medications to find the one that works best for them. You should tell your doctor about any other health issues you suffer from and any medications you are taking, as they could interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect many aspects of your life such as relationships and work performance. They can cause feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. People suffering from ADHD often have trouble completing projects or tasks, and may spend long periods of time on the same task before moving on to another, leaving work unfinished in their wake. They can also have difficulty getting enough sleep and can feel tired or annoyed throughout the day.
When properly used, stimulant medications can help people with ADHD function at home and at school. They can reduce the difficulties at home, bringing people closer to their families, and help them achieve their professional goals. Treatment is not an answer but it can make a huge difference. The first step is for people who suffer from ADHD to speak to their physician or specialist. They will discuss the options for treatment available to them and suggest a combination of therapies and medications.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a powerful treatment for ADHD. It assists you in examining and alter your negative thought patterns, which interfere with your productivity and self-regulation. Research has shown that CBT can help improve symptoms and functioning, especially when used in conjunction with stimulant medication. CBT is an objective-oriented therapy that is focused on the moment. It is different from psychodynamic and traditional psychoanalytic therapies, which focus on childhood traumas and experiences.
In therapy with your therapist, you will work together to identify and challenge distressing thought patterns that keep you in bad habits. You will then devise strategies to replace these thoughts with more helpful ones. Your therapist can also assist you with other issues that impact your functioning such as coexisting anxiety or mood disorders or relationship issues, job functioning, and self care.
If you're always late, your therapist might teach you to prioritize tasks and use an organizer. They might also suggest you try to avoid being early so that you don't get anxious or bored waiting for something to start. Other strategies include using a watch or placing clocks in your home and office, or jotting down daily actions in detail.
The goal is to make these tools a natural part of your everyday life, not just an effort to get rid of your ADHD symptoms. To accomplish this, you will require an experienced therapist. Ask your doctor for recommendations in case you don't know one. Then check with local medical centers and colleges, as well as the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.
There are also online programs that offer the option to practice the techniques on your own without connecting you to an expert or therapist. These programs can be more affordable, however they might not provide the same level of support as a face-to-face session could.
3. Counseling
Many people with ADHD struggle with their relationships and at work due to the fact that they fail to complete important tasks or make quick decisions. Coaching and therapy can improve communication in relationships, and strategies to deal with frustration and stress caused by these issues.
Family therapy and marriage therapy address the issues that arise when a person with ADHD is in a relationship or working. These issues can include not paying attention to important obligations, financial struggles or having difficulty with responsibilities at home or work. Therapy can also help you and your partner or coworkers improve your communication skills to deal with these issues more efficiently.
Adult ADHD treatment usually includes a combination of medications along with counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. The medication helps to manage the symptoms so that you can concentrate on the task at hand, however the other therapies provide an overall approach to improve your quality of life.
It may take some time to locate an adhd specialist therapist or coach. But it's worth the effort to improve the quality of your life. Contact your primary care physician for a referral to a mental health professional. They'll be able suggest a specialist to manage your symptoms and provide counselling to you and your family.
You might be able to participate in a clinical trial which can offer new treatments for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that look at ways to prevent or treat diseases and conditions. Talk to your doctor about the advantages and risks of participating in a clinical research study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a method of treatment that is individualized to the individual and assists people suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their daily lives. It teaches them skills to improve their life quality and increase their ability at school, work at home, at work, and in social relationships. OT has been shown to be a successful treatment option for adults with ADHD.
An OT does not just treat symptoms but also develop skills and strategies that will aid in daily tasks, such as self-control and time management. They may, for example help people suffering from ADHD how to break tasks down into smaller pieces and use visual aids as a reminder of their duties. They can also help them in developing executive function skills that are cognitive processes that allow individuals to manage and plan a task and to make decisions and shift attention to new tasks.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty organising their personal belongings and environment including clothing, books and wallets. OTs teach their clients how to develop routines and methods to manage their lives. This could include using visual aids, preparing schedules and using an organizer. The OTs can also assist clients learn to recognise the connection between their mood and the amount they are exposed to stimulants. They will then monitor their intake of sensory stimuli to stay away from 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 will enable them to let their energy go and frustrations in a way that is more appropriate rather than transferring their emotions into relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Behavioral coaching can be beneficial for people with ADHD who need to address specific issues. A coach can work with clients to address issues such as managing finances, building relationships, decreasing procrastination, or improving academic performance. Coaches can also help educate clients on the neurobiological as well as genetic factors that cause ADHD. This information can help clients overcome the stigma that is associated with ADHD as well as the self-blame often promoted by popular media.
A competent ADHD coach can provide the structure and help needed to make positive changes. They can guide their client through a reflective process to identify the behaviors that are beneficial or detrimental to achieving their goals. They can teach their client how to modify their habits in order to improve their ability to manage their time and develop the necessary skills to achieve their goals. treatment for adult add can provide guidance and support during the entire process.
It is crucial that patients understand that their symptoms are not abnormal. It could be that a professional is the only person who's understood their disorder. It could be a relief to realize that their issues are not due to character imperfections. This understanding could free people from blaming their own faults and seek help.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from the combination of medication and coaching. The coach and psychiatrist can collaborate to work on many issues like setting goals, prioritizing, motivation, organizational skills and problem solving. Behavioral coaching can help with anxiety, stress and impulse control. Coaching can also assist with goals for education and career. The client may decide to continue coaching or switch to a different type of mental health professional.