Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many people with ADHD can get relief from the symptoms of this disorder by taking medication. However, medication is more effective when it is combined with other treatment options.
Treatment for adults with ADHD typically includes stimulants as well as nonstimulant medicines. Certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure and depression could interact with these medications.
1. Medication
Medication can be a very important part of treating ADHD. It regulates neurotransmitters and decreases symptoms. The main drugs are stimulants that boost dopamine, a chemical responsible for focus and thinking. Examples include amphetamines such as Adderall and Vyvanse, or methylphenidate. Non-stimulant drugs, which boost dopamine levels, but have a different chemical make-up are also available. These 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 test a variety of medications over time to find out what is most effective for them. You should tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you suffer from and any medications you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect many aspects of your life including relationships and work performance. They can cause feelings of inadequateness and low self-esteem. People with ADHD might have trouble completing projects or tasks. They may spend hours on one task before moving onto another, leaving unfinished work. They may also have difficulties getting a good night's sleep and can feel tired or irritable throughout the day.
When properly taken, stimulant drugs can improve how people with ADHD function in school and at home. They can help reduce difficulties at home, bringing people closer to their families and enable them to reach their professional goals. Treatment isn't a cure but it can make a significant difference. People with ADHD should first talk to their physician or an expert. They will discuss treatment options that can work for them and may suggest a combination of therapies and medicines.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a potent treatment for ADHD. It helps you to examine and alter your negative thought patterns, which interfere with your productivity and self-regulation. CBT has been shown to improve the quality of life and symptoms, especially when combined stimulant medications. CBT is an objective-oriented therapy that is focused on the moment. It differs from traditional psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies, which examine childhood traumas and experiences.
In therapy sessions you and your therapist collaborate to identify and address the troubling thoughts that cause you to stay in unhealthy habits. Then, you develop strategies to replace these thoughts with more helpful ones. Your therapist may also help you with other issues that impact your functioning such as coexisting mood disorders or anxiety or relationship issues working, and self-care.
For instance, if you're always running late, your therapist might teach you to prioritize tasks and use a calendar. They may also suggest that you arrive earlier so that you don't get bored or stressed waiting for things to start. Other strategies might include wearing a watch, placing clocks around your home and office, or jotting down the day's actions in detail.
The aim is to make these tools a natural part of your everyday life, not just an effort to overcome your ADHD symptoms. To achieve this, you'll require an experienced therapy provider. If you don't know one, ask your doctor for a referral. You can also check with your local medical centers, colleges, and the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.
There are also online programs that let you practice your skills on your own, while still connecting you with a therapist or coach. These programs are typically more affordable, but they might not provide the same level of assistance that a face-to-face session could.
3. Counseling
Many adults with ADHD struggle in their relationships and work because they are unable to remember important tasks or make impulsive decisions. Coaching and therapy can help improve communication and help with strategies to deal with stress and anger.
Family and marriage counseling deals with the issues that be created when a person suffering from ADHD is in a relationship or working at their job. These issues include being unable to remember important obligations, financial issues and difficulty with the responsibilities of workplace or at home. Therapy can assist you and your spouse, or coworkers, improve your communication so that you can be able to better manage these challenges.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with a combination medication and cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling. The medication helps to manage the symptoms to allow you to focus on the tasks that are at hand, but the other therapies provide more holistic approaches to improving your life.
If you suffer from adult adhd, it might take time to find a coach or therapist who specializes in treating the disorder. It's worth it in order to improve your life quality. Consult your primary care physician about a referral to a mental health professional. They can refer you to an expert to treat your ailment and provide support for you and your loved family members.
You might be able to take part in a clinical trial that may offer new solutions to your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that examine ways to identify, prevent or treat diseases. Discuss with your doctor the advantages and risks of participating in a clinical research study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a form of treatment that is individualized to the individual and helps those with ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their daily lives. It teaches skills to improve their quality of life and help them engage in meaningful activities within the contexts of work, school, home and social relationships. OT has been proven to be a highly effective treatment option for adults with ADHD.
An OT will not just address symptoms, but also develop strategies and skills that can help with everyday functioning, such as time management and self-control. They could, for instance help people suffering from ADHD how to break tasks down into smaller pieces and use visual aids to remind them of their duties. They will also assist in the development of executive function skills that are cognitive processes that allow individuals to manage and plan a task as well as make decisions and shift their attention to other tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD have trouble organizing their environment and personal possessions like clothing, books and wallets. OTs help their clients to create routines and methods to manage their lives. This may include using visual aids, preparing schedules and utilizing an organizer. OTs can also help clients recognize the connection between their mood and how much they are exposed to stimulants. They will then be able to monitor their diet of sensory stimuli 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 will enable them to let go of their agitated energy and frustrations in a more sensible manner rather than transferring their emotions into relationships with other people.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching to address specific issues. A coach can work with clients to address issues such as managing finances, developing relationships, reducing procrastination or improving academic performance. Coaches may also educate clients on 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 that is often promoted by popular media.
A skilled ADHD coach can provide the structure and guidance required to make positive changes. They can guide their client through a reflective process to identify the behaviors that can be beneficial or detrimental to reaching their goals. They can teach the client how to modify their habits to improve their time management and help them develop the skills to achieve 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. adhd in adults treatment may be the only person they ever interact with who understands their condition, so it's a relief to learn that their problems aren't caused by their personality flaws or a personal failure. This understanding will enable them to stop blaming themselves and to seek assistance.
A combination of medication and coaching can be very beneficial for adults with ADHD. The coach and psychiatrist can collaborate to work on various issues such as goal setting, prioritizing motivation, organizational skills and problem solving. Behavioral coaching can also help with stress, anxiety and impulse control. A coach can also assist with educational and vocational goals. The client can decide whether or not to continue coaching or change to a different type of mental health professional.