Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Medication can help many adults suffering from ADHD to relieve the symptoms. However, the medication is more effective when it is combined with other treatment options.
Adult ADHD medication typically includes stimulants and nonstimulants. Certain medical conditions, like depression and high blood pressure can interfere with these medications.
1. Medication
The use of medication is an crucial aspect of treating ADHD. It regulates neurotransmitters and decreases symptoms. The main drugs are stimulants that boost dopamine, the chemical responsible for concentration and thinking. Examples include amphetamines, such as Adderall and Vyvanse or methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medicines, which increase dopamine levels, but have a different chemical makeup are also available. These include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
The stimulants begin to work in around 30 to 45 minutes, and last between 3 and 6 hours. Many people who suffer from ADHD test different medications to find the one that works best for them. It is important to inform your doctor about any other health issues you have and any medications you take, as they may interact with stimulants.
Symptoms of ADHD affect many aspects of life, from relationships to work performance. They can create feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. People with ADHD may have difficulty finishing tasks or projects. They may spend hours on one task before moving onto another, and leave behind unfinished work. They may also experience difficulty sleeping well and feel groggy and irritable throughout the day.
When taken correctly, stimulant medication can improve the way people who suffer from ADHD perform at school and at home. They can ease difficulties at school, bring people closer to their families, and aid them to achieve professional goals. Treatment is not a panacea however it can make a huge difference. People with ADHD should first talk to their GP or a specialist. They will discuss treatment options that might work for them and may recommend a combination of therapies and medicines.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is an effective treatment for ADHD. It helps you examine and change your negative thinking patterns that hinder your productivity and self-regulation. Research has shown that CBT can improve functioning and symptoms, especially when combined with stimulant medication. In contrast to psychodynamic or psychoanalytic therapies that look at childhood experiences and traumas, CBT is goal-oriented and concentrates on the present.
In therapy sessions the therapist and you collaborate to identify and address the troubling thoughts that cause you to stay in unhealthy habits. Then, you devise strategies to replace them with more effective ones. Your therapist may also help you with other issues that can affect your functioning such as coexisting mood disorders or anxiety, relationship problems, job functioning, and self-care.
If you're always late, your therapist might teach you how to prioritize tasks and utilize the planner. They may also suggest you arrive earlier so that you aren't stressed or bored waiting for things to start. Other strategies include using a clock or a watch, placing clocks in your home and at work or jotting down your the daily routine.
It is important to not utilize these tools to treat ADHD symptoms, but to integrate them into your daily routine. But for this to happen you'll need to find a therapist that is competent. If you're not aware of one consult your physician for the name of a therapist. 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 offer the possibility of practicing the skills on your own while connecting you to coaches or therapists. These programs are often more affordable but may not provide the same level of support as a face-toface session.
3. Counseling
Many adults with ADHD struggle with their work and relationships due to the fact that they forget important things or make impulsive decisions. Coaching and therapy can help improve communication in relationships, and strategies to deal with stress and frustration that result from these issues.
Family therapy and marriage therapy address the issues that may arise when someone with ADHD is in a romantic relationship or working. These issues can include being unable to remember important obligations, financial issues and difficulty with the responsibilities of workplace or at home. Therapy can also assist you and your partner or coworkers improve your communication skills so that you can manage these issues more effectively.
Adult ADHD treatment typically involves a combination of medication as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, and counseling. The medication helps you manage the symptoms, so that you can concentrate on the tasks at-hand. However, the other therapies offer a more holistic way to improve your life.
If you suffer from adult adhd, it could take time to find a therapist or coach who is specialized in treating the disorder. But it's worth the effort to improve the quality of your life. Consult your primary care doctor about a referral to an expert in mental health. They'll refer you to a specialist who can treat your symptoms and offer counseling for you and your family.
You could be eligible to take part in a clinical trial that may offer new treatments for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that test methods to diagnose and treat or prevent illnesses. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of participating in a study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a treatment that is individualized to the individual, and helps people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their daily lives. It helps them learn techniques to improve their life quality and improve their abilities in work, school, at home, as well as in social interactions. Studies are already showing that OT is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
In addition to treating symptoms, an OT will focus on building abilities and devising strategies to help with day-to-day functioning, such as time management and the development of self-control. For example, they may help people suffering from ADHD to break down tasks into smaller pieces and employ 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 plan and manage tasks and make decisions, and shift attention to new tasks.
Adults with ADHD struggle to organize their personal and professional belongings, such as books, clothes and wallets. OTs can help these clients to develop systems to ensure their belongings are organised and establish routines to maintain organisation. This can include using visual aids, making schedules and utilizing an organizer. OTs can also help clients understand the connection between their mood and how much they are exposed to sensory stimulation. They can then 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 help them release their restless energy and frustrations in a more sensible manner instead of transferring those emotions into relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral coaching to address specific issues. A coach could help clients with issues like managing finances, developing relationships, reducing procrastination or improving academic performance. adhd treatment in adults can also educate about the genetic, neurobiological and environmental factors that contribute to ADHD. This information can help clients overcome the stigma associated with the condition and lessen self-blame which is often portrayed in popular media.
A skilled ADHD coach can provide the help and structure that is necessary to implement changes. They can guide their client through a reflection process to determine which habits can be beneficial or detrimental to reaching their goals. They can help the client learn how to change their habits to improve their time management and build the skills to achieve their goals. A coach can also offer encouragement and support throughout the process.
It is important that clients understand that their symptoms are not abnormal. A professional may be the only person they meet who is aware of the condition, and it's a relief to learn that their issues aren't a result of their character flaws or some personal failure. This new understanding could liberate individuals from blame and to seek assistance.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from the combination of medication and behavior coaching. The coach and psychiatrist are able to collaborate on various issues like setting goals, prioritizing, motivation and organizational skills as well as problem solving. Behavioral coaching is also helpful for anxiety, stress and controlling impulses. A coach can also help in achieving goals in the field of education and work. The client may decide to continue coaching or to transition to a different kind of mental health professional.