Treating Adult ADHD
Adult adhd treatment requires a combination of medications and counseling. These treatments can help you develop new coping techniques and deal with emotional issues that are frequently related to ADHD.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase brain chemicals that regulate attention. These include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines, such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Medication
For many adults with ADHD Treatment involves medication. It can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning at work, home and at school. For some patients, it could help improve self-esteem and relationships. Adult ADHD medication differs from the medication prescribed for children. A prescription is required. There are many different medications, and you may need to try a few before you find one that is effective.
Drugs that are non-stimulant or stimulant are used to treat adult ADHD. Stimulants are the most effective, and methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed drug. This type of medication can cause adverse effects, such as heart palpitations, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems. Clonidine, guanfacine and modafinil are non-stimulant drugs that have been proven to be effective in a small number of adults. These drugs haven't been extensively studied as stimulants, so their long-term effectiveness and side effects aren't known.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from psychosocial therapies like family therapy and counseling. Psychotherapy helps patients understand their condition and improve their coping skills and problem-solving abilities. It can also help improve relationships with friends, spouses and relatives. The signs of ADHD can lead to conflicts in relationships, and counseling can help couples learn to better communicate and help each other.
A complete approach to the treatment of ADHD in adults involves psychotherapy and medications. Both treatments are important to minimize the impact on daily activities of the disorder. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be sufficient to cause clinically significant impairments in various areas of life. The impairment must be present from the time of childhood.
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD includes counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as marital and family therapy. The counseling assists the patient in recognizing and modify negative thought patterns that affect their relationships with others. It can also teach patients skills to better manage ADHD and other mental illnesses such as addiction or depression. Many online and community-based communities offer support groups for those with ADHD.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD often experience problems with their work and personal relationships. They often feel they have no control over their lives, and that family members and friends don't know about their struggles. Counseling, or psychotherapy, can help manage these issues by addressing emotional issues and teaching life skills. It can also aid in the treatment of co-occurring disorders, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that gives you practical knowledge to help manage your life when you suffer from ADHD. It focuses on changing bad thinking patterns and improving control, which can help improve problem behavior. CBT can also be effective for people with comorbid ADHD and anxiety or depression particularly when coupled with medication.
CBT focuses more on the present than other types of psychotherapy that focus on past experiences. It helps you recognize thought traps, or patterns of thinking that stop you from moving forward with your goals and plans. They include perfectionism and all-or-nothing thought patterns, such as self-blame and catastrophizing worst-case scenarios. CBT includes communication skills training as well as relaxation techniques training and exposure therapies to lessen fears.
Other types of therapy that can be helpful for adults with ADHD include dialectical behavior therapy, also known as DBT and interpersonal therapy. DBT teaches important skills, such as mindfulness, which lets you fully experience and accept your emotions and also emotion regulation that is the ability to manage difficult emotions. DBT teaches not only these skills but also practical strategies to manage stress and deal with issues in everyday life. It can be delivered in individual sessions, group sessions, or through an online therapy platform.
Therapy for interpersonal relationships focuses on helping you build lasting relationships and overcoming conflicts in your relationship. It can be helpful for those who suffer from an underlying ADHD with personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, which is found in a large number of adults who have untreated ADHD. It can also help with impulsivity, and difficulty regulating emotions which are common symptoms.
The majority of people who have ADHD can be treated with medication alone However, not all symptoms can be improved. Combining therapy and medication with coaching can help you create a comprehensive plan that improves the majority of your symptoms.
Education
ADHD treatment can include self-help techniques and education about the disorder. These techniques can help to reduce symptoms. Your health care provider can provide you with books and websites or to people with previous experience dealing with the disorder. A support group is also an option to share experiences, information, and coping techniques with others who have ADHD. They are available in a variety of communities as well as online.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is the combination of medications as well as behavior therapy and skills training. A lot of the same medications used to treat children are also effective for adults. However, they may need a higher dosage or taken at a slightly different time. It is important to discuss with your doctor your needs to feel your best.
Psychotherapy helps patients identify and harness their strengths. It helps them develop better organizing and planning abilities, learn to cope with disappointments and failures, and improve their relationships. The majority of psychotherapy approaches for ADHD adult patients include the cognitive-behavioral component. This is designed to help patients change their thinking and behavior so that they can have more control over their lives.
Marriage or family counseling is often used by therapists for adults suffering from ADHD to help spouses, children and other loved ones understand the disorder and its effects on their relationship. Marriage problems are a common complaint of those who suffer from ADHD who seek treatment. Spouses blame each other when there are issues like adhd symptoms treatment financial issues, inattention, or impulsivity. In a study, 81% married couples interviewed said that their marital problems were a result of comorbid substance addiction and/or depression (Hesslinger 2002).
Teaching yourself about the effects of ADHD can make it easier to stay organized and keep it that way. For instance, schedule a time each day to clear your desk and arrange your paperwork so you're not distracted by it later in the day. You can also try giving yourself more time than it will take to complete your tasks and get to appointments by setting alarms on your phone or writing down appointments for fifteen minutes earlier than they actually are.
Support
These symptoms are not normal when you struggle to remember appointments, have trouble keeping the track of your tasks, and aren't able to finish projects at home or work. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These issues can lead to stress and can hinder productivity in relationships. However you can make a difference to your situation.
Counseling can help you develop coping and organization skills. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat chemical deficiencies in the brain related to ADHD. The support of family and friends is also important.
The stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or amphetamines are commonly used to treat ADHD and other non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine can also be effective. When prescribing medication your doctor will take into account how you react to different medications, any side effects that you may have and any other health issues.
People with ADHD are typically advised to undergo cognitive behavior therapy. This structured therapy teaches you how to alter your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It can help you deal with difficulties in your life and strengthen your relationships.
Another kind of counseling is support group therapy. It gives you the chance to connect with other people who have the same struggles and discuss strategies to deal with them. You can also learn strategies for coping and organization which you can use in your everyday life.
You can also reduce your ADHD symptoms by making lifestyle changes. For instance, eating healthy foods can safeguard your physical and mental health. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, fat and processed ingredients. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. Exercise is also beneficial. It can help you remain focused and calm, and reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may benefit from having the assistance of a coach or mentor who can provide them with practical techniques to help them improve their daily routines. This can be a supplement to more formal psychological counseling, and can also include learning to set goals and learn time management techniques.
Online therapy is offered through BetterHelp for adults who are unable find a counselor close to them. You can connect with a licensed therapist through video or voice call and in-app messaging at times that fit your schedule.