Treating Adult ADHD
Treatment for adult adhd requires a combination of medications and counseling. These treatments can help you develop new strategies for coping and address emotional issues that are typically related to ADHD.
Stimulant medications for ADHD boost levels of brain chemicals that control attention. These include methylphenidate, which is sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Lisdexamphetamine that are sold under the names Adderall and Vyvanse.
Medication
For a lot of adults suffering from ADHD Treatment involves medication. It can reduce symptoms and improve performance at school, work and home. For some patients, it can help improve self-esteem and relationships. The medication used to treat adult ADHD is different from the medication used to treat children, and it is necessary to obtain a prescription. There are a myriad of drugs, and you could need to try a few before you find one that works.
The medications used to treat adults with ADHD include stimulants as well as non-stimulant medications. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate, which is an stimulant. However, this type of medication has some side effects, such as heart palpitations, headaches and gastrointestinal problems. Clonidine and modafinil, non-stimulant drugs, have been proved to be effective in certain adults. These drugs haven't been studied as extensively as stimulants, therefore their long-term efficacy and side effects are not known.
Psychosocial therapies, such as counseling and family therapy are also essential in the treatment of adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy helps patients comprehend their condition and develop coping strategies and problem-solving abilities. It can also enhance relationships with spouses, friends and family members. Counseling can aid couples in improving their communication and help one another.
A comprehensive approach to managing of ADHD in adults involves medication and psychotherapy. Both types of treatment are essential to reduce the impact on everyday life of the disorder. In order to qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be severe and cause significant impairment in several areas of life. The impairment must be present from the time of childhood.
Psychotherapy for adult ADHD includes counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as family and marital therapy. The counseling helps the patient recognize and modify negative thought patterns that affect their interactions with others. It can also teach patients the skills needed to manage ADHD and other mental illnesses such as depression or substance abuse. Support groups for people with ADHD are usually offered in local communities as well as online.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically feel that their issues interfere with their work and personal relationships. They feel like they have no control over their lives and that their family and friends aren't understanding. Counseling or psychotherapy can assist in managing symptoms by addressing emotional issues and teaching skills. It can also aid in the treatment of co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of therapy that teaches you practical strategies to manage your life with ADHD. It focuses on changing bad thinking patterns and improving control, which can improve problematic behavior. CBT is also beneficial for people who have co-occurring ADHD and anxiety or depression disorders, especially when it is used in conjunction with medication.
CBT is focused more on the present than other forms of psychotherapy that focus on previous experiences. It helps you identify thoughts traps, or patterns of thinking that prevent you from moving forward with your goals and plans. These include perfectionism and all-or-nothing thought patterns, such as catastrophizing worst-case scenarios and self-blame. CBT includes training in communication skills as well as relaxation techniques training and exposure therapies to reduce phobias.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and interpersonal therapy are two other kinds of therapy that can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. DBT teaches essential skills, like mindfulness which allows you to fully feel and accept your emotions and emotion regulation which is the ability to manage difficult feelings. DBT does not just teach these skills, but practical strategies to manage stress and cope with problems in daily life. It can be delivered in group sessions, individual sessions, or via an online therapy platform.
Therapy for interpersonal relationships focuses on helping you build meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts in your relationship. It can help people with co-occurring ADHD and personality disorders such as antisocial disorder that is common among adults with untreated ADHD. It can also aid in the impulsivity issue and difficulty regulating emotions that are typical symptoms of these disorders.
The majority of people who have ADHD can be treated using medication alone However, not all symptoms are improved. Combining therapy and medication with coaching can create an overall plan that improves the majority of your symptoms.
Education
In addition to medication, ADHD treatment can include education on the condition as well as self-help methods that can lessen symptoms. Your health care provider may refer you to books and websites or to those who have previous experience dealing with the disorder. Support groups are another option to share stories, information and coping strategies with others suffering from ADHD. Support groups are available in a variety of communities as well as online.
The most effective approach to treating adult ADHD is a combination of treatment with medication, behavioral therapy, and life skills training. A lot of the same medications used for treating children are effective for adults. However, they might need a higher dosage or be administered at a different time. It is essential to speak with your doctor about what you require to feel at your best.
Psychotherapy helps patients learn to recognize and utilize their strengths, improve organizational and planning skills, cope with frustrations and failures, and improve the quality of 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 frequently used by therapists who treat adults with adhd impulsivity treatment ADHD to assist parents, spouses, and other loved ones better know about the disorder and its impact on their relationship. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently complain about marital problems when seeking treatment. Spouses blame each other when there are problems such as financial difficulties, inattention, or impulsivity. In a study, 81% married couples interviewed said that their marital problems were caused by a comorbid drug addiction or depression (Hesslinger 2002).
Learning about the effects of ADHD can help you to stay organized and keep it that way. For example, make a habit of setting aside a certain time every day to clear your desk and organize your paperwork to ensure you don't get distracted later in the day. You can also allow yourself more time to finish tasks or go to appointments than you think is important by setting an alarm on your smartphone or writing down the appointment 15 minutes earlier than it actually is.
Support
If you forget appointments, struggle to keep the track of your tasks, and you can't manage to finish your projects at work or home, these symptoms might not be just normal. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While these traits can cause stress in relationships and hinder productivity, you can take steps to improve your situation.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat brain-related chemical imbalances associated with ADHD and counseling can help you develop coping and organizational skills. Friends and family members can be a wonderful source of help.
Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamines are commonly used to treat ADHD as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine may also be effective. When prescribing medication your doctor will consider the way you react to different medications, any side effects that you may have or other health issues.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is usually recommended for those with ADHD. This structured therapy teaches you how to change your negative thinking patterns and control your behavior. It can also help you cope with the challenges of your life and improve your relationships.
Another form of counseling is group therapy. It gives you the opportunity to connect with others who share the same issues and discuss ways to manage them. You can also develop how to manage stress and organize yourself that you can use in your daily life.
You can also control your ADHD symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments. A healthy diet, for example can safeguard your physical and mental health. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, fat and processed ingredients, and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise can be very helpful. It helps you remain calm and focused and reduces the symptoms of ADHD.
Some people with ADHD benefit from having a coach or mentor who can assist them in learning practical techniques to organize and improve their daily routines. This could be in addition to more formal psychological counselling and could include learning how to manage time and setting goals.
Online therapy is offered by BetterHelp for adults who are unable locate a counselor in their area. You can connect with a licensed therapist via video or voice calls as well as in-app messaging at times that suit your schedule.