Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults with ADHD are able to relieve the symptoms of this disorder by taking medication. However, the medication is more effective when it is combined with other treatment methods.
Treatment for adults with ADHD typically includes stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure and depression could be a problem for these medications.
1. Medication
The use of medication is an important part of treating ADHD. adhd adult treatment and reduces symptoms. The most common drugs are stimulants that boost dopamine, a chemical that is responsible for concentration and thinking. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines like Adderall or Vyvanse. Non-stimulant drugs, which boost dopamine levels but have different chemical makeup, are also available and include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
Stimulants start working in about 30 to 45 minutes and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people suffering from ADHD experiment with different medications to determine the one that works best for them. It is important to inform your doctor about any other health conditions you have and any medications you take, as they could interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect all aspects of your life including relationships and work performance. They can trigger feelings of inadequateness and low self-esteem. People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty finishing projects or tasks. They might spend a long time on one task before moving onto another, and leave behind unfinished work. They may also have trouble sleeping well and may feel tired and irritable throughout the day.
When properly taken, stimulant drugs can improve how people with ADHD perform at school and at home. They can reduce the difficulties at home, and bring people closer to their families and allow them to achieve professional goals. Treatment is not a panacea however it can make a huge difference. The first step is for those who suffer from ADHD to speak to their doctor or specialist. They will discuss treatment options that might be effective for them and recommend a combination of therapies and medicines.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a successful treatment for ADHD. It helps you identify and alter negative patterns of thought that interfere with your self-control and productivity. CBT has been shown to improve symptoms and function particularly when it is combined with stimulant medication. Unlike traditional psychoanalytic or psychodynamic treatments that focus on childhood traumas and experiences, CBT is goal-oriented and is focused on the present.
During therapy, you and your therapist will work together to discover and break down the negative habits of thought that cause you to fall into bad habits. You then develop strategies to replace these thoughts with more positive ones. Your therapist can also help with other issues that affect your performance, like coexisting anxiety disorders or relationships issues, mood disorders working, self-care and other issues.
If you're always late, your therapist might teach you to prioritize tasks and utilize a planner. They might also suggest that you arrive earlier so that you aren't stressed or bored waiting for things to start. Other strategies include using a watch or clock watch, keeping clocks in your home and at work, or writing down daily activities.
It is important to not just make use of these tools to treat ADHD symptoms, but to make them a part of your daily routine. To achieve this, you will require an experienced therapy provider. Ask your doctor for a recommendation if you don't already know one. Then check with local medical centers, colleges, and the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.
You can also look for online programs that offer the option of practicing skills on your own, while connecting you with an expert or therapist. These programs are usually less expensive, but they might not offer the same level support as a face-toface session.
3. Counseling
Many adults suffering from ADHD have difficulties in their work and relationships because they lose track of important information or make decisions impulsively. Coaching and therapy can enhance communication and assist with strategies to deal with stress and frustration.
Therapy for families and marriage addresses the issues that can arise when someone who suffers from ADHD is in a romantic relationship or at work. These issues can 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 colleagues to improve communication so that you can be able to manage these difficulties better.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with a combination medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and counseling. The medication can help control the symptoms so that you can focus on the work that are at hand, but the other therapies provide more holistic approaches to improving your life.
If you suffer from adult adhd, it might be a long time before you find a coach or therapist who is specialized in treating the disorder. It's worth it to improve your quality of life. Talk to your primary care provider about getting a referral for an expert in mental health. They can refer you to an expert to treat your issues and provide counseling for you and your loved family members.
You could be eligible to participate in a clinical trial that provides new solutions to your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that look at ways to prevent or treat diseases and conditions. Speak to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in a research study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a treatment that is customized to the individual, and helps people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their daily lives. It teaches them techniques to improve their life quality and improve their performance at school, work as well as at home and in social interactions. Research is already proving that OT is a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
In addition to addressing symptoms as well as addressing their causes, an OT will focus on building skills and developing strategies that aid in daily functioning, such as time management and the development of self-control. For instance, they could instruct people suffering from ADHD to break down their tasks into smaller pieces and employ visual aids to remind them of their responsibilities. They can also help them develop executive functioning skills. These are cognitive processes that enable people to plan, manage and complete tasks, and make a decision and switch attention to other tasks.
Adults with ADHD often struggle with organizing their personal and physical belongings such as wallets, books and clothes. OTs can help clients how to manage their belongings and establish routines to maintain order. This can include using visual aids, making schedules and utilizing a planner. The OTs can also assist clients learn to recognise the relationship between their mood and the amount they are exposed to stimulants. They will then be able to monitor their sensory diet in order 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 allow them to let go of their frustration and restlessness in a more appropriate manner, rather than transfer these feelings to relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Coaching for behavior can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD who need to address specific problems. A coach may work with clients to address issues like managing finances, building relationships, reducing procrastination or improving academic performance. Coaches can also teach clients on the neurobiological and genetic factors that cause ADHD. This knowledge can help clients reduce the stigma that is associated with ADHD and the self-blame often portrayed by the media.
A competent ADHD coach can provide the structure and support needed to make positive changes. They can guide the client through a process of reflection to determine what habits are beneficial or harmful to achieving their goals. They can teach their client how to change their behavior to improve their time management skills and acquire the necessary skills to meet their goals. A coach can offer encouragement and support during the entire process.
It's important for clients to be aware that their issues are normal. A doctor could be the only person they encounter who understands the condition, and it's an enormous relief to learn that their challenges are not caused by their character flaws, or a personal failure. This new understanding could free people from blaming their own faults and seek assistance.
A combination of medication and coaching can be very beneficial for people suffering from ADHD. The psychiatrist and coach can work together to tackle various issues, including goal setting, prioritizing, motivation, organizational skills and problem solving. Behavioral coaching can assist with stress, anxiety and impulse control. A coach can assist with educational or vocational goals as well. The client is able to decide whether they want to continue coaching or change to another type of mental health professional.