Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults with ADHD are able to relieve the symptoms of this condition through medication. The effectiveness of medication is greater when combined other treatment methods.
Treatment for adults with ADHD typically includes stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Certain medical conditions, such as depression and high blood pressure, may be a problem for these medications.
1. Medication
Medication is a significant component of treatment for ADHD, balancing neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce symptoms. The primary drugs are stimulants that increase dopamine levels that are responsible for attention and thinking. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines such as Adderall or Vyvanse. Atomoxetine, Strattera, and Guanfacine, all non-stimulant drugs which increase dopamine, but have an entirely different chemical composition, are also available.
Stimulants start to work after 30 to 45 minutes, and last between 3 and 6 hours. Many people suffering from ADHD try different medications to determine the one that is most effective for them. You should tell your doctor about any other health issues you have, as well as any medication you take, since they could interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect the entirety 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 completing projects or tasks. They may spend hours on one task before moving to another, leaving behind unfinished work. They may also have difficulty sleeping well and may feel tired or even irritable throughout the day.
If properly taken When taken properly, stimulant medication can help improve the way that people with ADHD perform at home and at school. They can ease the burden at home, bringing people closer to their families, and allow them to achieve professional goals. Treatment isn't a cure-all however it can make a significant difference. The first step is for people suffering from ADHD to speak with their physician or specialist. They will discuss treatment options that might be beneficial for them and recommend a combination of treatments and medicines.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a proven treatment for ADHD. It assists you in examining and alter negative patterns of thought that hinder your self-control and productivity. Research has shown that CBT can improve functioning and symptoms, especially when used in conjunction with stimulant medication. Unlike traditional psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapies that look at traumas and childhood experiences, CBT is goal-oriented and focuses on the present moment.
During therapy sessions you and your therapist collaborate to pinpoint and address the troubling thoughts that keep you stuck in bad habits. You will then devise strategies to replace these thoughts with more beneficial ones. Your therapist can also assist you with other issues that impact your functioning, including co-existing mood disorders or anxiety and relationship issues working, and self-care.
If you're always late, your therapist might teach you how to prioritize your tasks and use a planner. They may also advise you to err on the side of being on time, so that you don't feel overwhelmed or bored waiting for something else to start. Other options include using a clock or watch, putting clocks in your workplace and in your home and writing down your daily activities.
It is essential to not make use of these tools to treat ADHD symptoms, but also to incorporate them into your daily routine. To accomplish this, you will need to find an experienced therapist. 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.
There are also online programs that give you the option of practicing skills on your own, while connecting you to an expert or therapist. These programs are more affordable, however they may not offer the same level of support that face-to-face sessions could.
3. Counseling
Many adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty in their work and relationships due to the fact that they lose track of important information or make impulsive decisions. Coaching and therapy can help aid in improving communication and provide strategies to manage stress and frustration.
Family therapy and marriage therapy address the issues that can arise when a person with ADHD is in a romantic relationship or working. These issues include forgetting important commitments, financial struggles and issues with responsibilities in the home or workplace. Therapy can help you and your partner, or coworkers, learn to communicate more effectively so that you are able to better manage these challenges.
Adult ADHD is usually treated using a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling. The medication helps to manage the symptoms to allow you to focus on the work that are at hand, but other therapies offer more holistic approaches to improve your life.
If you have adult adhd, it may be a long time before you find a coach or therapist who is specialized in treating the disorder. It's worth it to increase your life quality. Consult your primary care doctor about a referral to a mental health professional. They'll be able to suggest a specialist to treat your symptoms and provide guidance for you and your family.
You could be eligible to participate in a study that provides new treatments for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that test ways to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical research study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a treatment that is tailored to the individual and helps people with ADHD overcome challenges in their daily lives. It helps them develop skills to enhance their quality of life and increase their ability to engage in meaningful activities within the contexts of school, work and home, as well as social connections. Studies have already proven that OT is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
In addition to treating symptoms in addition to addressing the underlying issues, an OT will focus on building skills and devising strategies that aid in daily functioning, including time management and the development of self-control. For instance, they might instruct people suffering from ADHD to break tasks down into smaller pieces and employ visual aids to remind them of their responsibilities. They will also assist in the development of executive functional skills which are the cognitive processes that allow people to plan and manage tasks and to make decisions and shift their attention to other tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD often struggle to organise their personal and physical belongings such as wallets, books, and clothing. OTs will teach clients how to keep their possessions organised and develop routines to ensure order. This can include using a planner, making schedules, and using visual aids. OTs will also support clients in understanding the connection between their mood and the amount of sensory stimulation they feel and help them monitor their sensory diet 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 can help them release their anger and frustration in a more appropriate manner instead of taking these feelings into relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching if they need to tackle certain issues. A coach could work with clients on topics like managing money, building relationships, reducing procrastination or improving academic performance. Coaches can also teach clients about the neurobiological and genetic factors that cause ADHD. This information can help clients overcome the stigma that surrounds the condition and help reduce self-blame, which is often promoted in popular media.
A good ADHD coach can provide the structure and help necessary to make positive changes. They can guide the client through a process of reflection to identify what behaviors are helpful or harmful to achieving their goals. They can teach the client how to change their behavior to improve their time management and help them develop the skills to reach their goals. A coach can provide encouragement and support during the entire process.
It is crucial for patients to understand that their symptoms are normal. It may be that a professional is the only person who's understood their disorder. It can be a relief to realize that their issues are not caused by character imperfections. This newfound understanding can also allow individuals from blame and seek out help.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a combination of medication and behavior coaching. The coach and the psychiatrist can collaborate to work on a variety of issues such as goal setting, prioritizing, motivation and organizational skills, as well as problem solving. Behavioral coaching can be helpful for stress, anxiety and impulse control. Coaching can also assist with add and treatment and vocational goals. The client may decide to continue coaching or move to a different type of mental health professional.