Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults suffering from ADHD find relief from the symptoms of this condition through medication. It is more effective when used in conjunction with other treatment methods.
Treatment for adults with ADHD typically includes stimulants as well as nonstimulant medicines. Certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure and depression could interfere with these medications.
1. Medication
Medication can be a very important part of treating ADHD. It regulates neurotransmitters and decreases symptoms. The most common medications are stimulants that increase dopamine, a chemical that is responsible for concentration and thinking. Examples include amphetamines like Adderall and Vyvanse or methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medications, which increase dopamine levels but have a different chemical makeup are also available. These include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
Stimulants start to work after 30 to 45 minutes, and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people who suffer from ADHD try different medications to find the one that is most effective for themselves. You should tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you suffer from and any medications you take, since they can interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect the entirety of your life, including relationships and work performance. They can create feelings of self-worth and inadequacy. People with ADHD might have trouble completing tasks or projects. They may be able to spend hours on one task before moving on to another, leaving behind unfinished work. They can also have difficulty getting good quality sleep and can feel tired or annoyed throughout the day.
If properly taken, stimulant medications can help people who suffer from ADHD perform at home and at school. They can help reduce difficulties at home, bring people closer to their families and allow them to achieve professional goals. Treatment isn't a panacea however it can make a significant difference. People suffering from ADHD must first speak with their GP or a specialist. They will discuss treatment options that can be beneficial for them and suggest a combination of therapies and medications.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is an effective treatment for ADHD. It helps you examine and alter your negative thought patterns, which interfere with your productivity and self-regulation. CBT has been proven to improve the quality of life and symptoms, especially when combined stimulant medications. CBT is an objective-oriented therapy that is focused on the moment. It is different from psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapies, which focus on childhood traumas and experiences.
In therapy with your therapist, you will work together to discover and break down the negative thought patterns that lead you to engage in unhealthy habits. Then, you develop strategies to replace these thoughts with more beneficial ones. Your therapist can also help with other issues that can affect your performance, such as co-existing anxiety disorders or relationships issues, mood disorders, job functioning and self-care.
If you're always late, your therapist may teach you how to prioritize tasks and use the planner. They may also suggest you arrive early so that you don't become stressed or bored waiting for things start. Other strategies include using a watch or placing clocks around your home and office, or writing out daily activities in detail.
It is crucial to not use these tools to treat ADHD symptoms, but to incorporate them into your daily routine. To achieve this you'll have to find a therapist who is reliable. If you don't know of one consult your physician for an appointment. You can also check with your local medical centers and colleges, as well as the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.
You can also look for online programs that provide the option to practice the techniques on your own without connecting you to a therapist or coach. These programs are cheaper, but they may not offer the same level of support that face-to-face sessions will.
3. Counseling
Many adults with ADHD struggle in their relationships and work because they are unable to remember important tasks or make impulsive decisions. Therapy and coaching can aid in improving communication and provide strategies to manage anxiety and frustration.
Therapy for families and marriage addresses the issues that arise when a person who suffers from ADHD is in a relationship or at work. These issues could include forgetting important obligations, financial difficulties or issues with responsibilities at home or work. Therapy can assist you and your spouse or coworkers learn to communicate more effectively so that you can be able to better manage these challenges.
Adult ADHD treatment usually includes a combination of medications along with counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. The medication helps to manage the symptoms so that you can focus on the task that are at hand, but other therapies offer a more holistic approach to improving your life.
If you have adult adhd, it could be a long time before you find an expert therapist or coach who is specialized in treating the disorder. It's worth it to improve your quality of life. Consult your primary care physician about getting a referral for a mental health professional. They'll be able recommend a specialist who can treat your symptoms and offer counseling for you and your family.
You may be able to participate in a clinical trial that provides new solutions to your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that examine ways to identify and treat or prevent illnesses. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a treatment that is tailored to the individual and helps those with ADHD overcome obstacles 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 context of school, work as well as social interactions at home and at school. OT has been proven to be an effective treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD.
An OT will not just address symptoms, but also develop strategies and skills that aid in everyday functioning, such as time management and self-control. They can, for instance, teach people with ADHD how to break tasks down into smaller pieces and use visual aids to remind them of their responsibilities. They will also assist in the development of executive functional skills that are cognitive processes that allow people to plan and manage tasks as well as make decisions and shift their attention to other tasks.
Adults with ADHD struggle to organize their environment and personal possessions including clothing, books and wallets. OTs teach their clients how to establish routines and methods to manage their lives. treatment for add in adults could include using a planner, drafting schedules and using visual aids. Additionally, OTs can help clients learn to recognise the connection between their mood and the amount they are exposed to sensory stimulation. They will then 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 their energy go and frustrations in a more sensible manner instead of transferring those emotions into relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching if they need to address certain issues. A coach might work with clients on topics such as managing finances and relationships, improving communication and reducing procrastination, or improving academic performance. Coaches may also educate clients on the neurobiological as well as genetic factors that contribute to ADHD. This information can help clients overcome the stigma that is associated with ADHD and the self-blame often promoted by the media.
A competent ADHD coach can provide the structure and guidance required to make positive changes. They can guide their clients through a process of reflection to determine which habits can be beneficial or detrimental to attaining their goals. They can teach their client how to modify their habits in order to improve their time management skills and acquire the necessary skills to achieve their goals. A coach can offer encouragement and support during the entire process.
It is crucial that patients be aware that their symptoms aren't abnormal. A doctor could be the only person they ever meet who is aware of their disorder, so it's an enormous relief to know that their problems aren't caused by their character flaws, or a personal failing. This understanding could free them to stop blaming their own faults and seek assistance.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from the combination of medication and behavior coaching. The coach and psychiatrist can collaborate to address a range of issues, such as goals, prioritizing tasks motivation, organizational skills, motivation and problem solving. Behavioral coaching can be helpful in dealing with stress, anxiety, and controlling impulses. A coach can also assist with educational and vocational goals. The client can choose to continue coaching or move to a different type of mental health professional.