Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
The use of medication can assist many adults suffering from ADHD to alleviate the symptoms. The effectiveness of medication is greater when used in conjunction with other treatment methods.
Adult ADHD medication usually includes stimulants and non-stimulants. These medications can interact with certain medical conditions such as depression and high blood pressure.
1. Medication
Medication can be a very important part of treatment for ADHD. It regulates neurotransmitters and decreases symptoms. The most popular medication is stimulants that increase dopamine, the chemical responsible for focus and thinking. Examples include amphetamines such as Adderall and Vyvanse, or methylphenidate. Non-stimulant drugs, which boost dopamine levels, but have a different chemical composition, are also available and include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
Stimulants start to work after 30 to 45 minutes, and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people with ADHD test different medications to determine the one that is most effective for themselves. You should tell your doctor about any other health issues you have, as well as any medication you take, since they can interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect all aspects of your life including relationships and work performance. They can trigger feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. People suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty finishing tasks or projects, and can spend long hours working on the same task before moving onto another, leaving unfinished work in their wake. They may also have trouble sleeping well and feel tired or even irritable throughout the day.
When taken properly, stimulant medications can help people with ADHD function at home and at school. They can ease the burden at home, bring people closer to their families, and allow them to achieve professional goals. Treatment is not a cure however it can make a real difference. The first step is for people with ADHD to speak with their physician or specialist. They will discuss treatment options that can be beneficial for them and recommend a combination of treatments and medicines.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a proven treatment for ADHD. It helps you to examine and change your negative thinking patterns, which can hinder your productivity and self-regulation. CBT has been shown to improve the quality of life and symptoms, especially when combined stimulant medications. Unlike traditional psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapies that explore childhood experiences and traumas, CBT is goal-oriented and is focused on the present.
In therapy, you and your therapist will work together to identify and challenge distressing thoughts that lead you to engage in unhealthy habits. Then you develop strategies to replace them with more beneficial ones. Your therapist may also assist with other issues that affect your functioning, such as co-existing anxiety disorders or mood disorders, relationship difficulties, job functioning and self-care.
For instance, if always running late, your therapist could help you prioritize tasks and use a planner. They might also suggest you err on the side of being early so that you don't get overwhelmed or bored waiting for something to begin. Other strategies include using a clock or watch, keeping clocks in your home and at work and writing down your every day activities.
It is important to not just utilize these tools to treat ADHD symptoms, but to make them a part of your everyday life. To accomplish this, you'll require an experienced therapist. If you don't know of one Ask your doctor for an appointment. Visit local medical centers as well as colleges and the ADDitude Directory to find therapists who specialize in ADHD.
There are also online programs that allow you to practice your skills on your own, while connecting you with a therapist or coach. These programs are cheaper, but they may not offer the same level of assistance that face-to-face sessions could.
3. Counseling
Many adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty in their work and relationships because they lose track of important information or make impulsive decisions. Coaching and therapy can enhance communication and assist with strategies to deal with stress and frustration.
Family therapy and marriage therapy address the issues that may arise when a person who suffers from ADHD is in a relationship or at work. These issues include not paying attention to important commitments, financial struggles and issues with responsibilities at workplace or at home. Therapy can also assist you and your partner or coworkers develop better communication to deal with these issues more efficiently.
Adult ADHD is usually treated using a combination medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and counseling. The medication helps you control the symptoms, so that you can focus on the tasks at-hand. However, the other therapies offer a more holistic way to improve your life.
If you have adult adhd, it could take time to find an expert therapist or coach who specializes in treating the disorder. It's worth it to improve your quality of life. Talk to your primary care doctor about a referral to a mental health professional. They can refer you to an expert to treat your issues and offer counseling to you and your loved family members.
You may be able to take part in a clinical trial which offers new treatments for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that examine ways to diagnose and treat, or prevent, diseases. Discuss with your doctor the advantages and risks of taking part in a clinical trial.
4. treating add is a form of treatment that is tailored to the individual and assists people suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their daily lives. It teaches skills to improve their quality of life and improve their ability to engage in meaningful activities within the context of school, work, home and social relationships. OT has been shown to be an effective treatment option for adults with ADHD.
An OT will not just address symptoms, but also develop strategies and skills that will aid in daily tasks, such as self-control and time management. They could, for instance help people suffering from ADHD how to break tasks down into smaller chunks and use visual aids as a reminder of their responsibilities. They can also assist in the development of executive function 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 suffering from ADHD often struggle with organizing their environment and personal belongings such as wallets, books, and clothing. OTs can help their clients learn to develop routines and strategies to manage their life. This could include using visual aids, making schedules, and using a planner. Additionally, OTs can help clients understand the connection between their mood and the amount they are exposed to stimulants. They will then monitor their sensory diet in order to stay clear of 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 instead of transfer these feelings to relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral coaching when they have to address specific issues. A coach may work with clients on topics like managing money as well as building relationships, reducing procrastination or improving academic performance. Coaches can also help educate clients about the genetic, neurobiological and environmental causes of ADHD. This information can help clients reduce the stigma associated with ADHD and the self-blame that is often promoted by the media.
A competent ADHD coach can provide the help and structure required to make the necessary changes. They can guide the client through an exercise of reflection to determine what habits are beneficial or detrimental to their goals. They can help their client learn how to change their habits in order to improve their ability to manage their time and develop the necessary skills to meet their goals. A coach can also offer support and encouragement throughout the process.
It is crucial for patients to know that their symptoms are normal. It may be that professionals are the only person who has ever understood their disorder. It can be a relief to know that their struggles are not caused by character imperfections. This new understanding could enable them to stop blaming themselves and to seek help.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from the combination of medication and coaching. The coach and the psychiatrist can work together to tackle various issues, including setting goals, prioritizing, motivation and organizational skills, as well as 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 switch to another type of mental health professional.