Treating Adult ADHD
Treating adult adhd requires a combination of medications and counseling. These treatments allow you to learn new ways to cope and deal with emotional issues that are frequently related to ADHD.
Stimulant medications for ADHD boost levels of brain chemicals that control attention. These include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines such as Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Medication
Many people with ADHD are treated with medications. It can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning at home, work and at school. For some patients, it could also boost self-esteem and relationships. Adult ADHD medication differs from those prescribed for children. A prescription is required. There are many medications available, and it may require some trial and error to find the one that is effective for you.
The medications used to treat adult ADHD include stimulants as well as non-stimulant drugs. Stimulants are the most effective and methylphenidate is the drug most commonly prescribed. However, this type of medication has some negative side effects, including heart palpitations, headaches and digestive issues. Clonidine and modafinil, non-stimulant drugs, have proven to be effective for some adults. These medications haven't been thoroughly studied as stimulants, so their long-term efficacy and potential side effects are unknown.
Psychosocial treatments, like counseling and family therapy are also essential in the treatment of patients with ADHD. Psychotherapy helps patients understand their condition, and improve their coping and problem-solving skills. It can also enhance relationships with spouses, friends and family members. Symptoms of ADHD can cause conflicts in relationships, and counseling can help couples to better communicate and help each other.
Both psychotherapy and medication are important elements of a comprehensive treatment plan for adults with ADHD. It is essential for people to have both of these kinds of treatments in order to limit the impact of their condition on their daily life. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be severe and cause clinically significant impairment in several areas of life. The impairment must be present from childhood.
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD includes counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as marital and family therapy. This counseling teaches the patient to recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that can affect how they interact with other people. It can also teach patients the skills needed to manage ADHD and other mental conditions such as addiction to drugs or depression. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are usually available in communities and online.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD find that their symptoms can impact their work and personal relationships. They often feel that they have no control over their lives and that friends and family don't understand their issues. Psychotherapy or counseling can help manage symptoms by addressing emotional issues and educating techniques. It can also help with co-occurring disorders, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of talk therapy that provides you with practical skills to manage your life if you suffer from ADHD. It concentrates on changing negative thought patterns and improving self-control, which can improve problematic behaviors. CBT can also be effective for those with comorbid ADHD, depression or anxiety disorders.
Unlike some forms of psychotherapy that focus on unpacking past experiences CBT focuses more on the present. It helps you identify thoughts traps, or patterns of thinking that stop you from pursuing your goals and plans. Examples of this include all-or-nothing thinking and perfectionism, catastrophizing about the worst-case scenarios, as well as over-personalization and self-blame. CBT includes communication skills training, relaxation skills training, and exposure therapies to reduce anxiety.
Other forms of therapy that can be beneficial for adults with ADHD include dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT and interpersonal therapy. DBT helps you develop important skills, such as mindfulness which allows you to fully experience and accept your emotions, and also emotion regulation which is the ability to manage difficult emotions. DBT teaches not only these skills, but also strategies for managing anxiety and manage problems in everyday life. It can be taught in individual sessions, group sessions, or via an online therapy platform.
Interpersonal therapy assists you to create meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts in your relationship. It can be helpful for those suffering from an underlying ADHD with personality disorders, for example antisocial personality disorder, which is found in a large number of adults who have untreated ADHD. It can also help with the impulsivity issue and difficulty regulating emotions which are common signs of these disorders.
A single medication is effective in treating the majority of people suffering from ADHD, but they don't improve the symptoms of all. Combining therapy and medication coaching can help you create an overall plan that improves the majority of your symptoms.
Education
ADHD treatment can include self-help methods and education about the disorder. These can help reduce symptoms. Your health care provider may suggest websites, books or individuals with experience dealing with the disorder. A support group can be an option to share experiences, knowledge and strategies to cope with other people who suffer from ADHD. These groups are available in a wide range of communities, as well as online.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is the combination of medications as well as behavior therapy and skills training. A lot of the same medications used to treat children are also effective for adults. However, they might need a higher dosage or be taken at a different time. It is important to speak with your doctor about the medications you require to feel at your best.
Psychotherapy helps patients learn to identify and harness their strengths, develop better organizational and planning skills overcome disappointments and failures, and increase the quality of their relationships. The majority of psychotherapy approaches for ADHD adult patients incorporate a cognitive-behavioral therapy component. This is designed to help patients alter their thinking and behavior so that they can gain more control over their lives.
Therapists for adults with ADHD typically use counseling for families or marriages, to aid spouses and other family members understand the condition and the impact it may have on their relationship. Marriage problems are a common complaint of adults who suffer from ADHD who seek treatment. Couples blame each others when there are problems such as financial difficulties and impulsivity, inattention or. In an investigation, 81% of married couples interviewed said that their marital issues were caused by comorbid substance addiction or depression (Hesslinger 2002).
Learning about adhd in adults treatment of ADHD can help you to stay organized and keep it that way. For instance, make a habit of setting aside a certain time every day to clear your desk and organize your paperwork so that you're not distracted by it later in the day. You can also allow yourself the time you need to complete your tasks or go to appointments sooner than you think is important by setting an alarm on your phone, or writing down the appointment 15 minutes earlier than it actually is.
Support
These symptoms aren't typical when you struggle to remember appointments, have trouble keeping track of tasks, and can't finish projects at home or work. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These characteristics can cause stress and reduce productivity in relationships. However, you can improve your situation.
Your doctor could prescribe medication to address chemical deficiencies in the brain associated with ADHD and counseling can help you learn coping and organizational skills. The support of family and friends is also important.
ADHD is commonly treated with stimulant drugs like amphetamines and methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine can also be effective. When prescribing medication, your doctor will take into account how you respond to various medications, as well as any adverse effects that you may experience, and other health conditions.
People with ADHD are usually advised to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy that is structured provides you with strategies to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It can help you overcome challenges in your life, and help you improve your relationships.
Support group therapy is another kind of counseling. It gives you the opportunity to connect with others who have the same struggles and discuss ways to overcome them. You can also develop how to manage stress and organize yourself that you can apply in your everyday life.
You can also manage your ADHD symptoms by making lifestyle modifications. For instance, healthy food choices can help protect your mental and physical health. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar and processed ingredients, and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise can also be helpful. It helps you stay focused and calm and can reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from having the assistance of a coach or mentor who can teach them practical techniques to help them improve their daily routines. This can be an addition to more formal psychological counselling and could include learning how to manage time and setting goals.
For adults who have difficulty finding an appropriate counselor in their area, online therapy through BetterHelp is an option. You can connect with a licensed therapist via video or a voice call, or in-app message at times that suit your schedule.