Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults with ADHD to ease the symptoms. However, medications are more effective when combined with other treatment methods.
Medication for adult ADHD typically includes stimulants as well as nonstimulant medicines. Certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure and depression, may interact with these medications.
1. Medication
Medication is an integral part of treatment for ADHD and is a way of balancing neurotransmitters within the brain to alleviate symptoms. The main medication is stimulants that increase dopamine, a chemical that controls concentration and thinking. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines like Adderall or Vyvanse. Atomoxetine, Strattera, and Guanfacine both of which are non-stimulant medicines which increase dopamine, but have an entirely different chemical composition and are also available.
Stimulants start to work after 30 to 45 minutes, and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people with ADHD test different medications to find one that is most effective for them. It is important to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, as well as any medication you take, as they may interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can impact many aspects of your life including relationships and work performance. They can lead to feelings of self-worth and inadequacy. People suffering from ADHD often have trouble completing tasks or projects, and may spend long periods of time on the same task before moving onto another, leaving work unfinished in their wake. They may also have trouble getting good quality sleep and can feel tired or annoyed throughout the day.
Properly taken, stimulant medications can improve how people with ADHD perform in school and at home. They can reduce difficulties at school, bring people closer to their families and help them achieve professional goals. Treatment isn't a cure-all however it can make a big difference. The first step is for people who suffer from ADHD to talk to their GP or specialist. They will discuss treatment options that might be effective for them and recommend a combination of treatments and medicines.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for ADHD. It helps you examine and revise your negative thought patterns, which interfere with your self-regulation and productivity. CBT has been shown to improve the quality of life and symptoms particularly when it is combined with stimulant medication. CBT is an objective-oriented therapy that is focused on the moment. It differs from psychodynamic and traditional psychoanalytic therapies, which examine childhood traumas and experiences.
During add treatment for adults and you work together to identify and address the troubling thoughts that keep you trapped in bad habits. Then, you devise strategies to replace them with more effective ones. Your therapist can also assist with other issues that can affect your functioning, such as coexisting anxiety disorders or relationships issues, mood disorders working, self-care and other issues.
For instance, if you're always running late, your therapist might teach you to prioritize tasks and use a calendar. They may also suggest you arrive early so that you don't become stressed or bored waiting for things to begin. Other methods include using a clock or a watch, putting clocks in your workplace and in your home, or writing down daily activities.
The goal is to make these tools a part of your daily routine and not just a means to overcome your ADHD symptoms. However, for this to happen you'll need to find a therapist who is reliable. Ask your doctor for a recommendation if you don't already know one. Then check with local medical centers colleges, universities, and the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.
There are also online programs that let you work on your skills on own, while connecting you with a therapist or coach. These programs are typically less expensive, but they might not provide the same level of support as a face-toface session.
3. Counseling
Many people with ADHD have difficulty in their work and relationships due to the fact that they lose track of important information or make impulsive choices. Coaching and therapy can improve communication between people, and strategies for dealing with stress and frustration caused by these issues.
Counseling for families and marriages is a solution to the issues that develop when a person with ADHD is engaged or working at their job. These issues can be caused by being unable to remember important obligations, financial issues and difficulty with the responsibilities of home or workplace. Therapy can also assist you and your partner or coworkers develop better communication to help you manage these issues more efficiently.
Adult ADHD is usually treated using a combination of medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and counseling. The medication can help control the symptoms so that you can focus on the task that are at hand, but the other therapies provide an overall approach to improving your life.
If you have adult adhd, it might be a long time before you find a therapist or coach who specializes in treating the disorder. It's worth it to improve the quality of your life. Speak to your primary care doctor about a referral to an expert in mental health. They'll be able to suggest a specialist to treat your symptoms and offer counselling for you and your family.
You may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial that provides new remedies for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that examine ways to diagnose and treat or prevent illnesses. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and dangers of participating in a clinical study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a method of treatment that is tailored to the individual and helps people with ADHD overcome challenges in their daily lives. It helps them develop skills to improve their life quality and improve their abilities in work, school at home, at work, as well as in social interactions. OT has been shown to be a successful treatment option for adults with ADHD.
In addition to addressing the symptoms in addition to addressing the underlying issues, an OT will also focus on enhancing skills and devising strategies that assist in day-to-day functioning, such as time management and the development of self-control. For instance, they might instruct people suffering from ADHD to break down tasks into smaller chunks and use visual aids to remind them of their duties. They can also help them develop executive functioning abilities. These are cognitive processes that help people to plan, manage and complete tasks, and make a decision and divert their attention to other tasks.
Adults with ADHD often struggle with organizing their personal and physical belongings such as wallets, books, and clothing. OTs will teach the clients to create systems to keep their possessions organised and develop routines to ensure the order. This can include using visual aids, preparing schedules and utilizing planners. OTs will also support clients in learning to recognise the connection between their mood and the amount of sensory stimulation they feel, helping clients monitor their sensory intake 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 will help them release restless energy and frustration in a more appropriate manner, rather than transferring these emotions to relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Coaching for behavior can be beneficial for adults with ADHD who have to deal with specific issues. A coach could help clients with issues such as managing finances, developing relationships, reducing procrastination or improving academic performance. Coaches can also teach clients on the neurobiological as well as genetic factors that cause ADHD. This information can help clients overcome the stigma that surrounds the condition and reduce self-blame, which is often promoted in popular media.
A good ADHD coach can provide the support and structure that is necessary to make changes. They can guide the client through an exercise of reflection to determine what actions 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 abilities to reach their goals. A coach can also provide assistance and encouragement throughout the process.
It is important that clients understand that their symptoms are not abnormal. A professional might be the only person they meet who is aware of the condition, and it can be a relief to know that their issues aren't a result of their character flaws, or a personal flaw. This understanding could free individuals from blaming own mistakes and seek help.
A combination of medication and behavioral coaching can be very beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. The psychiatrist and coach are able to collaborate on a variety of issues such as goal setting, prioritizing motivation and organizational skills as well as problem solving. Behavioral coaching can also be beneficial for stress, anxiety, and controlling impulses. A coach can help in achieving goals in the field of education or work as well. The client can choose to continue coaching or move to a different type of mental health professional.