Treating Adult ADHD
Treatment for adult adhd requires a combination of medication and counseling. These treatments can help you develop new strategies for coping and address emotional issues that are typically associated with ADHD.
Stimulant drugs for ADHD boost brain chemicals that regulate attention. These include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines such as Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Medication
For many adults with ADHD the treatment is medication. It can ease symptoms and improve performance at school, work and home. It can also improve relationships and self-esteem of some patients. The medication used to treat adult ADHD is different from the medication used to treat children and it is necessary to obtain a prescription. There are many medications available, and it might require some trial and error to find the one that is effective for you.
Treatments for adults with ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate which is stimulant. However, this type of medication may cause side effects, such as headaches, heart palpitations and stomach problems. Clonidine, guanfacine and modafinil are non-stimulant medicines which have been found to be effective in some adults. These drugs haven't been extensively studied as stimulants, so their long-term effectiveness and side effects are not known.
Psychosocial therapies, such as counseling and family therapy, are also essential in the treatment of adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy aids patients to be aware of their condition and improve their the ability to cope and solve problems. It can also help improve relationships with spouses and friends. Counseling can aid couples in improving their communication and support one another.
Psychotherapy and medication are both essential elements of a comprehensive plan for management for adults suffering from ADHD. It is essential for people to receive both types of treatments to minimize the impact of their condition on their daily lives. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be severe and cause significant impairment in several areas of life. The impairment must be present from the time of childhood.
Adult ADHD can be treated through counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as marriage and family therapy. This counseling teaches the patient to recognize and modify negative thinking patterns that can impact how they interact with others. It can also teach patients skills to better manage ADHD and other mental conditions like addiction to drugs or depression. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are usually available in communities and online.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find that their symptoms can affect their work and personal relationships. They feel as if they don't have control over their lives, and that family and friends don't understand. Psychotherapy or counseling can help manage symptoms by dealing with emotional issues and teaching techniques. It may also help address co-occurring conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of therapy that teaches practical strategies to manage your life when you suffer from ADHD. It focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and improving control, which can improve the behavior of those who are struggling. CBT can also be beneficial for those with co-occurring ADHD, depression or anxiety disorders.
CBT focuses more on the present than other types of psychotherapy that focus on the past. It helps you recognize thoughts patterns or thought traps that prevent you from realizing your goals and plans. These include perfectionism and all-or-nothing thought, creating worst-case scenarios, and self-blame. CBT also offers techniques to help relax and calm the mind, communication skills training, and exposure therapy to reduce phobias.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and interpersonal therapy are two other kinds of therapy that can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. DBT can teach important skills, such as mindfulness, which allows you to fully experience and accept your emotions, and emotion regulation, which is the ability to manage difficult feelings. DBT does not just teach these skills but also practical strategies to manage anxiety and manage problems in everyday life. It can be taught in individual or group sessions, or through an online therapy platform.
Interpersonal therapy helps you to build meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts in your relationships. treatment for add in adults can aid people with co-occurring ADHD and personality disorders like antisocial disorder that is common among adults suffering from untreated ADHD. It can also aid in the impulsivity and difficulty in regulating emotions that are common symptoms.
The majority of people with ADHD can be treated with medication on their own, but not all symptoms can be improved. Combining medication with therapy and coaching can result in an effective treatment plan that can improve the majority of your symptoms.
Education
In addition to medications, ADHD treatment can include education on the condition as well as self-help strategies that can reduce symptoms. Your health care provider may provide you with books and websites or to people with expertise in dealing with the disorder. A support group is also an option to share experiences, knowledge and strategies to cope with other people who suffer from ADHD. These groups are available in many communities and online.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is a combination of medication, behavior therapy and life skills training. Many of the same drugs used to treat children are effective for adults. However, they may need a higher dosage or taken at a different time. It's important that you consult your physician about your requirements to feel at your best.
Psychotherapy helps patients recognize and utilize their strengths, improve ability to plan and organize, cope with failures and frustrations and improve 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 change their thinking and behavior so that they can take more control over their lives.
Therapists for adults with ADHD often employ marriage or family counseling, to help spouses and other family members understand the condition and the effect it can affect their relationship. Adults with ADHD frequently complain about marital problems when seeking treatment. Couples often blame one another for the problems they face, such as financial difficulties, inattention or impulsivity. In an investigation, 81% of married couples interviewed reported that their marital problems were caused by comorbid substance abuse and/or depression (Hesslinger 2002).
It is easier to stay organized when you are aware of the effects ADHD can have on your brain. Schedule time every day to sort through your paperwork and organize your desk to ensure that you are not distracted later in the morning. You can also give yourself the time you need to complete your tasks or get to appointments sooner than you think is necessary by setting an alarm on your phone or writing down the appointment 15 minutes earlier than it actually is.
Support
If you are prone to forgetting appointments, struggle to keep things in order and don't complete projects at work or at home, these signs may not be just normal. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These issues can lead to stress and can hinder productivity in relationships. However, you can improve your situation.
Counseling can help you build the ability to cope and organize. Your doctor might prescribe medication to treat chemical deficiencies in the mind that are associated with ADHD. Friends and family members can be a great source of support.
Stimulant medications such as amphetamines or methylphenidate are often used to treat ADHD, and non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine may also be effective. Your doctor will look at how you respond to different medications, the side effects you might have as well as any other health issues you may have before prescribing the medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally advised for those suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy that is structured will teach you ways to control your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It can help you overcome challenges in your life, and strengthen your relationships.
Support group therapy is a different kind of counseling. This gives you a opportunity to connect with others who share the same issues and discuss strategies to deal with these issues. You can also develop how to manage stress and organize yourself which you can use in your daily life.
You can also reduce your ADHD symptoms by making lifestyle modifications. For example, eating a healthy diet can protect your physical and mental health. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and processed ingredients. Take advantage of fresh fruits and veggies. Exercise can also be helpful. It helps you remain focused and calm and can reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from a coach or a mentor who can teach them practical techniques to help them improve their daily routines. This can be an addition to more formal psychological counseling, and it can include learning how to set goals and apply techniques for managing time.
Online therapy is offered by BetterHelp for adults who are unable to locate a counselor in their area. You can connect with a licensed therapist via video or voice calls as well as in-app messaging at times that fit your schedule.