How to Treat Adult ADHD
When it comes to treating adults with adhd the holistic approach is best. It can include individual talk therapy, medication management and therapy for families or groups.
Individual therapy can help you resolve underlying emotional issues that can conceal ADHD symptoms. These can include embarrassment with memory and planning issues, resentment for missed deadlines or impulsive decision making and relationship conflict.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD take medication to enhance their ability to focus, concentrate and manage impulsive behavior. It is possible that medication will not work for everyone, and can cause unpleasant side effects such as eating disorders or trouble sleeping. The most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medications as well as behavior therapy and training.
Stimulants help treat symptoms of ADHD by increasing the activity in the brain regions that regulate behaviour and attention. These are the most popular ADHD medication. They boost levels of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. They come in two forms one of which is a short-acting (methylphenidate), and a longer-acting (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate or Vyvanse). They can also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The use of stimulants is not recommended for people with certain health conditions, like arteriosclerosis and glaucoma. People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the last 14 days shouldn't take stimulants.
Non-stimulant drugs are prescribed in situations where stimulants are not effective or cause undesirable side effects. They include atomoxetine Strattera and Qelbree which are all antidepressants that are referred to as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. They boost levels of norepinephrine, which helps to improve the ability to concentrate and control impulses. These medications don't work as fast as stimulants and can trigger negative side effects, such as anxiety and insomnia. However they don't carry the same risk of addiction or abuse as stimulants.
Other medications, such as Guanfacine and Clonidine are part of the blood pressure drug class but have been approved for use in treating ADHD. They can reduce brain's activity, which causes increased impulsivity, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be distracted in adults with ADHD. They also can help with Tourette syndrome and tics. Both medications require a few weeks to start working, but they usually have fewer side effects than stimulants.
Some people who have ADHD and other mental disorders may also benefit from taking a mood stabilizer, like lithium. These aren't exactly identical to those used to treat depression and bipolar disorder, but they do aid in addressing some of the same symptoms, such as irritability and poor impulse control. These drugs are prescribed by psychiatrists.
Therapy
In addition to medication, therapy can be a powerful treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD. Therapy can improve relationships, decrease impulsive behaviors and teach skills to help people suffering from ADHD achieve. This can include marriage counseling and family therapy. It can also be used to deal with other mental health issues like addiction or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy where patients learn new strategies for managing their issues. This kind of therapy focuses on changing negative thought processes that can trigger negative behaviors. It can also help those with ADHD develop realistic expectations for themselves and others. CBT is typically short-term in nature sessions that last 45-50 minutes. It can be carried out on a one-to-one basis or in group therapy sessions.
CBT can help people suffering from ADHD improve their executive functioning, which is the ability to plan and organize tasks. It can also help people manage their emotions better. Another treatment option is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) that blends CBT with meditation training. It can help reduce impulsivity and improve executive functioning.
Many adults struggle to recognize the symptoms of ADHD. They may believe they have an intellectual disability, a mood disorder or another mental health issues. Often, they spend many years seeking treatment for these conditions before they are diagnosed with ADHD. These false starts and alternate diagnoses can cause frustration as people believe they've worked hard around their ADHD symptoms.
The use of drugs is beneficial for the majority of adults with ADHD, but they don't help the symptoms in all cases. These medications can also cause adverse side effects such as stomachaches and headaches. They aren't suited to everyone, and they don't stop the relapses. It's important to follow the instructions of a therapist when seeking treatment.
The most commonly used treatments for adults with ADHD are amphetamine-based drugs, such as methylphenidate, bupropion, and atomoxetine. A recent study showed that all of these medications reduced ADHD symptoms more than a placebo over the course of 12 weeks. However these studies did not examine the long-term effects.
Self-help
When someone has ADHD, it can be challenging to stay on top of things and complete tasks. It's easy for you to feel overwhelmed by work, family and everyday tasks. This can cause you to put off work and have difficulty meeting deadlines, and engage in impulsive behaviors. Taking steps to treat your ADHD can help you live an active and productive life and be more successful on the job and in relationships.
You can also try self-help strategies to treat your symptoms, along with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you how to change negative thoughts and improve your mood, can help. One technique that works well for those with ADHD is to break down big goals into smaller ones. This reduces the fear of failure and boosts motivation.
Meditation can also help increase your focus and control your impulse control. Deep breathing exercises can reduce anxiety and stress, which are common for people suffering from ADHD. It is possible to practice this at home while listening to music or sitting quietly. Take long, deep breaths through your nose. This method helps to calm the mind by activating the parasympathetic system.
It is essential to build a community of family and friends who can help you through your challenges. You can locate an online or local support group that provides assistance and advice to people suffering from ADHD. You can also find a therapist that is trained in adult ADHD who can assist you to manage your symptoms.
It's normal for ADHD management to be a long-term process. There will be some setbacks. However, remember that seeking treatment is an indication of strength and with the proper strategies in place, you can thrive at work, at home and in relationships.
BetterHelp can assist you in finding an experienced and certified therapist who is licensed and certified in your area if aren't sure where to begin. Take a free assessment and begin within just a few hours. The sooner you can address your needs, the faster you'll start to see results.
Support groups
Many people with ADHD have to face the challenges of living with their condition, but they don't have to deal with these challenges alone. Support groups provide a valuable resource for people suffering from ADHD and their families. Apart from providing emotional support, these groups may also provide information on treatments. It is important to check the credibility of any group before attending. To confirm the authenticity of a group, look for a social media account or website with an authentic icon.
The organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) offers in-person support groups across the United States. These organizations offer advocacy, support, networking, and information for people with ADHD and their families. They also provide a directory of health specialists who specialize in ADHD. ADDitude magazine is a national online magazine that provides information, tips and advice to those suffering from ADHD.
Support groups can help people with ADHD improve their self-esteem and improve their relationships by helping them be connected to other people who have the same experiences. The participants can also learn coping strategies and share their challenges and successes with other people. Some support groups are led by qualified facilitators, whereas others are led by peer. Some of these support groups are offered by local mental health organizations or non-profit organizations, and some may offer financial assistance programs available to those who aren't able to afford it.
People with ADHD frequently have difficulties at work, school, and in their personal lives. They can miss appointments, fail to complete tasks and make impulsive decisions that can frustrate even the most tolerant of colleagues or friends. Some adults find that classes and therapy that focus on interpersonal skills and conflict resolution could significantly improve their lives.
If secret info having difficulty finding an organization that supports ADHD in your area, contact your physician or psychiatrist. They can refer to an expert in mental health who specializes in treating ADHD. Some psychologists and doctors are certified coaches who work with you to develop a plan for managing your symptoms.
Many adults with ADHD benefit from a support group in addition counseling and medication. These groups can provide you with the tools you require to manage your symptoms, so that you can live an enjoyable and productive life.