Treating Adult ADHD
Adult adhd treatment requires a combination of medication and counseling. These treatments allow you to learn new strategies for coping and deal with emotional issues that are frequently caused by ADHD.
Stimulant medications for ADHD boosts brain chemicals that control attention. These include 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 enhance performance at school, work and home. For certain patients, it may also boost self-esteem and relationships. Adult ADHD medication is different than those prescribed for children. A prescription is needed. There are a variety of medications available, and it may take some trial and error before you find one that is suitable for you.
Non-stimulant and stimulant drugs are used to treat adult ADHD. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate, which is a stimulant. This type of medication can cause side effects like heart palpitations, headaches and gastrointestinal issues. Clonidine and modafinil, non-stimulant drugs, have shown to be effective for some adults. These medications have not been thoroughly studied as stimulants, therefore their long-term efficacy and potential side effects are not known.
Psychosocial treatments, like counseling and family therapy are also essential in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy assists patients in understanding their condition and improve their coping skills and problem-solving capabilities. It can also help improve relationships with spouses, friends and family members. Counseling can assist couples in improving their communication and support one another.
The use of medication and psychotherapy are both important elements of a comprehensive treatment plan for adults with ADHD. Both types of treatment are important to minimize the impact on everyday life of the disorder. 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 the time of childhood.
Adult ADHD can be treated with counseling, such as cognitive behavior therapy, as well as marriage and family therapy. The therapy teaches the patient to recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that can affect how they interact with other people. It can also teach patients skills to better manage ADHD and other mental illnesses such as addiction or depression. Many online and community-based communities offer support groups for people who suffer from ADHD.
Counseling
Many adults suffering from ADHD experience that their problems can affect their personal and professional relationships. They feel that they are in control of their lives and feel that their family and friends don't understand. Psychotherapy, also known as counseling can help manage these issues by addressing emotional issues and teaching life skills. It can also help treat co-occurring disorders, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that provides you with practical skills to manage your life if you have ADHD. It concentrates on changing negative thought patterns and improving self-control, which can help improve problematic behaviors. CBT is also effective for those with comorbid ADHD and depression disorders.
CBT is more focused on the present than other forms of psychotherapy that focus on previous experiences. It helps you identify thought traps or patterns of thinking that prevent you from pursuing your goals and plans. Examples of this include all-or-nothing thinking and perfectionism, catastrophizing about the worst-case scenario, and self-blame and over-personalization. CBT also includes training in skills to promote relaxation and calm the mind, training in communication skills, as well as exposure therapy to lessen phobias.
Other forms of therapy that can be beneficial for adults with ADHD include dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT and interpersonal therapy. DBT teaches important skills, such as mindfulness, which allows you to fully feel and accept your emotions, and also emotion regulation which is the ability to manage difficult emotions. In addition to these abilities, DBT also teaches practical strategies for managing stress and dealing with problems in daily life. It can be delivered in group sessions, individual sessions or through an online therapy platform.
Interpersonal therapy helps you to create meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts in your relationship. It can be beneficial for those who suffer from comorbid ADHD with personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, which is seen in many adults with untreated ADHD. It can also help with the impulsivity and difficulty in regulating emotions, which are common signs.
A single medication is effective in treating the majority of people suffering from ADHD However, they are not able to treat the symptoms of everyone. Combining medication with therapy and coaching can create an effective treatment plan that improves most of your symptoms.
Education
ADHD treatment may include self-help strategies and education about the disorder. These can help reduce symptoms. Your health care provider can refer you to websites and books or to individuals who have experience in dealing with the disorder. A support group is an option to share your experiences, information and coping techniques with others who have ADHD. Support groups are available in many communities as well as online.
The most effective method of treating adult ADHD is to combine medications, behavior therapy and life skills training. Many of the same medications that are used for children are equally effective for adults, however they may require a greater dose or must be taken at a different time. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your requirements to feel at your best.
Psychotherapy helps patients recognize and utilize their strengths, develop better ability to plan and organize deal with frustrations and failures, and improve the quality of their relationships. The majority of psychotherapy approaches for ADHD adult patients incorporate a component of cognitive-behavioral therapy. This is designed to help patients alter their attitudes and behaviors so they can take more control over their lives.
Family counseling or marriage counseling is frequently used by therapists for adults with ADHD to assist parents, spouses, and other loved ones better comprehend the disorder and its impact on their relationship. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently complain about marital issues when seeking treatment. Spouses often blame each other for problems, such as financial difficulties, inattention or impulsivity. In one study, 81 percent of couples who were interviewed reported marital problems due to depression or substance abuse disorders (Hesslinger and colleagues 2002).
Understanding the effects of ADHD can help you to stay organized and keep it that way. Set aside time each day to sort through your paperwork and organize your desk so that you are not distracted in the morning. You can also allow yourself more time to complete tasks or go to appointments 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
These symptoms are not normal if you have trouble remembering appointments, have trouble keeping on top of tasks, or aren't able to finish projects at work or at home. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These traits can create stress in relationships and stifle productivity You can take steps to improve your situation.
treating adhd in adults can help you develop the ability to cope and organize. Your doctor might prescribe medication for chemical deficiencies in the brain associated with ADHD. Family and friends can be an excellent source of support.
ADHD is typically treated with stimulant medicines like amphetamines and methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine can also be effective. Your doctor will consider how you respond to different medications, the adverse effects you may experience, and any other health conditions you suffer from when prescribing the medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is usually recommended for people with ADHD. This structured type of counseling will teach you ways to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It can help you overcome challenges in your life, and strengthen your relationships.
Support group therapy is a different type of counseling. You can connect with other people who are experiencing similar issues and discuss how to deal with them. You can also develop strategies for coping and organization which you can use in your everyday life.
You can also manage your ADHD symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments. A healthy diet, for example can help protect your physical and mental health. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar as well as processed ingredients. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise can be extremely beneficial. It helps you remain focused and calm and reduces the symptoms of ADHD.
Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from having a coach or mentor who can help them develop practical skills to organize and improve their daily routines. This could be a supplement to more formal psychological counseling, and can include learning how to manage time and how to set goals.
For adults who are having difficulty finding a counselor in their region online therapy with BetterHelp is an option. You can connect with a licensed therapist via video or voice calls as well as in-app messaging at times that work for your schedule.