Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults with ADHD find relief from the symptoms of this condition by taking medication. It is more effective when it is combined with other treatment methods.
Adult ADHD medication usually includes stimulants and nonstimulants. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and depression can interfere with these medications.
1. Medication
The use of medication is a major part of treatment for ADHD, balancing neurotransmitters in the brain to alleviate symptoms. The most common medications are stimulants that increase dopamine, a chemical that controls attention and thinking. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines like Adderall or Vyvanse. Atomoxetine, Strattera, and Guanfacine, both non-stimulant medications that boost dopamine, but with a completely different chemical composition and are also available.
The effects of stimulants begin in 30 to 45 minutes and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people suffering from ADHD experiment with different medications over time to find what works best for them. You should tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, as well as any medication you take, as they could interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect the entirety of your life such as relationships and work performance. They can lead to feelings of self-worth and inadequacy. People with ADHD may have difficulty finishing tasks or projects. They might spend a long time on one task before moving to another, and leave behind unfinished work. They may also have difficulties getting good quality sleep and can feel tired or uneasy throughout the day.
When taken properly, stimulant medications can improve the way people with ADHD perform at home and at school. They can help ease the burden at school, bring people closer together with their families, and aid them to reach their professional goals. Treatment isn't a panacea, but can make a huge difference. Patients suffering from ADHD should first talk to their GP or a specialist. They will discuss treatment options that might be beneficial for them and suggest a combination of therapies and medications.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a proven treatment for ADHD. It helps you examine and alter your negative thought patterns that hinder your self-regulation and productivity. CBT has been proven to improve symptoms and function particularly when it is combined with stimulant medication. CBT is a goal-oriented therapy that focuses on the moment. It differs from psychodynamic and traditional psychoanalytic therapies, which focus on childhood traumas and experiences.
During therapy sessions the therapist and you collaborate to identify and confront the thoughts that keep you trapped in unhealthy habits. Then you develop strategies to replace them with more effective ones. Your therapist may also assist with other issues that can affect your performance, like coexisting anxiety disorders or mood disorders, relationship difficulties as well as self-care and job performance.
For example, if you're always running late, your therapist might instruct you to prioritize your tasks and utilize a planner. 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, placing clocks in your workplace and in your home and writing down your daily activities.
It is important to not only make use of these tools to treat ADHD symptoms, but also to integrate them into your daily routine. To achieve this you'll need to find a therapist that is competent. Ask your doctor for a recommendation in case you don't know one. Check with your local medical centers, colleges, and the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.
You can also look for online programs that provide the possibility of practicing the skills on your own, while connecting you with coaches or therapists. These programs are usually less expensive, but they might not provide the same level of support as a face-to-face session.
3. Counseling
Many adults with ADHD struggle with their relationships and work because they forget important things or make impulsive decisions. Coaching and therapy can aid in improving communication and provide strategies to deal with stress and frustration.
Therapy for families and marriage addresses the issues that arise when a person who suffers from ADHD is in a relationship or at work. These issues can include not paying attention to important obligations, financial issues or having difficulty with the responsibilities at home or at work. Therapy can help you and your partner, or coworkers, learn to communicate more effectively so that you can be able to deal with these issues better.
Adult ADHD is usually treated using a combination medication and cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling. The medication can help you manage the symptoms, so you can focus on the tasks at-hand. However, the other therapies offer an alternative to improve your life.
It may take some time to locate an adhd specialist therapist or coach. adhd treatment for adults in order to improve your life quality. Ask your primary care provider for an appointment with an expert in mental health. They can recommend an expert to treat your ailment and provide support to you and your loved family members.
You may be able to take part in a study that offers new treatments for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that examine ways to identify and treat or prevent ailments. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and dangers of participating in a clinical study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a specialized treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome obstacles to their daily lives. It helps them develop techniques to improve their life quality and improve their abilities at school, work at home, at work, as well as in social interactions. OT has been shown to be a highly effective treatment option for adults with ADHD.
In addition to treating symptoms, an OT will concentrate on developing abilities and devising strategies to assist in day-to-day functioning, including time management and the development of self-control. For instance, they might instruct people suffering from ADHD to break tasks down into smaller parts and use visual aids to remind them of their duties. They can also help them in developing executive functions that are cognitive processes that enable individuals to plan and manage a task as well as make decisions and shift focus to new tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle to organize their personal and professional belongings like clothing, books and wallets. OTs can help their clients learn to establish routines and strategies to manage their life. This may include using visual aids, creating schedules and using a planner. The OTs can also assist clients understand the relationship between their mood and how much they are exposed to sensory stimulation. They can then monitor their intake of sensory stimuli to stay away from 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 allow them to let go of their agitated energy and frustrations in a way that is more appropriate rather than transferring their emotions into relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral coaching to tackle certain issues. A coach might assist clients with issues such as managing money as well as building relationships as well as reducing procrastination and improving academic performance. Coaches are also able to educate clients on the genetic, neurobiological and environmental causes of ADHD. This knowledge can help clients overcome the stigma that is associated with ADHD and the self-blame that is often promoted by popular media.
A good ADHD coach can provide the support and structure required to implement changes. They can guide their clients through a reflective process to identify the behaviors that can be beneficial or detrimental to achieving their goals. They can also teach their client how to change their habits to improve their time management skills and acquire the necessary skills to meet their goals. A coach can also provide assistance and encouragement throughout the process.
It's important for clients to understand that their symptoms are normal. It could be that a professional is the only person who's recognized their condition. It can be a relief to realize that their issues are not caused by character imperfections. This newfound understanding may also allow individuals from blaming own mistakes and seek help.
A combination of medication and behavioral coaching can be extremely beneficial for adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist and the coach can collaborate to address many issues, such as goals, prioritizing tasks, motivation, organization skills and problem solving. Behavioral coaching can be helpful in dealing with stress, anxiety, and controlling impulses. A coach can help with goals for education or career as well. The client can decide whether they want to continue coaching or to switch to a different mental health professional.