ADHD Adult Treatment
Treatments for ADHD help to boost activity in the brain areas that regulate attention and behaviour. Adults are prescribed stimulants belonging to the amphetamines family that include lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta) and methylphenidate, sold under the name Ritalin.
Counseling for adults with ADHD typically involves cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps clients to recognize and modify unhelpful patterns of thinking.
Medications
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD. These drugs help people to stay focused, reduce impulse-driven behavior, and regulate their blood pressure. They are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. They can be taken one time every day or more often when needed. Some of the side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia and a rebound which is a brief moment when you feel tired or depressed after taking the medication. These effects tend to be mild and go disappear after a few weeks or days.
However, stimulant medication isn't for everyone. Certain people may be suffering from psychiatric issues, such as paranoia or hostility. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from bipolar disorder, severe depression, or Tourette's syndrome should not take stimulants. People with a drug abuse history are also at higher chance of consuming the drug. For example they might crush pills and snort them to achieve a high.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication, including Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They work by raising levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine, which helps improve focus and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They can also help with anxiety and depression.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD the doctor will probably prescribe a low dose, and gradually increase it over time until you reach your optimal level. This procedure is called the titration. During these appointments your doctor will be monitoring your body's response to the medication, and will also monitor any side effects you have. After a stable dose is reached, you'll need to attend regular clinical monitoring appointments at least every three months to make sure the medication continues to be efficient. These appointments will help your doctor determine whether the dosage should be adjusted. They can also look for any comorbid conditions like heart disease.
Counseling
Counseling is as effective as medications for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy helps patients cope with their symptoms and improves the way they interact. It may include individual therapy, group support, cognitive behavioral therapy and other psychotherapeutic techniques. Psychotherapy can increase motivation to seek treatment and decrease negative moods that are common in people who suffer from ADHD. It can help patients learn their significant other strategies for improving relationships. These include problems solving, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from multiple disorders than people without the condition, and it is important to treat any other mental health conditions that are present. Depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder are all able to share similar symptoms with ADHD. These underlying disorders may improve the response of ADHD medications and make it easier for you to manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study evaluating the effectiveness of different types of psychotherapy participants rated stress-reducing techniques and mindfulness meditation as very helpful or useful. Both cognitive behavioral therapy and family counseling were rated as extremely beneficial or very helpful. These strategies can be incorporated to form a comprehensive plan of treatment for adults with ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with problems with time management and organization. They can help patients develop more efficient routines and strategies to organize their day-to-day activities. They can teach patients to recognize and correct thinking errors which can lead to self-defeating moods or unrealistic expectations. The main goals of cognitive-behavioral therapies are to help patients recognize and change negative thinking patterns, which often can be an important source of stress for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial in improving the quality of relationships with co-workers, friends and partners. People with ADHD tend to forgetting appointments, ignoring deadlines and making impulsive choices that can stress even the most patient spouse or partner. Therapy for marriage and family helps families and couples understand how to deal with these problems. Classes that enhance communication and conflict resolution within families and couples can have a profound effect on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that focuses on molding the environment to fit an individual's needs. People suffering from ADHD often have trouble staying organized, completing the same task for extended periods of time, settling website bills, and coping with sensory input, all areas that are addressed by occupational therapy.
Those who have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms of ADHD may find it difficult to control their impulses, which can cause them to interrupt others, grab things from other people, or speak at inappropriate times. In these instances, an OT can help them develop strategies that enable them to control their impulses and interact with other people without having an episode or disrupting the discussion.
Executive function skills are also an issue for many adults with ADHD. These include working memory, planning skills, shifting focus, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can help in the development of these abilities and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Adults with ADHD might have sensory processing issues that cause them to be overwhelmed by visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. People with this type of ADHD may be sensitive to sounds, smells and light and may be averse to physical contact. An OT can assist them in learning how to cope and recommend strategies for managing sensory overload or stress.
Kids with ADHD, especially those who have the hyperactive-impulsive presentation, have a lot of restless energy that they need to release. This restless energy can lead to anger and emotional outbursts, even at the most difficult times, like when they are reading silently at school. An OT can help them learn to channel their energy into more constructive outlets such as playing sports or participating in a social group.
Children with ADHD can have trouble in traditional schools since they're not set up for neurodivergent children, which makes it hard to follow directions or sit still in class. An OT can collaborate with a child's school to make adjustments that better support them, such as using the weekly schedule or offering alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The signs of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on an individual's life and relationships. Talk therapy can help adult people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their quality-of-life by addressing the emotional and behavioral issues associated with this disorder. Often times, comorbid conditions like depression or drug misuse are also treated through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can teach patients new coping strategies to deal with their symptoms like mindfulness meditation and emotional regulation. It can also help them recognize and correct thinking errors that contribute to negative emotions and inhibit solving problems. Psychotherapy aims to reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms while strengthening existing coping mechanisms.
Behavioral therapy is a one-on-one counseling form that helps people suffering from ADHD organize their homes and work environments. It can be used to tackle specific problems, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness. It can also encourage positive reinforcement such as rewards for good behavior, and consequences for bad behavior. It can also teach family members strategies to help manage symptoms such as timers, reminders of chores and appointments.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD might benefit from dietary changes. It is recommended that they eat meals and snacks not more than three hours apart. avoid drinks with sugar, and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and protein to maintain a steady flow of energy throughout the day. It is crucial to ensure that they are eating at regular mealtimes, and get enough sleep.
Individuals suffering from ADHD have difficulty making and maintaining relationships. Individual talk therapy can help individuals deal with these issues and teach them how to communicate more efficiently. It can also address any underlying issues like feelings of failure or self-esteem issues, or frequent job changes.
Although medications are the most effective method to treat ADHD symptoms, they can cause side effects for certain people. Combining medications with other therapies could bring about longer-lasting benefits. Research has proven that medication can lower the rate of depression and motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults suffering from ADHD.