How to Treat Adult ADHD
When it comes to treating adults with adhd the holistic approach is recommended. It could include individual talk therapy, medication management, and therapy for families or groups.
Individual therapy can help you deal with emotional issues that could cover ADHD symptoms. This includes embarrassment over memory and planning problems, resentment over delayed deadlines or impulsive choices and conflicts with your partner.
Medication
Many people with ADHD take medication to improve their ability to pay attention, focus and control impulsive behaviors. However, these medications aren't suitable for everyone and can cause unpleasant side effects such as weight loss or difficulty sleeping. A combination of behavioral therapy, skill training and medication is the best option for ADHD.
Stimulants increase brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior to treat ADHD symptoms. They are the most commonly utilized ADHD drugs. They boost levels of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants are available in the short-acting form (methylphenidate) and the long-acting version (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, also known as Vyvanse). They can also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. People suffering from certain health issues such as glaucoma, or advanced arteriosclerosis, should not take stimulants. People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the last 14 days should not take stimulants.
Non-stimulant medications are used when stimulants aren't 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 aids to increase attention and control of impulses. These medications don't work as quickly as stimulants and can result in negative side effects, such as anxiety and insomnia. However they don't pose the same addiction or abuse risk as stimulants.
Other medications, like Guanfacine and clonidine, are in the class of blood pressure medications but have been approved for treating ADHD. They reduce brain activity that leads to hyperactivity, impulsivity and distraction in people with ADHD. They can also help with Tourette syndrome and tics. Both medications can take several weeks before they begin working however, they have less side-effects than stimulants.
People with ADHD and other mental disorders may also benefit from taking mood stabilizers, such as lithium. These drugs are not the same as those used to treat bipolar disorder or depression, but they help with certain symptoms, such as irritability and poor impulsive control. These drugs are prescribed by psychiatrists.
Therapy
Therapy can be a beneficial treatment option for adults with ADHD as well as medication. Therapy can help improve relationships, decrease the impulsive behavior, and help develop the skills needed to help people with ADHD succeed. This can include marriage counseling and family therapy. You can also use it to deal with other mental health issues, such as depression or addiction to substances.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of talk therapy where patients are taught new strategies to manage their problems. This type of therapy concentrates on changing negative thinking patterns that can trigger negative behavior. It can also teach people with ADHD how to set realistic expectations both for their own family members and for those they love. CBT sessions typically last between 45 and 50 minutes long and are short-term. It can be done in a group or a one-on-1 setting.
CBT can enhance executive functioning in people suffering from ADHD which is their ability to plan and organize tasks. It can also assist people to improve their control over their emotions. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), also known as MBCT is a different treatment option that blends CBT and meditation training. It can decrease the tendency to be impulsive and improve executive function.
Many adults struggle to identify the symptoms of ADHD. They might think they are suffering from a mental illness, like an anxiety disorder, a learning disability, or another mental disorder. Often, they spend many years seeking treatment for these ailments before getting diagnosed with ADHD. These false starts and alternate diagnoses can result in frustration as people believe they've worked for years to manage their ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people with ADHD can benefit from medication however not all symptoms can be improved. These medications can also cause adverse side effects such as stomachaches and headaches. In addition, they don't offer the same benefits to everyone, and they don't prevent relapses. This is why it's important to seek out treatment from a therapist and adhere to their guidelines.
Adult ADHD is treated with amphetamines, bupropion, atomoxetine and methylphenidate. A recent study revealed that all of these drugs reduced ADHD symptoms more than placebo over the course of 12 weeks. But, these studies did not examine the long-term effects.
Self-help
If you have ADHD, it can be difficult to stay organized and complete tasks. It's not uncommon for people with ADHD to feel overwhelmed by work, family, and other daily tasks. This can cause extreme procrastination, difficulty meeting deadlines, and the tendency to be impulsive. Making the necessary steps to treat your ADHD can help you live more productively and achieve greater success on the job and in relationships.
In addition to medication, there are a number of self-help techniques you can try to manage your symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you to modify negative thinking patterns and improve your mood. One strategy that works for those with ADHD is to break down large goals into smaller goals. This helps to reduce the anxiety of failure and boosts motivation to achieve your goal.
Other self-help techniques include mindfulness meditation, which can help you manage your the impulsivity of your mind and improve your focus. Deep breathing exercises can also aid in reducing stress and anxiety that are common to people suffering from ADHD. It is possible to practice this at home while listening to music or seated in a quiet space. Take long deep, slow breaths through your nose. This technique activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which soothes the brain.
It is important to create an extended family and friends who can support you in your struggles. 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 help you manage your symptoms.
Managing ADHD is a long-term process, and it's not unusual to experience some setbacks along the process. But remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and with the right strategies in place, you can thrive at work, at home, and in relationships.
BetterHelp can assist you in finding a licensed and certified therapist in your area if you aren't sure where to begin. Start within 48 hours with a free assessment. The sooner you can address your needs, the faster you'll begin to get results.
Support groups
Many adults with ADHD struggle with the difficulties of living with their condition However, they don't have to face these challenges on their own. Support groups can be a great source of support for those suffering from ADHD and their families. They not only offer emotional support, but also details on treatment options. It is crucial to verify the credibility of any organization prior to going to. To confirm the authenticity of a group, look for a social network or website that has 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 and support, as well as information and a network for people suffering from ADHD. They also offer a list of healthcare specialists who specialize in ADHD. ADDitude magazine is a national online magazine that offers information, tips and advice for people suffering from ADHD.
Support groups can help adults with ADHD improve their self-esteem and improve their relationships by allowing them to be connected to other people who have the same experiences. The participants can also learn coping strategies and share their struggles and triumphs with others. Some support groups are led by certified facilitators, whereas others are led by peer. Some of these groups are provided by local mental health organizations or nonprofits, and some may have financial assistance programs for individuals who cannot afford to attend.
People with ADHD frequently have difficulties at work, school, and in their personal lives. They may miss appointments, fail to complete tasks, and make impulsive drugs to treat adhd decisions that annoy even the most patient friends or co-workers. Some adults find that classes and therapy that focus on interpersonal skills and conflict resolution could significantly improve their lives.
If you're having difficulty finding a support group for ADHD in your area, talk to your psychiatrist or doctor. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is trained to treat ADHD. Some doctors and psychologists are certified coaches who work with you to develop an action plan to manage your symptoms.
In addition to medications and counseling many people with ADHD have success with support groups. These groups can give you the tools to manage your symptoms, so that you can live an enjoyable and productive life.