Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults with ADHD can get relief from the symptoms of this disorder by taking medication. However, medication is more effective when it is combined with other treatment methods.
Treatment for adults with ADHD typically includes stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. These medications may interfere with certain medical conditions such as depression and high blood pressure.
1. Medication
Medication is an integral part of treatment for ADHD, balancing neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce symptoms. The most popular medication is stimulants that increase dopamine, the chemical responsible for focus and thinking. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines like Adderall or Vyvanse. Non-stimulant drugs, which boost dopamine levels, but have a different chemical makeup are also available. These include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
The stimulants begin to work in around 30 to 45 minutes and last 3 to 6 hours. Many people who suffer from ADHD experiment with different medications to find one that works best for themselves. It is essential to inform about your other health issues and other medications you are taking to your health care provider because some of them may interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can impact many aspects of your life including relationships and work performance. They can lead to feelings of inadequateness and low self-esteem. People with ADHD often have trouble completing projects or tasks, and can spend long periods of time on the same task before moving onto another, leaving unfinished work in their wake. They can also have difficulty getting enough sleep and may be tired or annoyed throughout the day.
When properly taken, stimulant drugs can improve how people with ADHD perform in school and at home. They can help reduce difficulties at home, bring people closer to their families, and help them achieve their professional goals. Treatment isn't a cure-all, but can make a significant difference. The first step is for people with ADHD to talk to their physician or specialist. They will discuss the options for treatment that are available to them and recommend a mixture of medications and therapies.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a potent treatment for ADHD. It helps you identify and change negative thinking patterns that hinder your performance and emotional self-regulation. CBT has been shown to improve symptoms and function particularly when it is combined with stimulant medications. In contrast to psychodynamic or psychoanalytic therapies that explore traumas and childhood experiences, CBT is goal-oriented and concentrates on the present.
During therapy the therapist and you will work together to identify and address the troubling thoughts that keep you in bad habits. Then, you develop strategies to replace these thoughts with more beneficial ones. Your therapist might also assist you with other issues that impact your performance, such as co-existing mood disorders or anxiety and relationship issues, job functioning, and self-care.
If you're always late, your therapist might teach you how to prioritize tasks and utilize a planner. They may also advise you to be more cautious about being early so that you don't feel overwhelmed or bored waiting for something to start. Other strategies include using a watch or placing clocks in your home and office, or writing out the day's actions in detail.
The goal is to make these tools a natural part of your life and not just a way to manage your ADHD symptoms. However, for this to happen you'll need to find a therapist that is competent. Ask your doctor for recommendations in case you don't know one. Look up local medical centers colleges, as well as the ADDitude Directory to find therapists who specialize in ADHD.
You can also search for online programs that offer the possibility of practicing the skills on your own while connecting you to coaches or therapists. These programs are often cheaper, but they may not provide the same level of support as a face-to-face session.
3. Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle in their relationships and at work due to the fact that they are unable to remember important tasks or make impulsive choices. Coaching and therapy can help improve communication and help with strategies to manage anxiety and frustration.
Marriage and family therapy addresses the issues that be encountered when someone with ADHD is in a relationship with someone or working. These issues include forgetting important commitments, financial difficulties and difficulty with responsibilities at workplace or at home. Therapy can also help you and your coworkers or partners develop better communication to manage these issues more effectively.
Adult ADHD treatment usually includes a combination of medications, cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling. The medication helps control the symptoms so that you can focus on the task at hand, however the other therapies provide an overall approach to improving your life.
If you suffer from adult adhd, it could be a long time before you find a therapist or coach who specializes in treating the disorder. It's worth it to improve your quality of life. Talk to your primary care physician about a referral to a mental health professional. They'll be able recommend a specialist who can treat your symptoms and offer counselling to you and your family.
You may be able to participate in a clinical trial which could provide new solutions to your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that test ways to detect and treat, or prevent, ailments. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical research study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a treatment that is customized to the individual, and helps people suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their daily lives. It helps them develop skills to improve their lives and increase their ability to engage in meaningful activities within the contexts of work, school and home, as well as social connections. OT has been shown to be an effective treatment option for adults with ADHD.
An OT will not only address symptoms, but also help develop strategies and skills that aid in everyday functioning, such as self-control and time management. They could, for instance, teach people with ADHD how to break down tasks into smaller chunks and use visual aids to remind them of their responsibilities. They can also help in the development of executive function skills which are the cognitive processes that allow individuals to manage and plan a task as well as make decisions and shift focus to new tasks.
Adults with ADHD struggle to organize their personal and professional belongings including clothing, books, and wallets. OTs will teach the clients to create systems to ensure their belongings are organised and establish routines to maintain order. This may include using visual aids, creating schedules, and using an organizer. The OTs can also assist clients learn to recognise the relationship between their mood and how much they are exposed to stimulants. They can then monitor their diet 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 release their anger and frustration in a more appropriate manner instead of transfer these feelings to relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Behavioral coaching is a great option for adults suffering from ADHD who require help with specific problems. A coach might help clients with topics such as managing money and relationships, improving communication and reducing procrastination, or improving academic performance. Coaches can also help educate clients about the neurobiological, genetic and environmental causes of ADHD. This information can help clients overcome the stigma associated with the condition and reduce self-blame, which is often promoted in popular media.
A competent ADHD coach can provide the help and structure that is necessary to implement changes. They can guide the client through an exercise of reflection to determine what habits are beneficial or harmful to achieving their goals. They can teach their client how to modify their habits in order to improve their time management skills and develop the necessary abilities to reach their goals. A coach can also offer support and encouragement throughout the process.
It's important for clients to be aware that their issues are normal. It could be that an expert is the only person who has understood their disorder. It could be a relief to know that their struggles are not caused by character flaws. This new understanding could enable people from blaming themselves and to seek assistance.
treatment for adult adhd of medication and behavioral coaching can be very beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. The coach and the psychiatrist can collaborate to work on many issues such as goal setting, prioritizing, motivation and organizational skills as well as problem solving. Behavioral coaching is also helpful for anxiety, stress, and controlling impulses. A coach can help with goals for education or career as well. The client can choose to continue coaching or move to a different kind of mental health professional.