Treating Adult ADHD
Treating adult adhd requires a combination of medication and counseling. These treatments help you develop new coping skills and assist in managing the emotional issues that can be associated with ADHD.
Stimulant medications for ADHD boost brain chemicals that control attention. These include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines such as Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Medication
Many adults with ADHD are treated with medication. It can reduce symptoms and enhance performance at work, school and at home. It can also improve relationships and self-esteem for certain patients. Adult ADHD medications differ from those prescribed for children. It is necessary to obtain a prescription. There are a myriad of medications available, and you might need to try a few before you find one that works.
The medications used to treat adults with ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate, which is an stimulant. However, this type of medication can cause some negative side effects, including headaches, heart palpitations and stomach problems. Clonidine, guanfacine and modafinil are non-stimulant drugs that have been found to be effective in a small number of adults. They have been studied less than stimulants, therefore their long-term efficacy and side effect profile aren't known.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychosocial therapies such as counseling for families and family therapy. Psychotherapy aids patients to comprehend their condition and improve their strategies for coping and problem solving. It also helps improve relationships with family members and with friends. Counseling can help couples improve their communication and support one another.
A complete approach to the treatment of ADHD in adults is to use therapy and medication. It is important for individuals to have both kinds of treatments in order to limit the impact of their disorder on their daily life. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms have to be severe and cause significant impairment in a variety of areas of life. The impairment must also be present from childhood.
Adult ADHD is treatable with counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy and marriage and family therapy. This counseling teaches the patient to recognize and alter negative thinking patterns, which can affect their interactions with other people. It also teaches patients the skills needed to manage ADHD and other mental conditions like addiction or depression. Support groups for those with ADHD are typically offered in local communities as well as online.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find that their symptoms can interfere with both personal and professional relationships. They often feel they have no control over their lives, and that family members and friends aren't aware of their challenges. Psychotherapy or counseling can assist in managing symptoms by dealing with emotional issues and teaching skills. It can also help with co-occurring disorders, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that teaches practical skills to manage your life with ADHD. It focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and improving control, which can improve problem behavior. CBT is also beneficial for people who have co-occurring ADHD and anxiety or depression particularly when used in conjunction with medication.
CBT is more focused on the present than other types of psychotherapy that are based on the past. It helps you identify the patterns of thought or thoughts that prevent you from reaching your goals and objectives. This includes perfectionism and all-or nothing thought patterns, such as catastrophizing worst-case scenarios and self-blame. CBT also incorporates skills training to promote relaxation and calm the mind, training in communication skills, and exposure therapy to lessen phobias.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and interpersonal therapy are different types of therapy that can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. DBT teaches important skills, including mindfulness, which lets you fully experience and accept your emotions and emotional regulation, which is the ability to manage difficult emotions. DBT does not just teach these skills but also practical strategies to manage stress and cope with problems in everyday life. It can be provided in group sessions, individual sessions or an online therapy platform.
Interpersonal therapy is a method of helping you build lasting relationships and overcoming conflict in your relationships. It is beneficial for people who have co-occurring ADHD with personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, which is found in a large number of adults who have untreated ADHD. It can also aid in the impulsivity and difficulty in regulating emotions which are common symptoms.
Medications alone are effective for treating the majority of people with ADHD however, they do not improve the symptoms of all. Combining medication with therapy and coaching can help create a comprehensive treatment plan that can improve the majority of your symptoms.
Education
ADHD treatment can include self-help techniques and education on the disorder. These techniques can help to reduce symptoms. Your health care provider may recommend websites and books or to individuals who have previous experience managing the disorder. A support group is also an option for sharing experiences, knowledge and strategies for dealing with other people suffering from ADHD. Support groups are available in a variety of communities as well as online.
The most effective method of treating adult ADHD is a combination between medication, behavior therapy, and life skills training. A lot of the medicines that are prescribed for children work equally well for adults, however they may require a higher dosage or be taken at a different time. It is important to speak with your doctor about the medications you require to feel at your most at your best.
Psychotherapy helps patients recognize and use their strengths, develop better organizational and planning skills overcome disappointments and failures, and increase the quality of their relationships. The majority of psychotherapy approaches for ADHD adult patients incorporate the cognitive-behavioral component. This is designed to help patients change their thinking and behavior so that they can have more control over their lives.
Therapists for adults with ADHD typically use family or marriage counseling to aid spouses and other loved ones understand the disorder and the impact it may have on their relationship. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently complain about marital problems when seeking treatment. Couples blame each others when there are issues like financial issues or inattention, or impulsivity. In one study, 81 percent of couples who were interviewed reported marital problems due to depression or substance abuse disorders (Hesslinger et al 2002).
It's easier to stay organized if you are aware of the effects ADHD can have on your brain. For instance, you can schedule a time each day to clear your desk and arrange your paperwork to ensure you don't get distracted later in the day. You can also allow yourself more time to complete tasks or go to appointments than you think is important by setting an alarm on your phone or jotting down the appointment 15 minutes earlier than what it actually is.
Support
If you are prone to forgetting appointments, are having trouble keeping things in order and don't seem to finish projects at work or home, those symptoms may not be just normal. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These issues can lead to stress and hinder productivity in relationships. However, you can improve your situation.
Counseling can help you develop the ability to cope and organize. Your doctor might prescribe medication for chemical deficiencies in the mind that are associated with ADHD. Family and friends can be an excellent source of support.
Stimulant medicines like amphetamines and methylphenidate are frequently used to treat ADHD and other non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine are also effective. Your doctor will consider how you respond to different medications, the adverse effects you might have and any other health conditions you may have before prescribing a medication.
treatment for adult adhd suffering from ADHD are generally advised to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy. This structured type of counseling provides you with strategies to control your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It will help you face the challenges you face in your life and help you improve your relationships.
Support group therapy is another kind of counseling. You can meet other people who are going through the same problems and discuss strategies for dealing with the issues. You can also develop coping and organization skills that you can apply in your daily life.
You can also control your ADHD symptoms by making lifestyle changes. For instance, eating a healthy diet can protect your physical and mental health. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and processed ingredients. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. Exercise can be extremely beneficial. It can help you to remain calm and focused, and reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from the assistance of a coach or mentor who can provide them with practical techniques to improve their daily routines. This could be a complement to more formal psychological counseling and can also include learning to set goals and apply methods for managing time.
Online therapy is available through BetterHelp for adults who are unable find a counselor close to them. You can connect to a licensed therapist by video or voice call and in-app messaging at times that suit your schedule.