Adult ADHD Treatment

Most adults with ADHD improve their performance with a combination of treatment, behavioral strategies and lifestyle changes. Doctors will look at the person's medical history and whether any other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, could be contributing to symptoms.

Stimulants are often the first medications that is tried. Other medications include atomoxetine, a nonstimulant (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.

Medication

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated first by taking stimulant medication. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that regulate the focus of your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine, which increases your concentration. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to draw dopamine, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

The use of medicines can ease your symptoms and allow you to function more effectively at work, school or in other areas of your life. But they can't solve all your problems. They may cause adverse effects, such as weight loss, irritability, or difficulties sleeping. Consult your physician about the possible adverse effects of any medication you're prescribed.

The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate dosage and medication for you based on your specific situation, symptoms, and health background. Some people will not react to stimulant medications, while others may not have any reaction at all.

There are three types of ADHD medications that are immediate-release, extended-release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available when required. They usually peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake and then slowly fade. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hour and are taken every day. They assist with the management of symptoms. People who take extended release ADHD medications typically supplement them with a dose of instant-release late in the evening or afternoon.

Atomoxetine which was the first non-stimulant drug to be approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the action of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate mood and attention. It's a longer-lasting and sustained-release medication than other ADHD medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.

Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other drugs that regulate the part of your brain that regulates your attention. They can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or tics. These medications are known as cholinergic agents and are available by prescription only from your doctor or psychiatrist.

Therapy

In addition to medication therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Talk therapy can help your family members as well as help you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can also help you learn coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms.

A therapist can show you strategies to stay organized and in control of your environment. A therapist may also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills, as well as techniques for improving focus and concentration. You might learn meditation, breathing exercises yoga, or other relaxing techniques to help you relax and improve your mood. This is sometimes called biofeedback or hypnotherapy.

A therapist can also help you develop coping skills for dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common in adults with ADHD. For instance, a therapist can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of talking therapy that teaches you how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes affect your mood and behavior. CBT is especially effective for addressing the executive functioning problems that can be a result of ADHD, such as trouble planning, organizing and time management.

Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can help you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts without judgment and regulate your emotions which assists you in managing emotional distress, as well as the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

It is important to keep in mind that even when you start taking medicine, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medication. There may be issues at work and home until you've mastered the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, you can make small lifestyle adjustments to help manage.

Ask your boss or professor for accommodations if you're forgetful and impulsive. This will help you succeed in class. You can also ask your friends and family to accommodate your ADHD. You may also want to look into marriage therapy or family counseling, which can benefit your loved ones as well as become more able to communicate and comprehend each other's challenges.

Education

Psychosocial therapy for adults can ease symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments can include different therapies and may be delivered in person or via online. These treatments may be paired with medication to obtain the most effective results.

One of the first steps in treating inattentive adhd ADHD is to receive a diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional uses scales and a semistructured interview to collect information about the individual's struggles. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.

Talk therapy can help those with ADHD manage their problems and develop the skills needed to deal with these issues. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it impacts them in work, school and relationships. Other therapies are aimed at improving organizational skills and managing emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people to change their negative beliefs and behavior that may be preventing them from achieving their goals.

Counseling for families and marriage can help with the issues that treating adhd without medication can create in professional and personal relationships. It can assist families and couples learn how to communicate better and recognize patterns that cause conflict. It can also assist them to discover ways to improve their communication and develop a more positive outlook for the future.

Adults suffering from ADHD benefit from a behavioral therapy program by improving their self-esteem and establishing an honest perception of their capabilities. It can teach them how to better manage their money, time and their personal space and also manage their impulsive behavior and learn to better manage stress and anger. These skills can be mastered either in group or individually by a therapist.

Meditation, or mindfulness training is also an effective therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can teach people to concentrate on the present moment and to be more aware of their emotions, helping them gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group or with a therapist and can be combined with other treatment methods like CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.

Other treatments for ADHD for adults include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These therapies focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD employ complementary health methods to manage their symptoms, such as dietary changes and supplements. While these approaches are not scientifically proven to help improve ADHD, some people find them helpful.

Support

As a mature adult with ADHD you may feel overwhelmed by your difficulties. When your ADHD symptoms are in full force it can be difficult to manage relationships to paying bills and completing deadlines can be difficult. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend why you are acting the way you do. It's crucial to seek treatment to overcome your issues and lead a more productively.

Many people with ADHD discover that medication is effective but they do not treat all symptoms or improve your quality-of-life. This is why it's crucial to combine therapies and medication as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.

Therapy can help you understand and control your ADHD symptoms and develop strategies for coping. It can teach you how to manage your emotions, and relationships. Relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing stress and increase your focus. You should also seek support from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.

There are several types of talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps you overcome negative thinking patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can assist you to improve your organizational skills, plan and time management. It can also help to eliminate thinking distortions which lead to a bad mood and feeling that you have a limited number of choices.

A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults with ADHD found that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises, improved quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson et al 2002). This kind of therapy can be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you be a part of sessions with others who have similar challenges and can be more supportive.

There are numerous online resources for finding an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these services provide virtual sessions using video chat or chatrooms and others provide local meetings. These services are increasing in popularity and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.