Treating Adult ADHD
Adult adhd can be treated with a combination of medication and counseling. These treatments can help you develop new coping techniques and deal with emotional issues that are often related to ADHD.
Stimulant drugs for ADHD boost brain chemicals that control attention. These include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines like lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Medication
Many people with ADHD are treated with medications. It can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning at home, work and at school. It can also improve self-esteem and relationships for some patients. Adult ADHD medication differs from those prescribed for children. A prescription is needed. There are a myriad of medications, and you may require a trial before you find one that works.
Medications used to treat adults with ADHD include stimulants as well as non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective, and methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed drug. However, this type of medication can cause some negative side effects, including heart palpitations, headaches and digestive issues. Modafinil and Clonidine, which are non-stimulant medications, have been proved to be effective in some adults. These drugs haven't been studied as extensively as stimulants, so their long-term efficacy and side effects aren't known.
Psychosocial treatments, like counseling and family therapy, are also important in treating patients with ADHD. Psychotherapy helps patients understand their condition and develop coping skills and problem-solving skills. It can also help improve relationships with friends, spouses and family members. Counseling can help couples improve their communication and support each other.
A comprehensive approach to the management of ADHD for adults includes medication and psychotherapy. It is essential for people to have both types of treatments to minimize the impact of their condition on their daily life. In order to qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms have to be severe and cause significant impairment in multiple areas of life. Additionally the impairment has to be present since childhood.
Adult ADHD can be treated through counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as family and marriage therapy. The therapy teaches the patient to recognize and modify negative thinking patterns that can impact how they interact with others. It also teaches patients how to manage ADHD and other mental conditions such as depression or substance abuse. Support groups for people with ADHD are usually available in the community and online.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel that their issues interfere with their work and personal relationships. They often feel like they have little control over their lives, and feel that friends and family don't understand their challenges. Counseling or psychotherapy can help manage symptoms by addressing emotional issues and educating techniques. It can also assist in addressing co-occurring conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that teaches you practical skills to manage your life with ADHD. It focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and improving control, which can reduce the behavior of those who are struggling. CBT is also effective for those with comorbid ADHD depression, anxiety or disorders.
In contrast to some types of psychotherapy, which focus on unpacking past experiences CBT focuses more on the present. It helps you identify thoughts patterns or thought traps that hinder you from reaching your goals and objectives. Examples of these include all or nothing thinking and perfectionism, catastrophizing about the worst-case scenarios, as well as over-personalization and self-blame. CBT also includes skills training to promote relaxation and quiet the mind, training in communication skills, and exposure therapy to help reduce fears.
Other types of therapy that can be helpful for adults with ADHD include dialectical behavior therapy, also known as DBT and interpersonal therapy. DBT can teach essential skills, like mindfulness which allows you to fully experience and accept your emotions, and emotional regulation, which is the ability to manage difficult feelings. DBT teaches not only these skills, but practical strategies to manage stress and deal with issues in daily life. It can be provided in group sessions, individual sessions, or via an online therapy platform.
Interpersonal therapy focuses on helping you develop meaningful relationships and deal with conflicts in your relationship. It can be helpful for people who have comorbid ADHD with personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, which is observed in a lot of adults suffering from untreated ADHD. It can also aid in the impulsivity and difficulty in regulating emotions, which are common signs.
The majority of people with ADHD can be treated with medication on their own however, not all symptoms can be improved. Combining medication and therapy with coaching can help you create an effective plan that addresses the majority of your symptoms.
Education
ADHD treatment may include self-help strategies and education about the disorder. These can help reduce symptoms. adult adhd treatments may provide you with websites and books, or to those who have expertise in managing the disorder. A support group is an option to share experiences, knowledge and strategies to cope with other people who suffer from ADHD. These groups are available in a variety of communities as well as online.
The most effective treatment of adult ADHD is a combination between medication, behavior therapy, and life skills training. Many of the same medicines that are prescribed for children are equally effective for adults, but they may require a greater dosage or be taken at different times. It is important to discuss with your doctor the medications you require to feel your most optimal.
Psychotherapy helps patients learn to identify and harness 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 attitudes and behaviors so they can have more control over their lives.
Marriage or family counseling is often utilized by therapists for adults suffering from ADHD to assist parents, spouses and other loved ones understand the condition and its effect on their relationship. Problems with marriage are common complaints of those who suffer from ADHD who seek treatment. Couples blame each others when there are problems such as financial difficulties or inattention, or impulsivity. In one study 81% of married couples interviewed reported marital problems due to depression or addiction disorders (Hesslinger and colleagues 2002).
Teaching yourself about the effects of ADHD can help you to get and stay organized. Set aside time each day to organize your work and tidy your desk to ensure that you are not distracted later in the morning. You can also give yourself more time to finish 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 don't remember appointments, are having trouble keeping things in order and don't seem to finish projects at work or home, these symptoms might not be just normal. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While these issues can cause stress in relationships and hinder productivity, you can take steps to improve your situation.
Counseling can help you develop strategies for coping and organizing. Your doctor might prescribe medication to treat chemical deficiencies in the mind related to ADHD. Friends and family members can be a wonderful source of help.
ADHD is typically treated with stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamines. Non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine also work. When prescribing medication your doctor will take into consideration how you react to different medications, and any adverse reactions that you may experience, or other health issues.
People suffering from ADHD are generally advised to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of structured counseling teaches you strategies to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It will also help you deal with the challenges of your life and enhance your relationships.
Another form of counseling is group therapy. adult add treatments gives you the chance to connect with other people who have the same struggles and discuss strategies to deal with them. It can also teach you the skills of coping and organization to apply in your daily life.
You can also control your ADHD symptoms by making lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, for example can help protect your physical and mental health. Avoid foods high in fat, sugar, and processed ingredients. Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise can be very helpful. It can help you remain focused and calm, and reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from having a coach or mentor who can help them develop practical techniques for organizing and improving their daily routines. This could be a supplement to more formal psychological counseling and may include learning time management skills and the best way to set goals.
Online therapy is available through BetterHelp for adults who are unable to find a counselor near them. You can connect to a licensed therapist by video or voice calls as well as in-app messaging at times that work for your schedule.