Treating Adult ADHD
Treatment for adult adhd requires a combination of medication and counseling. These treatments help you develop new coping skills and assist you in managing the emotional issues that can be associated with ADHD.
Stimulant medications for ADHD increases levels of brain chemicals which control attention. These include methylphenidate available as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Lisdexamphetamine, which is sold as Adderall and Vyvanse.
Medication
For a lot of adults suffering from ADHD Treatment involves medication. It can reduce symptoms and improve performance at home, work and school. It can also improve relationships and self-esteem of some patients. The medication used to treat adult ADHD is different from the medication used to treat children, and a prescription is required. There are a variety of medications available, and you might have to test a few before finding one that is effective.
The medications used to treat adults with ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate, which is a stimulant. However, this kind of medication has some negative side effects, including heart palpitations, headaches and digestive issues. Modafinil and Clonidine, which are non-stimulant drugs, have proven to be effective for some adults. These medications have not been extensively studied as stimulants, so their long-term efficacy and side effects aren't known.
Psychosocial therapies, such as counseling and family therapy, are also essential in the treatment of patients with ADHD. Psychotherapy assists patients in understanding their condition and develop coping strategies and problem-solving capabilities. It also helps improve relationships with spouses and family members. Symptoms of ADHD can cause conflicts in relationships, and counseling can help couples how to better communicate and help each other.
A comprehensive approach to the management of ADHD for adults includes medication and psychotherapy. Both types of treatment are important to minimize the impact on daily activities of the disorder. To be eligible for the diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be severe and cause significant impairment in a variety of areas of life. The impairment must be present from the time of childhood.
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD includes counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as marital and family therapy. This counseling teaches the patient to recognize and change negative thinking patterns that can affect how they interact with others. It can also teach patients the skills needed to manage ADHD and other mental illnesses such as depression or substance abuse. Support groups for people with ADHD are typically offered in local communities as well as online.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are aware that their issues can affect their work and personal relationships. They feel that they don't have control over their lives and that their family and friends don't understand. Psychotherapy, also known as counseling can help manage these issues by addressing emotional issues and teaching life skills. It can also help treat co-occurring disorders, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that teaches you practical skills to manage your life with ADHD. It focuses on changing bad thinking patterns and improving control, which can reduce problem behavior. CBT is also effective for those suffering from co-occurring ADHD and anxiety or depression disorders, especially when it is coupled with medication.
CBT focuses more on the present than other types of psychotherapy which focus on previous experiences. It helps you identify thoughts patterns or thought traps that prevent you from realizing your goals and plans. These include perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking, which can lead to creating worst-case scenarios, and self-blame. CBT includes training in communication skills as well as relaxation techniques training and exposure therapies to lessen phobias.
Other types of therapy that can be beneficial for adults with ADHD include dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, and interpersonal therapy. DBT teaches essential skills, like mindfulness, which lets you fully experience and accept your emotions and emotional regulation that is the ability to manage difficult feelings. In addition to these skills, DBT also teaches practical strategies to manage stress and deal with everyday challenges. It can be delivered in individual sessions, group sessions, or through an online therapy platform.
Interpersonal therapy can help you create meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts in your relationship. It can be helpful for people who have comorbid ADHD with personality disorders, like antisocial personality disorder, which is seen in a lot of adults suffering from untreated ADHD. It can also aid in emotional instability and impulsivity which are common signs of these disorders.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication alone however, there are some issues that cannot be eliminated. Combining therapy and medication with coaching can create a comprehensive plan that improves the majority of your symptoms.
Education
In addition to medications, ADHD treatment can include education on the condition as well as self-help methods that can lessen symptoms. Your health care provider may refer you to websites and books or to people with experience in managing the disorder. A support group is also an option for sharing experiences, knowledge and strategies to cope with other people who suffer from ADHD. They are available in a variety of communities, as well as on the internet.
The most effective treatment of adult ADHD is a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and life skills training. Many of the same medications that are used for children can be used for adults, however they may require a higher dose or need to be taken at different times. It is essential to speak with your doctor about what you need to feel your best.
Psychotherapy helps patients recognize and utilize their strengths, improve organizational and planning skills, cope with failures and frustrations and improve 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.
Family counseling or marriage counseling is often utilized by therapists for adults with ADHD to help spouses, children and other loved ones better understand the condition and its effect on their relationship. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently complain about marital issues when seeking treatment. Spouses blame each other when they face issues such as financial difficulties, inattention, or impulsivity. In one study, 81% of married couples interviewed reported marital problems caused by comorbid depression and/or addiction disorders (Hesslinger and co. 2002).
Teaching treating add about the effects of ADHD can help you to stay organized and keep it that way. For instance, you can schedule a time each day to clean your desk and arrange your paperwork to ensure you don't get distracted later in the day. You can also try giving yourself more time than you think it is going to take to complete tasks and make appointments by setting alarms on your smartphone or jotting down appointments 15 minutes earlier than they are.
Support
If you don't remember appointments, struggle to keep track of tasks and can't manage to finish your projects at work or at home, these signs may not be just normal. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These traits can cause stress and can hinder productivity in relationships. However you can make a difference to your situation.
Your doctor could prescribe medication to address brain chemical deficiencies associated with ADHD, and counseling can help you develop the ability to cope and organize. Friends and family members can be an excellent source of support.
Stimulant medicines like amphetamines or methylphenidate are often used to treat ADHD and other non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine can also be effective. Your doctor will look at the way you react to different medications, the adverse effects you may experience and any other health issues you have when prescribing the medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally recommended for people with ADHD. This type of structured counseling will teach you ways to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It can also help you deal with the challenges in your life and enhance your relationships.
Another kind of counseling is group therapy. This gives you a opportunity to connect with others who share the same issues and discuss strategies to deal with them. You can also develop strategies for coping and organization that you can use in your daily life.
You can also reduce your ADHD symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments. A healthy diet, for instance, can protect both your physical and mental health. Avoid foods high in fat, sugar, and processed ingredients. Take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise can be very helpful. It helps you remain focused and calm and reduces the symptoms of ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit having a coach or mentor who can assist them in learning practical strategies to manage and improve their daily routines. This can be a supplement to more formal psychological counseling and it could include learning how to set goals and learn time management techniques.
For those who are having trouble finding an appropriate counselor in their area online therapy via BetterHelp is a viable alternative. You can connect with a licensed therapist through video or voice call and in-app messaging at times that fit your schedule.