Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults suffering from ADHD can get relief from the symptoms of this condition through medication. However, medication is more effective when paired with other methods of treatment.
Treatment for adults with ADHD typically includes stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and depression could interact with these medications.
1. Medication
The use of medication is a major component of treatment for ADHD, balancing neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce symptoms. The primary medications are stimulants that increase dopamine levels, which are responsible for attention and thinking. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines such as Adderall or Vyvanse. Non-stimulant drugs, which boost dopamine levels but have different chemical make-up are also available. They include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
The stimulants begin to work in around 30 to 45 minutes, and last between 3 and 6 hours. Many people with ADHD test a variety of treatment options over time to find what is most effective for them. It is important to inform your doctor about any other health conditions you have and any medications you take, since they may interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect the entirety of your life such as relationships and work performance. They can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. People with ADHD might have trouble completing projects or tasks. They might spend an extended time on a task before moving onto another, leaving behind unfinished work. They may also have trouble getting enough sleep and can feel tired or uneasy throughout the day.
When properly taken, stimulant drugs can improve how people who suffer from ADHD perform in school and at home. They can reduce difficulties at school, and bring people closer to their families, and aid them to reach their professional goals. Treatment isn't a cure, but it can make a significant difference. People with ADHD must first speak with their physician or a specialist. They will discuss treatment options that could be effective for them and recommend a combination of treatments and medications.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for ADHD. It assists you in examining and revise negative thought patterns that affect your self-control and productivity. Research has shown that CBT can help improve symptoms and functioning, especially when used in conjunction with stimulant medication. Unlike traditional psychoanalytic or psychodynamic treatments that focus on childhood experiences and traumas, CBT is goal-oriented and concentrates on the present.
During therapy sessions you and your therapist work together to identify and challenge distressing thoughts that keep you stuck in bad habits. Then, you come up with strategies to replace them with more beneficial ones. Your therapist might also assist you with other issues that impact your performance, such as co-existing anxiety or mood disorders, relationship problems, job functioning, and self-care.
For instance, if you're always late, your therapist may teach you to prioritize tasks and use a calendar. They may also suggest that you arrive early so you aren't stressed or bored waiting for things to begin. Other strategies include wearing a watch, placing clocks around your home and office, or jotting down the day's activities in full.
The aim is to make these tools a natural part of your daily routine and not just an effort to get rid of your ADHD symptoms. However, for this to happen you'll have to find a therapist who is reliable. If you don't know of one consult your physician for the name of a therapist. Then check with local medical centers and colleges, as well as the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.
You can also look for online programs that give you the option to practice the skills on your own while connecting you with an expert or therapist. These programs are more affordable, but they also might not provide the same level of assistance that face-to-face sessions would.
3. Counseling
Many adults with ADHD struggle with their relationships and work because they forget important things or make impulsive choices. Coaching and therapy can help improve communication and help with strategies to manage stress and anger.
Family and marriage counseling addresses the problems that can arise when someone with ADHD is engaged or working at their job. These issues could include being unable to remember important obligations, financial struggles or issues with responsibilities at home or work. Therapy can assist you and your spouse or colleagues learn to communicate more effectively to enable you to deal with these issues better.
Adult ADHD treatment usually involves a combination of medication, counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. The medication helps to manage the symptoms to allow you to focus on the work that are at hand, but other therapies offer an overall approach to improving your life.
It may take some time to locate an adhd specialist or coach. It's worth it in order to improve your life quality. Consult your primary care physician about a referral to an expert in mental health. They'll be able suggest a specialist to treat your symptoms and provide guidance for you and your family.
You may be able to take part in a clinical trial that could provide new solutions to your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that examine ways to detect and treat, or prevent, ailments. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of participating in a research study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a method of treatment that is individualized to the individual and assists people suffering from ADHD overcome obstacles in their daily lives. It helps develop skills that enhance their quality of life and improve their ability to participate in meaningful activities in the contexts of school, work and home, as well as social connections. Research is already proving that OT is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
In addition to addressing the symptoms in addition to addressing the underlying issues, an OT will also focus on enhancing abilities and devising strategies to help with day-to-day functioning, such as time management and the development of self-control. They can, for instance, teach people with ADHD how to break down tasks into smaller pieces and use visual aids as a reminder of their obligations. adults adhd treatment can also help them in developing executive function skills which are the cognitive processes that allow individuals to plan and manage a task as well as make decisions and shift their attention to other tasks.
Adults with ADHD often struggle to organise their physical environment and personal belongings like wallets, books, and clothing. OTs can help the clients to create systems to ensure their belongings are organised and establish routines to maintain organisation. This could include using visual aids, making schedules and using a planner. OTs can also help clients learn to recognise the connection between their mood and the amount they are exposed to sensory stimulation. They can then monitor their intake of sensory stimuli to stay clear of 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 restless energy and frustration in a more appropriate manner, rather than transfer these feelings to relationships with other people.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral coaching if they need to address certain issues. A coach may help clients with topics such as managing finances as well as building relationships as well as reducing procrastination and improving academic performance. Coaches are also able to educate clients on the genetic, neurobiological and environmental contributors to ADHD. This knowledge can help clients overcome the stigma that is associated with ADHD as well as the self-blame often promoted by popular media.
A competent ADHD coach can provide the structure and guidance necessary to make positive changes. They can guide their clients through a process of reflection to identify the behaviors that can be beneficial or detrimental to achieving their goals. They can help their client learn how to modify their habits to improve their ability to manage their time and develop the necessary skills to achieve their goals. A coach can also offer support and encouragement throughout the process.
It is important that clients know their symptoms are not abnormal. It could be that a professional is the only person who's been able to understand their condition. It could be a relief for them to realize that their issues are not due to character weaknesses. This newfound understanding can also allow them to stop blaming themselves and to seek assistance.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from a combination of medication and behavior coaching. The psychiatrist and coach can collaborate to work on various issues such as goal setting, prioritizing, motivation, organizational skills and problem solving. Behavioral coaching can help with stress, anxiety, and impulse control. A coach can help with goals for education or career as well. The client may decide to continue with coaching or to transition to a different kind of mental health professional.