Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults with ADHD are able to relieve the symptoms of this disorder through medication. Medication is more effective when it is combined with other treatment methods.
Adult ADHD medication usually includes stimulants, as well as non-stimulants. These medications may be incompatible with certain medical conditions, such as depression and high blood pressure.
1. Medication
Medication is an integral part of treatment for ADHD that balances neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce symptoms. The most popular medication is stimulants that increase dopamine, a chemical that controls concentration and thinking. Examples include amphetamines such as Adderall and Vyvanse or methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medicines, which increase dopamine levels but have a different chemical make-up, are also available and include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
Stimulants start working in about 30 to 45 minutes, and last between 3 and 6 hours. Many people suffering from ADHD try different medications to find one that is most effective for themselves. It's important to disclose other health conditions and any other medications you take to your health care provider, as some can interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect all aspects of your life including relationships and work performance. They can cause feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. People suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty finishing tasks or projects, and may be able to spend long periods of time on the same task before moving on to another, leaving unfinished work in their wake. They may also have difficulties getting enough sleep and may feel groggy or uneasy throughout the day.
When taken properly, stimulant medications can help improve the way that people who suffer from ADHD function at home and in school. They can ease difficulties at school, bring students closer together with their families and help them achieve professional goals. Treatment isn't a cure-all but it can make a significant difference. The first step is for those with ADHD to speak to their doctor or specialist. They will discuss the treatment options available to them and may suggest a mix of treatments and medications.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is an effective treatment for ADHD. It helps you examine and alter negative patterns of thought that affect your self-control and productivity. Research has shown that CBT can improve symptoms and functioning, especially when combined with stimulant medication. CBT is an objective-oriented therapy that is focused on the present. It differs from traditional psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies, which examine childhood traumas and experiences.
During therapy sessions, you and your therapist collaborate to pinpoint and address the troubling thoughts that keep you stuck in unhealthy habits. You then develop strategies to replace these thoughts with more helpful ones. Your therapist can also help with other issues that affect your performance, such as co-existing anxiety disorders or relationships issues, mood disorders, job functioning and self-care.
If you're always late, your therapist could teach you how to prioritize tasks and use an organizer. They may also suggest you arrive early so that you aren't stressed or bored waiting for things to start. Other strategies include using a clock or watch, keeping clocks in your home and at work, or writing down every day activities.
It is important to not just use these tools to treat ADHD symptoms, but to incorporate them into your daily routine. To achieve this you'll have to find a therapist that is competent. If you don't know of one consult your physician for a referral. Visit local medical centers, colleges and the ADDitude Directory to find therapists who specialize in ADHD.
There are also online programs that let you work on your skills on own, but still connect you with a coach or therapist. These programs are usually more affordable but may not offer the same level support as a face-toface session.
3. Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle in their relationships and at work due to the fact that they forget important tasks or make impulsive decisions. Therapy and coaching can help improve communication in relationships, and strategies to deal with the stress and anger caused by these issues.
Family therapy and marriage therapy address the issues that can arise when someone with ADHD is in a relationship or working. These issues include not paying attention to important commitments, financial struggles and difficulty with responsibilities at home or workplace. Therapy can also assist you as well as your colleagues or friends learn to communicate better to manage these difficulties more effectively.
Adult ADHD is usually treated using the use of a combination of medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and counseling. The medication can help you manage the symptoms so that you can focus on the task at hand. However other therapies provide a more holistic way to improve your life.
If you have adult adhd, it could take time to find a coach or therapist who specializes in treating the disorder. It's worth it to improve your quality of life. Talk to your primary care provider about a referral to an expert in mental health. visit the site 'll be able recommend a specialist who can treat your symptoms and offer counseling to you and your family.
You may be eligible to participate in a study that provides new treatments for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies which examine ways to diagnose and treat or prevent illnesses. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and dangers of taking part in a clinical trial.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a form of treatment that is tailored to the individual and helps people suffering from ADHD overcome obstacles in their daily lives. It helps them develop skills to improve their life quality and improve their performance in school, work as well as at home and in social interactions. Studies have already proven that OT is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
An OT will not just address symptoms, but also help develop skills and strategies that will aid in everyday functioning, such as time management and self-control. For instance, they could teach people with ADHD to break down their tasks into smaller chunks and use visual aids to remind them of their responsibilities. They can also help them develop executive function skills. These are cognitive processes that enable people to plan, manage and complete tasks, and also make decisions and switch attention to other tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD often struggle to organise their environment and personal items like clothing, books and wallets. OTs teach their clients how to develop routines and methods to manage their lives. This could include using visual aids, preparing schedules and using a planner. OTs will also support clients in understanding the connection between their mood and the amount of sensory stimulation they feel as well as helping clients monitor their sensory intake to avoid 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 let go of their frustration and restlessness in more appropriate ways, rather than transferring these emotions to relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching to address certain issues. A coach may help clients with topics such as managing money, building relationships, reducing procrastination or improving academic performance. Coaches can also help educate clients on the neurobiological and genetic factors that cause ADHD. This knowledge will help clients lessen the stigma associated with ADHD, as well as the self-blame often promoted by the media.
A competent ADHD coach can provide the support and structure required to make changes. They can guide their client through a reflection process to determine which habits can be beneficial or detrimental to attaining their goals. They can also teach the client how to change their behavior to improve time management and help them develop the skills to achieve their goals. A coach can provide encouragement and support throughout the process.
It is crucial that patients be aware that their symptoms aren't abnormal. A professional may be the only person they ever meet who is aware of their disorder, so it's an enormous relief to know that their challenges are not caused by their personality flaws or a personal failing. This understanding will allow people from blaming themselves and seek assistance.
A combination of medication and behavioral coaching can be extremely beneficial for adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist and the coach can collaborate to address many issues, such as goal setting, prioritizing tasks, motivation, organization skills and problem solving. Behavioral coaching can assist with anxiety, stress and impulse control. A coach can also help with educational and vocational goals. The client can choose to continue with coaching or move to a different kind of mental health professional.