Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Medication can help many adults suffering from ADHD to alleviate the symptoms. The effectiveness of medication is greater when it is combined with other treatment methods.
Adult medication for ADHD typically includes stimulants and nonstimulant medications. These medications may be incompatible with certain medical conditions, such as depression and high blood pressure.
1. Medication
The use of medication is an crucial aspect of treatment for ADHD. It helps to regulate neurotransmitters and reduce symptoms. The most common medication is stimulants that increase dopamine, the chemical responsible for attention and thinking. Examples include amphetamines like Adderall and Vyvanse or methylphenidate. Non-stimulant drugs, which boost dopamine levels but have different chemical make-up, are also available and include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
The stimulants start to work within 30 to 45 minutes, and last between 3 and 6 hours. Many people suffering from ADHD experiment with different treatment options over time to determine what works best for them. It is important to discuss any your other health issues and other medications you are taking to your health care provider, as some can interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect all aspects of your life such as relationships and work performance. They can cause feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. People with ADHD might have trouble completing tasks or projects. They may spend hours on one task before moving onto another, leaving unfinished work. They may also have difficulty sleeping well and feel groggy or even irritable throughout the day.
When properly used, stimulant medications can help people who suffer from ADHD perform at home and at school. They can reduce the difficulties at home, and bring people closer to their families, and help them achieve their professional goals. Treatment isn't a cure-all, but can make a huge difference. Patients suffering from ADHD should first talk to their doctor or a specialist. They will discuss treatment options that can be beneficial for them and recommend a combination of therapies and medications.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is an effective treatment for ADHD. treating add in adults assists you in examining and alter your negative thought patterns that hinder your self-regulation and productivity. Research has shown that CBT can improve functioning and symptoms, especially when it is combined with stimulant medications. In contrast to psychodynamic or psychoanalytic treatments that focus on childhood traumas and experiences, CBT is goal-oriented and focuses on the present moment.
In therapy sessions the therapist and you collaborate to pinpoint and address the troubling thoughts that keep you trapped in unhealthy habits. Then, you devise strategies to replace them with more beneficial ones. Your therapist may also assist with other issues that can affect your performance, like co-existing anxiety disorders or relationship issues, mood disorders working, self-care and other issues.
If you're always late, your therapist may help you prioritize tasks and utilize an organizer. They may also suggest that you arrive early so you aren't stressed or bored waiting for things start. Other strategies might include using a clock or placing clocks around your house and office, or jotting down every day actions in detail.
The aim is to make these tools a natural part of your daily routine and not just a means to overcome your ADHD symptoms. However, for this to happen you'll have to find a therapist who is reliable. If you're not aware of one, ask your doctor for an appointment. Check with your local medical centers, colleges, and the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.
You can also search for online programs that offer the option of practicing skills on your own while connecting you with an expert or therapist. These programs are typically cheaper, but they may not offer the same level support as a face-to-face session.
3. Counseling
Many people with ADHD struggle with their work and relationships because they are unable to remember important details or make impulsive choices. Therapy and coaching can aid in improving communication and provide strategies to manage anxiety and frustration.
Family therapy and marriage therapy address the issues that can arise when a person with ADHD is in a relationship or at work. These issues could include forgetting important obligations, financial difficulties or having difficulty with responsibilities at home or work. Therapy can also help you and your partner or coworkers develop better communication so that you can deal with these issues more effectively.
Adult ADHD treatment typically involves a combination of medication as well as counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. The medication helps you manage the symptoms so that you can concentrate on the tasks at-hand. However other treatments offer a more holistic way to improve your life.
If you have adult adhd, it could take time to find an expert therapist or coach who specializes in treating the disorder. It's worth it to improve your quality of life. Consult your primary care provider about a referral to an expert in mental health. They'll be able to refer you to a specialist who can treat your symptoms and offer counselling for you and your family.
You could be eligible to participate in a clinical trial which can offer new treatments for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies which examine ways to identify and treat or prevent illnesses. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in a study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is an individualized treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome barriers to achieving success in everyday life. It helps develop skills that improve their lives and help them take part in meaningful activities in the context of school, work as well as social interactions at home and at school. OT has been shown to be an effective treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD.
An OT does not just treat symptoms, but also help develop strategies and skills that can help with daily functioning, like time management and self-control. They may, for example teach people with ADHD how to break down tasks into smaller parts and employ visual aids to remind them of their responsibilities. They can also help them develop executive functional abilities. These are cognitive processes that allow individuals to plan, manage and complete the task, as well as make decisions and shift their attention to other tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD have trouble organizing their environment and personal possessions including books, clothes, and wallets. OTs help their clients to develop routines and methods to manage their lives. This could include using visual aids, creating schedules and utilizing planners. Additionally, OTs assist clients in understanding the relationship between their mood and the amount of sensory stimulation they feel and help them to monitor their sensory diet 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 enable them to let go of their agitated energy and frustrations in a more sensible manner instead of transferring those emotions into relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching if they need to address certain issues. A coach may work with clients to address issues such as managing finances, establishing relationships, reducing procrastination or improving academic performance. Coaches can also educate about the genetic, neurobiological and environmental contributors to ADHD. This knowledge will help clients lessen the stigma associated with ADHD and the self-blame often promoted by popular media.
A skilled ADHD coach can provide the guidance and structure needed to make changes. They can guide their client through a reflective process to determine which habits can be beneficial or detrimental to attaining their goals. They can help their client learn how to modify their habits in order to improve their time management skills and acquire the necessary abilities to reach their goals. A coach can also provide encouragement and support throughout the process.
It is important that clients know their symptoms are not abnormal. A doctor could be the only person they encounter who understands their condition, so it's a relief to know that their problems aren't caused by their character flaws, or a personal failing. This understanding could enable people from blaming their own faults and seek assistance.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from a combination of medication and coaching. The psychiatrist and coach may collaborate to tackle a range of issues, such as goal setting, prioritizing work, motivation, organization skills, and problem solving. Behavioral coaching is also helpful for anxiety, stress, and impulse control. A coach can help in achieving goals in the field of education or work as well. The client can decide whether they want to continue coaching or change to a different mental health professional.