ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications used to treat ADHD boost brain activity in the areas that control attention, behaviour, and cognition. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines group which includes lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta) and methylphenidate, which is sold under the brand name Ritalin.
Counseling for adults with ADHD typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps clients identify and alter unhelpful thinking patterns.
Medicines
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. These medications help people focus, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior and manage their bloodpressure. They are available in short-acting and long-acting formulations. They can be used once a day or more frequently as needed. Some side effects include a decreased appetite, insomnia and an effect known as a rebound, an occasional period of fatigue or bad mood as the medication wears off. The majority of these symptoms are mild, and they generally disappear in their own time after a few days or weeks.
But stimulant drugs aren't suitable for everyone. They can trigger psychiatric disorders in some people, such as hostility or paranoia. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Those who suffer from bipolar disorder, severe depression, or Tourette's syndrome should not take stimulants. People with a substance abuse history are also at higher risk of misusing the medication. For instance they might crush pills and snort them to gain a high.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, including Strattera(atomoxetine), Qelbree(viloxazine), and Intuniv(guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They increase levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which improves concentration and decreases impulsiveness. They can also help with depression and anxiety.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose and gradually increase it until you reach an optimal level. This procedure is known as the titration. In these sessions your doctor will be monitoring your body's reaction to the medication, including any adverse reactions you experience. Once a stable dose has been reached, you'll need to keep track of your clinical monitoring at least every three months to ensure that the medication continues to be efficient. These appointments will allow your doctor to determine whether the dosage should be adjusted. They may also check for any comorbid conditions, such as heart disease.
Counseling
For adults suffering from ADHD counseling can be as effective as medications for treating symptoms. Psychotherapy assists patients in managing their symptoms, and improves how they interact. It could be a combination of individual therapy or group support as well as cognitive behavior therapy or any other psychotherapeutic method. Psychotherapy can increase motivation to treat ADHD and reduce negative emotions. It can also teach patients and their family members strategies for improving relationships, including conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from multiple disorders than people without the condition, and it's crucial to treat any other mental health problems that are present. Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders can all have similar symptoms to ADHD. Treating these underlying disorders can improve the effectiveness of ADHD medications and make it easier to manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study that evaluated the effectiveness of different types of psychotherapy, participants rated stress-reducing techniques and mindfulness meditation as quite helpful or extremely helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy were considered to be quite helpful or very helpful. These approaches can be combined to form a comprehensive plan of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists also can help patients with time and organizational management problems. They can offer strategies to overcome procrastination and establishing more effective routines for organizing daily tasks. They can teach patients to recognize and correct thinking errors that can cause self-defeating negative moods and unrealistic expectations. The goals of cognitive-behavioral therapy are to help patients recognize and alter negative thinking patterns, which often can be the primary source of frustration for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial in improving the quality of relationships with colleagues as well as friends and partners. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to forget appointments, not meeting deadlines, and making impulsive choices that can strain even the most patient spouse or partner. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families recognize how to better deal with these issues. Classes that enhance communication and conflict resolution in couples and families have a profound effect on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of behavioral therapy which focuses on adjusting the environment to fit the needs of an individual. People suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused, staying on a task for a long period of time, paying their bills, and coping with sensory input. Occupational therapy can aid in these problems.
Those who have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms of ADHD may find it difficult to control their impulses, which can cause them to interrupt others, grab things from other people, or speak at inappropriate times. In these situations an OT can assist them in practicing methods that will allow them to manage their impulses and interact with others without getting into a fight or disrupting the conversation.
Executive function skills are a problem for many adults suffering from ADHD. This includes working memory, planning skills shifting attention, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can help them build these skills and devise strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Adults with ADHD might have sensory processing issues that cause them to be overwhelmed by auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli. People with this kind of ADHD may be sensitive to sounds, smells or touch, and they may dislike physical contact. An OT can help them understand how to deal with the situation and suggest strategies to manage sensory overload or stress.
Kids with ADHD, especially those who have the hyperactive-impulsive presentation, have a lot of restless energy that they need to release. This restless energy can lead to anger and emotional outbursts even at the most difficult times, like when they are reading silently at school. An OT can assist them in learning to channel their energy into more constructive ways, like playing sports or taking part in a group.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty in traditional schools since they're not designed to accommodate neurodivergent children, which makes it hard for them to follow directions or stay in the classroom. An OT can assist the teacher of a child to make changes to support them for ADHD, such as setting up a weekly calendar and providing alternatives to seating.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of adult ADHD can have significant impacts on a person's life and relationships. Therapy can help ADHD sufferers manage the symptoms and improve their lives by dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues that arise from this disorder. Often times, comorbid conditions such as depression or substance misuse can also be addressed through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can help patients learn new coping strategies to deal with their issues including mindfulness meditation and regulation of emotions. It can also assist them to identify and overcome thinking distortions which can cause negative emotions and hamper problem-solving abilities. Psychotherapy is a method to lessen the impact of ADHD symptoms while enhancing existing strategies for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a kind of individual counseling that can help people suffering from ADHD learn to organize their homes and workplace environments. It can also address particular issues that are difficult to handle such as forgetfulness or insanity. It can also encourage positive reinforcement by offering rewards for good behavior, and consequences for bad behaviour. It can also teach family members techniques to manage symptoms, such as timers, reminders of chores and appointments.
Additionally, those with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes. It is recommended that they eat regular meals and snacks not more than three hours apart. They should also avoid drinking sugary drinks, and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and protein to help maintain a steady level of energy throughout the day. It is also important to set regular meal times and ensure they get enough sleep.
Finally, individuals who suffer from ADHD are often having difficulty in creating and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people to overcome these issues and help them learn to communicate better. It can also address the root issues such as feelings of inadequateness, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
Medicines are the most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, however they do not always have long-lasting natural treatment for adhd effects and can trigger negative side effects for some people. Combining medication with other therapies may result in longer-lasting benefits. Studies have shown that medication can lower the risk of depression as well as motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults with ADHD.