Treating Adult ADHD
Treatment for adult adhd requires a combination of medications and counseling. These treatments can help you develop new ways to cope and deal with emotional issues that are frequently associated with ADHD.
Stimulant medication for ADHD increases brain chemicals that regulate attention. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines, such as Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Medication
For many adults with ADHD, treatment involves medication. It can ease symptoms and improve performance at school, work and at home. For some patients, it can also improve relationships and self-esteem. Adult ADHD medication is different than that prescribed for children. A prescription is required. There are a variety of medications available, and it could take some trial and error to discover the one that is effective for you.
Drugs that are not stimulant and non-stimulant are used to treat adult ADHD. Stimulants are the most effective and methylphenidate is a most frequently prescribed drug. However, this type of medication can cause some negative side effects, including heart palpitations, headaches and gastrointestinal problems. Modafinil and clonidine, both non-stimulant drugs, have proved to be effective in certain adults. They have been studied less than the stimulants, therefore their long-term efficacy and potential side effects are not known.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychosocial therapies such as counseling for families and family therapy. Psychotherapy aids patients to be aware of their condition and improve their strategies for coping and problem solving. It can also enhance relationships with spouses, friends and relatives. The signs of ADHD can cause conflicts in relationships, and counseling may help couples learn how to better communicate and support each other.
A comprehensive approach to the management of ADHD for adults includes therapy and medication. Both types of treatment are crucial to minimize the impact on daily life of the disorder. In order to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be severe and cause clinically significant impairment in a variety of areas of life. The impairment must also be present from the time of childhood.
Psychotherapy for adult ADHD includes counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and family and marital therapy. This counseling assists the patient in recognizing and alter negative patterns of thought that affect their relationships with other people. It can also teach them techniques to manage their ADHD and other mental health conditions like addiction or depression. Support groups for those with ADHD are often offered in local communities as well as online.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD experience that their problems can affect their work and personal relationships. They often feel that they have little control over their lives and that friends and family don't understand their struggles. Counseling, or psychotherapy can help manage these issues by addressing emotional issues and teaching life skills. It can also assist in addressing co-occurring issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that teaches practical skills to manage your life with ADHD. It concentrates on changing negative thought patterns and improving self-control, which can help improve problematic behaviors. CBT is also effective for people with co-occurring ADHD and depression or anxiety disorders, especially when it is combined with medication.
Contrary to other forms of psychotherapy, which concentrate on unpacking past experiences CBT is more focused on the present. It helps you identify thought traps, or patterns of thinking that stop you from moving forward with your goals and plans. Examples of these include all or nothing thinking and perfectionism, catastrophizing about worst-case scenarios, and self-blame and over-personalization. CBT also incorporates skills training to promote relaxation and calm the mind, communication skills training, and exposure therapy to reduce phobias.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and interpersonal therapy are two other kinds of talk therapies that could be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. DBT can help you master essential skills, such as mindfulness which allows you fully accept and experience emotions, as well as emotion control which is the ability to manage difficult emotions. DBT teaches not only these skills, but also practical strategies to manage anxiety and manage problems in everyday life. It can be taught in group sessions, individual sessions or through an online therapy platform.
Interpersonal therapy focuses on helping you develop lasting relationships and overcoming conflicts in your relationship. It can help people with comorbid ADHD and personality disorders such as antisocial disorder, which is common in adults who have untreated ADHD. It can also aid in an impulsive personality, and difficulties in controlling emotions that are common symptoms.
The use of medications alone is effective in treating the majority of people suffering from ADHD, but they do not improve all symptoms in everyone. Combining therapy and medication with coaching can help you create a comprehensive plan that improves the majority of your symptoms.
Education
ADHD treatment could include self-help methods and education on the disorder. These techniques can help to reduce symptoms. Your health care team can provide you with websites and books or to individuals who have expertise in managing the disorder. A support group is an option to share experiences, knowledge and strategies for dealing with other people suffering from ADHD. Support groups are offered in a variety of communities as well as online.
The most effective method of treating adult ADHD is to combine medication, behavior therapy, and life skills training. Many of the same drugs used to treat children are also effective for adults. However, they might need a higher dosage or taken at a slightly different time. It is important to speak with your doctor about what you require to feel at your most optimal.
Psychotherapy helps patients understand and use their strengths. It also helps them develop better organizing and planning skills, learn how to cope with the disappointments and mistakes and improve their relationships. The majority of psychotherapy methods for ADHD adults incorporate a component of cognitive behavior therapy, which is designed to teach patients to change their thoughts and actions to take better control over their lives.
Therapists for adults with ADHD often use family or marriage counseling to help spouses and other family members understand the condition and the effect it can have on their relationship. Adults with ADHD frequently complain about marital problems when seeking treatment. Spouses often blame each other for the problems they face, such as financial difficulties, inattention or impulsivity. In a study, 81% married couples interviewed said that their marital problems were a result of comorbid substance addiction and/or depression (Hesslinger 2002).
Learning about the effects of ADHD can help you to get and stay organized. For instance, you can make a habit of setting aside a certain time every day to clear your desk and arrange your paperwork so you're not distracted by it later in the day. You can also try giving yourself more time than it is going to take to complete tasks and make appointments by setting alarms on your phone or jotting down appointments 15 minutes earlier than they actually are.
Support
These symptoms are not normal when you struggle to remember appointments, aren't able to keep the track of your tasks, and can't finish projects at work or at home. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These characteristics can cause stress and can hinder productivity in relationships. However you can make a difference to your situation.
Counseling can help you build strategies for coping and organizing. Your doctor might prescribe medication to treat chemical deficiencies in the brain that are associated with ADHD. Support from family and friends is also important.
Stimulant medicines like amphetamines or methylphenidate are often used to treat ADHD as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine may also be effective. Your doctor will look at the way you respond to various medications, the adverse effects you might have as well as any other health issues you have when prescribing a medication.
People suffering from ADHD are usually advised to undergo cognitive behavior therapy. This structured type of counseling provides you with strategies to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It will also help you deal with the challenges in your life and strengthen your relationships.
Another form of counseling is support group therapy. You will be able to meet with others who are going through similar issues and discuss how to deal with these issues. You can also develop how to manage stress and organize yourself that you can apply in your everyday life.
Lifestyle changes can help you manage your symptoms of ADHD. For instance, eating a healthy diet can protect your mental and physical health. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, fat and processed ingredients and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise can be beneficial too. It can help you remain focused and calm and lessen the symptoms of ADHD.
Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from having a mentor or coach who can help them develop practical techniques to manage and improve their daily routines. This can be an addition to a more formal psychological therapy and could include learning more info about time management and setting goals.
For adults who are having difficulty finding a counselor in their area online therapy with BetterHelp is an alternative. You can connect to a licensed therapist by video or voice calls as well as in-app messaging at times that work for your schedule.