Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults with ADHD can get relief from the symptoms of this condition through medication. However, medication is more effective when combined with other treatment methods.
Adult ADHD medication usually includes stimulants as well as nonstimulants. These medications may interfere with certain medical conditions, such as depression and high blood pressure.
1. Medication
Medication is an integral component of treatment for ADHD and is a way of balancing neurotransmitters within the brain to alleviate symptoms. The most common medication is stimulants that increase dopamine, a chemical responsible for attention and thinking. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines like Adderall or Vyvanse. Atomoxetine, Strattera, and Guanfacine both of which are non-stimulant medicines which increase dopamine, but have distinct chemical compositions, are also available.
The effects of stimulants begin in 30 to 45 minutes and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people suffering from ADHD test a variety of medication options over time to determine what works best for them. It is important to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you suffer from and any medications you take, as they can interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can impact all aspects of your life including relationships and work performance. They can create feelings of self-worth and inadequacy. People suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty completing projects or tasks. They may be able to spend long hours working on the same task before moving on to another, leaving work unfinished in their wake. They may also have difficulties getting a good night's sleep and may feel groggy or irritable throughout the day.
When properly used, stimulant medications can improve the way people with ADHD function at home and at school. They can help ease the burden at school, and bring people closer together with their families and help them reach their professional goals. Treatment isn't a cure-all, but can make a big difference. The first step is for those with ADHD to speak with their physician or specialist. They will discuss treatment options that can be beneficial for them and recommend a combination of therapies and medicines.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a potent treatment for ADHD. It helps you to examine and change your negative thinking patterns, which interfere with your productivity and self-regulation. Research has shown that CBT can help improve functioning and symptoms, especially when combined with stimulant medication. CBT is an objective-oriented therapy that is focused on the present. It is different from traditional psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies, which focus on childhood traumas and experiences.
In therapy the therapist and you will collaborate to identify and break down the negative habits of thought that lead you to engage in unhealthy habits. Suggested Browsing will then devise strategies to replace these thoughts with more positive ones. Your therapist can also assist you with other issues that can affect your functioning, including co-existing anxiety or mood disorders and relationship issues, job functioning, and self-care.
For instance, if you're always running late, your therapist could help you prioritize tasks and use a planner. They might also suggest you try to avoid being on time, so that you don't get anxious or frustrated waiting for something to start. Other methods include using a watch or clock watch, placing clocks in your workplace and in your home or jotting down your every day activities.
It is important to not only use these tools to treat ADHD symptoms, but to make them a part of your daily routine. However, for this to happen you'll have to find a good therapist. If you don't know of one Ask your doctor for the name of a therapist. Check with your local medical centers colleges, universities, and the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.
You can also find online programs that let you test your skills on your own, while connecting you with a coach or therapist. These programs are typically more affordable, but they may not offer the same level of support that a face-to-face session would.
3. Counseling
Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle with their work and relationships because they are unable to remember important details or make impulsive choices. Coaching and therapy can help enhance communication and assist with strategies to deal with stress and frustration.
Family and marriage counseling deals with the issues that be created when a person suffering from ADHD is in a relationship or at their job. These issues can be caused by not paying attention to important commitments, financial struggles and difficulty with the responsibilities of workplace or at home. Therapy can help you and your partner, or coworkers, to improve communication so that you are able to manage these difficulties better.
Adult ADHD treatment usually includes a combination of medications along with counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. The medication helps you control the symptoms, so that you can concentrate on the task at hand. However, the other therapies offer an alternative to improve your life.
It could take a while to locate an adhd specialist therapist or coach. But it's worth the effort to improve the quality of your life. Ask your primary care provider for the recommendation of a mental health professional. They can refer you to a specialist to treat your symptoms and offer counseling to you and your loved ones.
You could be eligible to participate in a clinical trial which could provide new treatments for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies which test ways to diagnose and treat, or prevent, ailments. Consult your physician about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in a research study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a specialized treatment that assists people suffering from ADHD overcome barriers to success in daily life. It teaches skills to improve their lives and improve their ability to engage in meaningful activities within the context of school, work as well as social interactions at home and at school. Research is already proving that OT is a successful treatment for adults with ADHD.
In addition to treating symptoms in addition to addressing the underlying issues, an OT will also focus on enhancing skills and developing strategies that aid in daily functioning, including time management and the development of self-control. They may, for example teach people with ADHD how to break tasks into smaller chunks and use visual aids as a reminder of their duties. They can also assist them to develop executive functional abilities. These are cognitive processes that enable individuals to manage, plan and complete tasks, and make a decision and divert their attention to other tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD have trouble organizing their personal belongings and environment including books, clothing and wallets. OTs can help their clients learn to create routines and methods to manage their lives. This may include using visual aids, creating schedules and using planners. OTs can also help clients understand the relationship between their mood and how much they are exposed to stimulants. They will then monitor their intake of sensory stimuli to stay away from 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 can help them release their anger and frustration in more appropriate ways, rather than transfer these feelings to relationships with other people.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral coaching when they have to address certain issues. A coach could assist clients in addressing issues such as managing finances, developing relationships, decreasing procrastination, or improving academic performance. Coaches may also educate clients on the neurobiological as well as genetic factors that contribute to ADHD. This information can help clients overcome the stigma that surrounds the condition and help reduce self-blame, which is often promoted in popular media.
A skilled ADHD coach can provide the support and structure needed to make the necessary changes. They can guide their clients through a reflective process to identify the behaviors that are 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 meet their goals. A coach can offer encouragement and help throughout the entire process.
It's important for clients to be aware that their issues are normal. It could be that a professional is the only person who has ever recognized their condition. It can be a relief to know that their problems are not caused by character weaknesses. This new understanding could free people from blaming their own mistakes and seek help.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from a combination of medication and coaching. The psychiatrist and coach may work together to address a range of issues, including goal setting, prioritizing work and motivation, as well as organizational skills and problem solving. Behavioral coaching can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and controlling impulses. Coaching can aid in achieving goals in the field of education or work as well. The client can decide whether they want to continue coaching or to switch to another type of mental health professional.