Treating Adult ADHD
Treating adult adhd requires a combination of medications and counseling. These treatments teach new coping skills and assist in managing emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD.
Stimulant drugs for ADHD boost levels of brain chemicals that regulate attention. These include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines, such as the lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Medication
Many people with ADHD are treated with medication. It can help reduce symptoms and enhance performance at school, work and home. For certain patients, it may also improve relationships and self-esteem. Adult ADHD medication is different than those prescribed for children. It is necessary to obtain a prescription. There are many medications available, and it may require some trial and error to discover the one that is effective for you.
Treatments for adults with ADHD include stimulants as well as non-stimulant medications. The most effective stimulants are stimulants, and methylphenidate is the medication most often prescribed. This kind of medication can cause adverse effects, such as headaches, heart palpitations and gastrointestinal problems. Clonidine and modafinil, non-stimulant drugs, have shown to be effective for certain adults. These medications haven't been extensively studied as stimulants, so their long-term effectiveness and side effects aren't known.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from psychosocial therapies such as family therapy and counseling. Psychotherapy helps patients understand their condition and develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills. It can also improve the relationships with family members and family members. Counseling can assist couples in improving their communication and help one another.
The use of medication and psychotherapy are both important components of a comprehensive plan for management for adults with ADHD. It is important for individuals to receive both kinds of treatments in order to limit the impact of their disorder on their daily life. To be eligible for an assessment of ADHD the symptoms must be severe and cause significant impairment in multiple areas of life. The impairment must also be present since the time of childhood.
Adult ADHD is treatable with counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy and marriage and family therapy. This counseling teaches the patient to recognize and change negative thinking patterns that can affect their interactions with others. It can also teach them strategies to manage their ADHD and other mental health issues like depression or substance misuse. Many online and community-based communities offer support groups for people who suffer from ADHD.
Counseling
Many adults suffering from ADHD are aware that their issues can affect their work and personal relationships. They feel that they are in control of their lives and that their family and friends aren't understanding. Counseling, or psychotherapy can help manage these issues by addressing emotional issues and teaching life skills. It can also assist in addressing co-occurring disorders, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy that teaches you practical skills to help manage your life if you suffer from ADHD. It focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and improving control, which can improve problem behavior. CBT is also effective for people who have co-occurring ADHD and depression or anxiety disorders, especially when it is combined with medication.
In contrast to some types of psychotherapy, which focus on unravelling past experiences CBT focuses more on the present. It helps you recognize the patterns of thought or thoughts that prevent you from achieving your goals and plans. These include perfectionism and all-or-nothing thought, catastrophizing worst-case scenarios and self-blame. CBT includes training in communication skills, relaxation skills training, and exposure therapies to help reduce phobias.
Other types of therapy that can be helpful for adults with ADHD include dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, and interpersonal therapy. DBT teaches essential skills, like mindfulness, which lets you fully experience and accept your emotions and emotion regulation which is the ability to manage difficult feelings. DBT teaches not only these skills, but also strategies for managing anxiety and manage problems in daily life. It can be delivered through individual sessions, group sessions, or via an online therapy platform.
Interpersonal therapy helps you to create meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts in your relationship. It is beneficial for people who have an underlying ADHD with personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, which is seen in a lot of adults suffering from untreated ADHD. It can also help with impulsivity and trouble regulating emotions, which are common symptoms of these disorders.
The use of medications alone is effective in treating the majority of people suffering from ADHD however, they do not improve the symptoms of everyone. Combining therapy and medication coaching can help you create an effective plan that addresses the majority of your symptoms.
Education
In addition to medications, ADHD treatment can include education on the condition as well as self-help methods that can lessen symptoms. Your healthcare provider can recommend websites, books or even people with experiences dealing with the disorder. A support group can be an option to share experiences, information and strategies for dealing with others who have ADHD. These groups are available in a variety of communities as well as online.
The most effective method of treating adult ADHD is to combine treatment with medication, behavioral 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 be taken at a slightly different time. It's important to talk with your physician about what you require to feel at your most at your best.
Psychotherapy helps patients recognize and use their strengths. It helps them improve their organization and planning skills, learn to cope with frustrations and failures and improve their relationships. Most psychotherapy approaches for ADHD adults incorporate a component of cognitive behavior therapy that is designed to teach patients to alter their thinking and behavior so that they can take greater control over their lives.
Therapists for adults with ADHD often employ counseling for families or marriages, to help spouses and other family members understand the condition and the impact it can affect their relationship. Problems with marriage are common complaints of adults who suffer from ADHD who seek treatment. Spouses often blame each other for the problems they face, such as financial difficulties, inattention or impulsivity. In one study, 81% of married couples interviewed reported marital problems caused by depression comorbidity and/or addiction disorders (Hesslinger et al 2002).
It is easier to stay organized when you are aware of the effects ADHD has on your brain. Make time each day to organize your work and tidy your desk so that you are not sucked into distractions later in the morning. You can also practice giving yourself more time than you think it will take to complete your tasks and be on time to appointments by setting alarms on your smartphone or writing down appointments for fifteen minutes earlier than they actually are.
Support
These symptoms aren't typical when you struggle to remember appointments, aren't able to keep track of tasks, and cannot finish your work at home or work. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These traits can create stress in relationships and reduce productivity however, you can take action to improve your situation.
Your doctor could prescribe medication to address chemical deficiencies in the brain that are associated with ADHD and counseling can help you develop the ability to cope and organize. Friends and family members can be an excellent source of support.
Stimulant medicines like amphetamines and methylphenidate are frequently used to treat ADHD as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine may also be effective. Your doctor will consider the way you react to different medications, the adverse effects you may experience, and any other health issues you have when prescribing the medication.
People with ADHD are typically advised to undergo cognitive behavior therapy. This structured counseling will teach you how to change your negative patterns of thinking and how to manage your behavior. It can help you overcome challenges in your life, and strengthen your relationships.
Support group therapy is another kind of counseling. You can meet other people who are going through the same issues and discuss ways to deal with these issues. You can also learn strategies for coping and organization that you can apply in your everyday life.
Lifestyle changes can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD. For example, eating healthy foods can safeguard your physical and mental health. Avoid foods high in sugar, fat and processed ingredients. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. Exercise can be very helpful. It helps you stay focused and calm and can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit having a mentor or coach who can assist them in learning practical skills to organize and improve their daily routines. This can be an addition to more formal psychological counseling, and can include learning about time management and how to set goals.
For treatment of adhd in adults who are having difficulty finding a counselor in their area online therapy with BetterHelp is a viable option. You can connect with a licensed counselor via video or voice call, or in-app message at times that work for your schedule.