How to Treat Adult ADHD
A holistic approach is the best treatment for adult adhd. It can involve individual therapy, as well as medication management as well as family or group therapy.
Individual therapy can help you overcome emotional issues that could cover ADHD symptoms. This includes embarrassment over memory and planning problems and resentment over missed deadlines or impulsive decisions and relationship conflicts.
Medication
Many people with ADHD take medication to help them concentrate, pay attention and control impulsive behaviors. However, the medications don't work for everyone and can cause unpleasant side effects like loss of appetite or trouble sleeping. The best treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication as well as behavior therapy and training.
Stimulants increase brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention to treat ADHD symptoms. These are the most common ADHD medications. They increase the levels of two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. They are available in a short-acting version (methylphenidate) and the long-acting version (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate or Vyvanse). They can also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. People who suffer from certain health issues like glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis, shouldn't take stimulants. People who have taken MAOIs within the last 14 days shouldn't take stimulants.
Non-stimulant drugs are prescribed in situations where stimulants are not effective or cause unwanted adverse effects. They comprise atomoxetine, Strattera, and Qelbree, which are all in the antidepressant class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. They boost levels of norepinephrine, which helps to improve attention and impulse control. These medications aren't as rapid-acting as stimulants and may have side effects including anxiety and insomnia however they don't pose the same risk of abuse or addiction as stimulants.
Other drugs, like Clonidine and guanfacine are also part of the blood pressure drug class but have been approved to treat ADHD. They can reduce brain activity that causes hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disorientation among adults suffering from ADHD. They also can help with Tourette syndrome and tics. Both medications take several weeks to get started however, they generally have less side effects than stimulants.
Some people with ADHD and other mental illnesses also benefit from taking an anti-depressant such as lithium. These drugs aren't the same as those used to treat depression and bipolar disorder, but they do aid in the treatment of certain symptoms, including anxiety and poor control of impulses. These drugs are prescribed by psychiatrists.
Therapy
Therapy can be an effective treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD as well as medication. Therapy can improve relationships, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior and help develop skills to help those with ADHD succeed. This may include counseling for couples and family therapy. You can also use it to address other mental health issues such as addiction or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of talk therapy in which patients are taught new strategies to deal with their issues. This kind of therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts which can trigger negative behavior. It can also teach people with ADHD how to set realistic expectations both for their own family members and for those they love. CBT is typically short-term sessions that last 45-50 minutes. It can be carried out in a one-on-one or group setting.
CBT can help those suffering from ADHD improve their executive functioning which is the ability to plan and organize tasks. It can also assist people to manage their emotions better. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, also known as MBCT is a different treatment option that combines CBT and meditation training. It can reduce the impulsivity, improve focus and improve executive function.
Many adults struggle to identify the symptoms of ADHD. They may think they are suffering from a learning disability, a mood disorder or other mental health issue. Often, they spend long hours trying to treat these conditions before they are diagnosed with ADHD. These false starts and alternate diagnoses can lead to frustration, as these people are convinced that they've been working hard around their ADHD symptoms.
The use of drugs is beneficial for the majority of adults with ADHD, but they don't help the symptoms in all cases. They can also have adverse side effects, like stomachaches, headaches and difficulty sleeping. They're not for everyone, and they don't prevent the relapses. This is the reason it's essential to seek treatment from a therapist and follow the recommendations of the therapist.
Adult ADHD is treated with amphetamines, bupropion atomoxetine, and methylphenidate. A recent study revealed that all of these drugs reduced ADHD symptoms more than placebo over 12 weeks. The study did not look at the long-term effects.
Self-help
If you have ADHD, it can be difficult to stay on top of things and complete tasks. It's easy for people to feel overwhelmed by work, family and everyday responsibilities. This can cause you to put off work and have difficulty meeting deadlines, and engage in impulsive behaviors. Making the necessary steps to treat your ADHD can allow you to live a more productively and become more successful at work as well as in relationships.
In addition to medications There are a variety of self-help strategies that you can use to manage your symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you to modify negative thinking patterns and improve your mood. One method that works for people with ADHD is to break down big goals into smaller ones. This reduces the fear of failure and boosts motivation.
Other techniques for self-help include mindfulness meditation that can help you control impulses and increase your concentration. Deep breathing exercises are also beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress which is common among those with ADHD. You can practice this at home by being in a quiet place or listening to music while you take long, slow breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. This technique calms the mind by activating the parasympathetic system.
It is also important to build a support network of family and friends who understand your struggles. You can find an online community or a local support group that provides advice and guidance for adults with ADHD. You can also find a therapist who is specialized in adult ADHD who can help you manage your symptoms.
It's normal for ADHD management to be a lengthy process. There will be setbacks. But remember that seeking help is an indication of strength and with the right strategies in place, you can thrive at home, at work, and in relationships.
If you're unsure of how to begin, BetterHelp can match you with a certified and licensed therapy provider in your region. You can take a free assessment and start in just 48 hours. The sooner you can address your needs, the faster you'll begin to see results.
Support groups
Many people with ADHD have to face the challenges of living with their condition, but they don't have to confront these challenges on their own. Support groups can be a great source of support for those suffering from ADHD and their loved ones. These groups not only provide emotional support, but also provide information on treatment options. It is essential to verify the credibility of any group before going to. To confirm the credibility of a group look for a social media account or website that has an official icon.
The organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) offers in-person support groups across the United States. These organizations provide advocacy, support, information, and networking for people with ADHD. They also offer a list of healthcare professionals that specialize in ADHD. In addition, ADDitude magazine, a online publication that is a national one, offers information, tips and other resources for those who suffer from ADHD and their families.
Support groups can help adults suffering from ADHD boost confidence in themselves and strengthen their relationships by helping them be connected to other people who have the same experiences. Participants can also develop coping skills and share their struggles with others. Support groups are often run by certified facilitators, while others are peer-led. Some of these groups are offered by local mental health organizations or non-profit organizations, and some may have financial assistance programs for those who aren't able to afford it.
People with ADHD have issues at school, at work as well as in their private lives. They miss appointments and are unable to complete tasks and make impulsive decisions that strain even the most compassionate coworkers or friends. Adults who are struggling discover that therapy and classes that focus on interpersonal skills and conflict resolution can improve their lives.
If adhd adult treatment having difficulty finding an ADHD support group in your area, try contacting your doctor or psychiatrist. They can refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in treating ADHD. Certain psychologists and doctors have been certified as coaches. They can help you make a plan to manage your symptoms.
In addition to counseling and medication, many adults with ADHD are able to benefit from support groups. These groups can assist you in managing your symptoms so you can live a more enjoyable, productive life.