ADHD Adult Treatment
Treatments for ADHD help to boost activity in the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Adults are prescribed stimulants belonging to the amphetamines family which includes lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta) and methylphenidate, which is sold under the name Ritalin.
Counseling for adult ADHD typically involves cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT teaches clients to identify and alter the patterns of thinking that are not helpful.
Medicines
The most common medication for ADHD is stimulants. They help people remain focused, decrease impulsive behaviors and control their blood pressure. They are available in short- and long-acting formulas. They can be taken one time per day or more frequently depending on the need. The side effects could include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping and a rebound effect, short periods of fatigue or bad mood when the medicine wears off. The majority of these symptoms aren't severe, and usually go away in their own time after a few days or weeks.
But stimulant medications aren’t for everyone. Certain people may be suffering from psychiatric issues, such as paranoia or hostility. They can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with bipolar disorder, severe depression, or Tourette's syndrome shouldn't take stimulants. People with a substance abuse history are also at greater risk of misuse of the medication. For example they might crush pills and snort them to achieve a high.
There are several different types of non-stimulant ADHD medications, including Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They work by increasing levels of norepinephrine inside the brain, which increases concentration and reduces impulsiveness. They also aid in reducing anxiety and depression.
If you decide to take medication to treat ADHD your doctor may prescribe a low dose and gradually increase it until you reach an optimal level. This process is called the titration. During add adult treatment , your doctor will observe your body's reaction to the medication as well as any adverse effects. Once a stable dose has been achieved, you'll have to keep track of your clinical monitoring at least once every three months to make sure the medication is efficient. These appointments will help your doctor determine if the dosage needs to change. They may also check whether there are any co-morbidities like heart problems.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD Counseling can be as effective as medications for treating symptoms. Psychotherapy helps patients cope with their symptoms, and improves the way they interact. It may comprise individual therapy, group support or cognitive behavior therapy or any other psychotherapeutic approach. Psychotherapy can boost motivation for treatment and decrease negative moods that are common among those who suffer from ADHD. It can help patients learn their parents strategies to improve relationships. These include problem solving, conflict resolution and communication skills.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely of having co-occurring mental health issues than those who do not suffer from it. It is therefore crucial to treat any mental health conditions that may be present. Depression anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and substance use disorders are all conditions that have similar symptoms to ADHD. These underlying disorders could improve the response to ADHD medications and make it easier for you to manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study evaluating the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy, participants rated mindfulness meditation and techniques for stress reduction as quite helpful or extremely useful. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy were rated as quite helpful or very helpful. These strategies can be combined to form an entire treatment program for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with problems with time management and organization. They can offer strategies to overcome procrastination and developing more effective routines to manage daily tasks. They can teach patients to identify and correct thinking distortions that can lead to self-defeating negative moods and unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapies aim to help patients change their negative thinking patterns that can be a source of frustration for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy is especially beneficial in improving relationships with colleagues, friends, and partners. People with ADHD are more likely to forget appointments, ignoring deadlines and making impulsive choices that can stress even the most tolerant spouse or partner. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families better know how to handle these issues. Additionally, classes to improve the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts in couples and families can be a significant influence on the lives of adults who suffer from ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of treatment for behavior which focuses on adjusting the environment to meet an individual's needs. People suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty staying organized, completing an assignment for long periods of time, settling bills, and coping with sensory input, all areas which are addressed by occupational therapy.
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 instances an OT can help them develop methods that will allow them to manage their impulses and work with other people without causing a rift or disrupting the conversation.
Executive function skills are a problem for many adults suffering from ADHD. They have working memory abilities ability to plan, shifting focus, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can assist them in developing these skills and devise strategies that improve their daily functioning.
Adults with ADHD might be suffering from sensory processing issues, causing them to be overstimulated by auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli. This type of ADHD can cause people to be sensitive to smells, light, touch or sound and can even be averse to physical contact. An OT can teach them how to cope with these challenges, and they may recommend strategies for managing the overload of sensory input or avoiding stress.
Kids with ADHD, especially those who have the hyperactive-impulsive presentation, have a lot of restless energy that they need to release. This energy is often a trigger to anger and emotional outbursts, even at most inconvenient times, such as during silent reading at school. An OT can teach them to channel their energy in more constructive ways, such as participating in sports or joining a group.
Children with ADHD can have trouble in traditional schools because they're not designed to accommodate children with neurodivergent disorders, making it difficult for them to follow directions or sit still in class. An OT can help the teacher of a child make adjustments to help him or her by creating a weekly schedule and providing alternatives to seating.
Individual Therapy
The signs of ADHD in adults can have a significant impact on the quality of life and relationships. Talk therapy can help people overcome these challenges and improve their lives by addressing the emotional and behavioral issues that often accompany the disorder. In many cases, comorbidities such as depression or substance misuse can also be addressed through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can teach patients new strategies for dealing with their issues, such as mindfulness meditation and emotional regulation. It can also help them recognize and correct thinking errors that contribute to negative emotions and hamper the ability to solve problems. The goal of psychotherapy is to minimize the effects of the symptoms of ADHD while enhancing pre-existing skills for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a personal counseling method that assists people suffering from ADHD manage their home and work environments. It can also be used to address specific problems, such as inattention and forgetfulness. It also can encourage the use of positive reinforcement, for example, rewards for good behavior, and consequences for bad behavior. It can also train family members on methods to help manage symptoms including timers for medication as well as prompting and reminders to make appointments or do chores and reducing distractions during household tasks.
Additionally, those with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes. It is recommended that they eat meals and snacks no more than three hours apart. They should also avoid drinks with sugar and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and protein to maintain a steady amount of energy throughout the day. It is essential to ensure that they are eating at regular meals and enough sleep.
Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD often have trouble forming and maintaining relationships. Individual talk therapy helps people overcome these issues and help them learn to communicate better. It can also address any issues that are underlying that cause feelings of being a failure, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
Medications are the most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, however they do not always have long-lasting effects and may cause side effects in some people. Combining them with other therapies can lead to more 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.