ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications used to treat ADHD increase brain activity in the areas that control attention, behaviour and cognition. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines family which includes lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta), and methylphenidate, sold under the brand name Ritalin.
Counseling for adult ADHD typically involves cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps clients to recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns.
Medications
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. These drugs help people to remain focused, decrease impulse-driven behavior, and regulate their blood pressure. These drugs are available in both short-acting as well as long-acting versions. The people who take these medications can take them once or several times a day, as needed. Some of the side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia, and a rebound, which is a brief time where you feel tired or depressed after taking the medication. Most of these symptoms are not severe, and usually go away in their own time after some time or weeks.
These medications aren't suitable for everyone, however. Some people may experience psychiatric issues, such as paranoia or hostility. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rates. Those suffering from bipolar disorder, severe depression or Tourette's syndrome shouldn't take stimulants. People who have a history of drug abuse are also at risk of taking the drug in a way that isn't safe by crushing pills and smoking them to get high.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, including Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They increase levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine, which helps improve focus and reduces impulsiveness. They can also help with depression and anxiety.
If you decide to take medication to treat ADHD your doctor may prescribe a lower dose and gradually increase it until you reach a maximum level. This process is called the titration. In these sessions your physician will observe your body's reaction to the medication, and will also monitor any adverse effects you may experience. You'll be required to attend regular medical monitoring appointments every three months after you reach a stable dose to ensure that the medication is still working. These appointments will assist your doctor determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted. They will also be able to check for any comorbid conditions like heart disease.
adhd treatment for adults
For adults suffering from ADHD Counseling can be as effective as medication for treating symptoms. Psychotherapy is a method of helping patients overcome their symptoms and improve how they interact with others. It could include individual therapy or group support, cognitive behavioral therapy or other psychotherapeutic methods. Psychotherapy can boost motivation to treat ADHD and reduce negative emotions. It can also teach patients and their family members ways to improve relationships that include conflict resolution, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD have a higher chance of having comorbid mental health conditions than those who do not suffer from it. Therefore, it is important to treat any mental health conditions that are present. Depression bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorder may all share similar symptoms as ADHD. These underlying disorders may increase the effectiveness to ADHD medications and make it easier for you to manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study that assessed the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy, participants rated mindfulness meditation and stress-reducing techniques as very or helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy as well as family therapy were considered to be quite useful or very helpful. These methods can be combined to create an extensive treatment program for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also help patients with time and organizational management problems. They can provide strategies to overcome procrastination and creating more efficient routines for organizing daily tasks. They can assist patients in identifying and correct thinking errors that can lead to negative moods, unrealistic expectations, or self-defeating thoughts. The goals of cognitive-behavioral therapy are to assist patients in recognizing and modify negative thinking patterns, which often can be the primary source of frustration for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy is especially beneficial in improving relationships with colleagues, friends, and partners. People who suffer from ADHD tend to miss appointments, forget deadlines and make impulsive decisions that can create stress in even the most understanding spouse or partner. Therapy for families and marriage can assist families and couples learn how to deal with these issues. Classes that enhance communication and conflict resolution within families and couples can have a profound effect on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is an area of treatment for behavior which focuses on adjusting the environment to meet the needs of an individual. People with ADHD frequently have difficulty staying organized, working on the same task for extended periods of time, paying bills and dealing with sensory input, all areas that are addressed through 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 cases an OT can help them practice methods that will allow them to control their impulses and work with others without having a meltdown or disrupting the conversation.
Many adults suffering from ADHD also struggle with executive functions. This includes working memory, coordinating skills shifting attention setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can help them in developing these skills and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Adults with ADHD might be suffering from sensory processing issues that cause them to be overstimulated by auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli. This type of ADHD can cause people to be sensitive to light, smells, sound or touch and can even be averse to physical contact. An OT can help them learn how to deal with the situation and suggest strategies for managing sensory overstimulation or 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 can lead to emotional meltdowns and angry outbursts, even at most inconvenient times, such as when they are reading silently at school. An OT can teach them to channel their energy in more positive ways, such as participating in sports or joining a social club.
Children with ADHD might have issues in traditional schools, as they are not designed for neurodivergent children. This makes it difficult for them to stay still or follow directions. An OT can work with a child's school to make changes that will better support them by implementing an agenda for the week or providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of adult ADHD can have a significant impact on the person's life and relationships. Therapy can help adults cope with these effects and improve their quality of life by addressing emotional and behavioral issues that are often associated with the disorder. Often times, comorbid conditions like depression or drug misuse are also treated through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy helps patients develop new coping skills to manage their symptoms. This includes mindfulness meditation and the regulation of emotions. It can also help them identify and overcome thinking distortions that cause negative emotions and inhibit the ability to solve problems. The aim of psychotherapy is to reduce the effects of the symptoms of ADHD while improving existing abilities to cope.
Behavioral therapy is a form of individual counseling that can help people suffering from ADHD learn to organize their homes and workplace environments. It can also help with specific problems that are difficult to manage like inattention or impulsiveness. It can also encourage positive reinforcement by offering rewards for good behaviour and consequences for bad behavior. It can also instruct family members in techniques to assist with symptom management like timers for medication, prompting and reminders for chores or appointments and reducing distractions during household tasks.
In addition, people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes. It is recommended that they eat regular meals and snacks not more than three hours apart. They should also avoid sugary drinks and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and protein to help maintain a steady level of energy throughout the day. It is essential to ensure that they are eating at regular mealtimes, and get enough sleep.
In holistic treatment for adhd , those with ADHD frequently have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help them overcome these issues and teaches them to communicate better. It can also address the root issues like feelings of inadequateness, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
While medications are the most effective method to treat ADHD symptoms, they can cause side effects for certain people. Combining them with other therapies can result in longer-lasting benefits. Research has shown that medications can reduce rates of depression as well as motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults suffering from ADHD.