The Top ADHD Adult Treatment Experts Have Been Doing Three Things
ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications for ADHD boost brain activity in areas that control attention, behavior and cognition. Adults are prescribed stimulants from 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 behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps clients recognize and change the patterns of thinking that are not helpful.
Medicines
Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD. These medications help people focus, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior and manage their bloodpressure. They are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Patients who use these medications can take them a few or a few times per day, as needed. The side effects could include a decrease in appetite, insomnia and the rebound effect, which is short periods of irritability or mood swings as the medication wears off. These symptoms are usually mild and will go disappear after a few weeks or days.
However, stimulant medication isn't for everyone. They can trigger psychiatric problems in certain people, including paranoia or hostility. They can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. People with Tourette's Syndrome or severe depression or bipolar disorder shouldn't use stimulants. People who have a history of substance abuse are also at risk for misuse of the medication by crushing pills and smoking them to get high.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They increase levels of norepinephrine within the brain, which improves concentration and decreases the tendency to be impulsive. They also aid in reducing depression and anxiety.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD, your doctor will probably prescribe a low dose, and gradually increase it until you reach your optimal level. This procedure is known as titration. During these appointments, your provider will monitor your body's reaction to the medication, as well as any adverse effects you may experience. You'll have to attend regular clinical monitoring appointments every three months once you reach a stable dose to ensure the medication is still effective. These appointments help your doctor determine whether the dosage needs to change. They may also check for any comorbid conditions, such as heart disease.
Counseling
For adults suffering from ADHD counseling can be as effective as medications in treating symptoms. Psychotherapy can help patients manage their symptoms, and improves the way they interact. It could involve individual therapy, group support, cognitive behavioral therapy, or other psychotherapeutic modalities. Psychotherapy can improve motivation to treat ADHD and reduce negative emotions. It can teach patients and their families ways to improve their relationships. These include problem solving, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be afflicted with multiple disorders than people without the condition, which is why it's important to treat any other mental health issues that are present. Depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder are all able to share similar symptoms with ADHD. These underlying disorders may improve the response to ADHD medications and help you to control ADHD symptoms.
In a study evaluating the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy participants rated mindfulness-based meditation and stress-reducing techniques as very or helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy were evaluated as very beneficial or extremely helpful. These methods can be incorporated into a comprehensive program of treatment for adults with ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with time and organizational management issues. They can help patients develop more effective routines and strategies for organizing their day-to-day tasks. They can help patients identify and correct thinking errors that can lead to self-defeating negative moods or unrealistic expectations. The main goals of cognitive-behavioral therapies are to help patients recognize and alter negative thinking patterns which can be the primary source of frustration for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy is especially beneficial in improving relationships with colleagues, friends and partners. People with ADHD tend to miss appointments, forget deadlines, and make impulsive choices that can create stress in even the most understanding spouse or partner. Therapy for families and marriage can help families and couples understand how to better manage these problems. Classes that help improve communication and conflict resolution in couples and families have a significant impact on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a psychological therapy that focuses on altering the environment to meet the needs of an individual. People with ADHD often have trouble staying organized, completing an assignment for long periods of time, paying bills and dealing with sensory input, all of which are 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 situations an OT can help them develop techniques that will allow them to control impulses and interact with other people without having an episode or disrupting the conversation.
Many adults suffering from ADHD also struggle with executive function skills. These include working memory, coordinating skills, shifting attention setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can help them develop these abilities and develop strategies that will improve their daily functioning.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may have sensory processing issues, which cause them to be overstimulated by auditory, visual and tactile stimuli. The people who suffer from this type of ADHD may be sensitive to smells, sounds or touch, and they may dislike physical contact. An OT can teach them how to cope with these challenges, and they may recommend strategies to manage sensory overload or to avoid 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 emotional meltdowns and anger outbursts, even at most difficult times, like when they are reading silently at school. An OT can help them channel their energy in more constructive ways, such as playing sports or joining a social group.
Children with ADHD might have issues in traditional schools, as they aren't designed for children with neurodivergent disorders. This makes it difficult for them to remain still or follow instructions. An OT can work with a child's school to implement changes that more effectively support them by implementing the weekly schedule or offering alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of adult ADHD can have a significant impact on the person's life and relationships. Talk therapy can help adults cope with these effects and improve their quality of life by addressing emotional and behavioral issues that frequently accompany the disorder. Psychotherapy is frequently used to treat comorbid conditions such as substance abuse and depression.
Cognitive psychotherapy helps patients develop new strategies for managing their symptoms. These include mindfulness meditation and the regulation of emotions. It can also assist them to identify and change thinking distortions which can cause negative emotions and hamper solving problems. Psychotherapy is a method to lessen the impact of ADHD symptoms while enhancing existing strategies for coping.
treatment for add is a form of individual counseling that can help those suffering from ADHD learn to organize their home and work environments. It can also be used to address particular issues, such as forgetfulness and impulsiveness. It can also encourage the use of positive reinforcements, such as rewards for good behavior, and consequences for bad behavior. It can also train family members on methods to aid in managing symptoms including timers for medication as well as prompting and reminders to make appointments or do chores and reducing distractions when doing household tasks.
Additionally, those with ADHD may benefit from dietary changes. It is recommended they take regular meals and snacks no more than 3 hours apart. They should also avoid sweet drinks and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and proteins to ensure a steady level of energy throughout the day. It is important to ensure that they are eating at regular mealtimes, and get enough sleep.
In addition, those who suffer from ADHD are often having difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help individuals deal with these issues and teach them how to communicate more effectively. It can also address deeper issues such as feelings of inadequateness, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
Medicines are the most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, but they aren't always able to last long effects and can cause adverse reactions in certain people. Combining them with other treatments can result in longer-lasting benefits. Research has proven that medications can lower the risk of depression as well as motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults with ADHD.