Treating Adult ADHD
Treatment for adult adhd requires a combination of medication and counseling. These treatments teach new skills for coping and assist you in managing emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD.
Stimulant medication for ADHD boosts brain chemicals which control attention. They include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines, such as Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Medication
For many adults with ADHD, treatment involves medication. It can reduce symptoms and improve performance at work, home and at school. For some patients, it can also boost self-esteem and relationships. The medication used to treat adult ADHD differs from the one used for children, and a prescription is required. There are many different drugs, and you could need to try a few before finding one that is effective.
Non-stimulant and stimulant drugs are used to treat adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate which is an stimulant. This kind of medication can cause side effects like heart palpitations, headaches and gastrointestinal problems. Clonidine, guanfacine and modafinil are non-stimulant drugs that have been found to be effective in certain adults. They have been studied less than stimulants so their long-term effectiveness and side effect profile aren't known.
Psychosocial therapies, such as counseling and family therapy are also important in treating adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy aids patients to understand their condition, and improve their strategies for coping and problem solving. It can also improve relationships with friends, spouses and family members. Symptoms of ADHD can cause conflicts in relationships, and counseling may help couples learn to better communicate and be supportive of one another.
Psychotherapy and medication are both important components of a comprehensive plan for management for adults with ADHD. It is important for individuals to receive both types of treatments to minimize the impact of their disorder on their daily lives. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be sufficient to cause significant clinical impairments in multiple areas of the life. Additionally the impairment must be present from childhood.
treat adult add is treatable with therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and marriage and family therapy. The counseling helps the patient to recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that can impact how they interact with other people. It also teaches them strategies to manage their ADHD and other mental health conditions, such as addiction to drugs or depression. Many communities and online offer support groups for those who suffer from ADHD.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD experience that their problems can interfere with both personal and professional relationships. They often feel they have little control over their lives and that friends and family don't understand their challenges. Counseling, or psychotherapy can help manage these symptoms by addressing underlying emotional issues and teaching life skills. It may also help address co-occurring disorders, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you practical strategies to manage your life with ADHD. It focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and improving control, which can reduce problematic behavior. CBT is also effective for people with co-occurring ADHD and depression or anxiety disorders, especially when it is combined with medication.
CBT is more focused on the present than other types of psychotherapy that are based on past experiences. It helps you identify the patterns of thought or thoughts that hinder you from achieving your goals and plans. Examples of these include all-or-nothing thinking and perfectionism, worrying about the worst-case scenarios, as well as over-personalization and self-blame. CBT includes communication skills training as well as relaxation techniques training and exposure therapies to lessen phobias.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and interpersonal therapy are two other kinds of talk therapies that could be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. DBT helps you develop essential skills, like mindfulness, which allows you to fully feel and accept your emotions and also emotion regulation, which is the ability to manage difficult feelings. DBT teaches not only these skills but also practical strategies to manage stress and cope with problems in everyday life. It can be taught through individual sessions, group sessions or an online therapy platform.
Interpersonal therapy is a method of helping you build meaningful relationships and resolve conflict in your relationships. It can be beneficial for those suffering from co-occurring ADHD with personality disorders, for example antisocial personality disorder, which is found in many adults with untreated ADHD. It can also help with impulsivity and trouble regulating emotions which are common signs of these disorders.
The majority of people who have ADHD can be treated using medication alone however, there are some issues that cannot be eliminated. Combining medication and therapy with coaching can create an effective plan that addresses the majority of your symptoms.
Education
ADHD treatment could include self-help techniques and education on the disorder. These techniques can help to reduce symptoms. Your health care team may suggest books, websites, or people who have experience dealing with the disorder. A support group is an option to share your experiences, information and strategies to cope with other people suffering from ADHD. Support groups are offered in a wide range 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 medications that are used for children work equally well for adults, but they might require a higher dose or need to be taken at a different time. It is important to speak with your doctor about what you need to feel your most optimal.
Psychotherapy helps patients identify and harness their strengths, improve skills in planning and organization overcome frustrations and failures, and improve the quality of their relationships. Most psychotherapy approaches for ADHD adults involve the use of cognitive behavioral therapy designed to teach patients to modify their thoughts and behaviors to take better control of their lives.
Therapists for adults suffering from ADHD often employ family or marriage counseling to help spouses and other family members understand the condition and the effect it can have on their relationship. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently complain about marital problems when seeking treatment. Spouses blame each other when there are problems such as financial difficulties or inattention, or impulsivity. In the study, 81% of married couples interviewed reported that their marital issues were caused by comorbid substance abuse and/or depression (Hesslinger 2002).
Understanding the effects of ADHD can help you to stay organized and keep it that way. For instance, you can set aside a daily time to clean your desk and organize your paperwork so that you're not distracted by it later in the day. You can also allow yourself the time you need to complete your tasks or to make it to appointments sooner than you think is important by setting an alarm on your phone or writing down the appointment 15 minutes earlier than what it actually is.
Support
These symptoms are not normal If you're having trouble remembering appointments, aren't able to keep the track of your tasks, and can't finish projects at home or work. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While these traits can create stress in relationships and reduce productivity however, you can take action to improve your situation.
Counseling can help you build coping and organization skills. Your doctor may prescribe medication for mental health issues related to ADHD. Support from family and friends can also be important.
Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamines are commonly used to treat ADHD, and non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine can also be effective. Your doctor will take into consideration how you respond to different medications, as well as any side effects you might have and any other health issues you suffer from when prescribing an medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is usually recommended for people with ADHD. This type of structured counseling will teach you ways to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It can help you overcome the challenges you face in your life and improve your relationships.
Another form of counseling is group therapy. You can connect with other people who are going through the same issues and discuss strategies for dealing with the issues. You can also learn strategies for coping and organization that you can use in your daily life.
You can also control your ADHD symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments. A healthy diet, for example can safeguard your physical and mental health. Avoid foods high in fat, sugar, and processed ingredients. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise is also beneficial. It can help you remain focused and calm and lessen the symptoms of ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD might benefit from a coach or a mentor who can help them learn how to help them improve their daily routines. This could be in addition to more formal psychological counseling and may include learning how to manage time and the best way to set goals.
For adults who are having difficulty finding a counselor in their area online therapy with BetterHelp is a viable alternative. You can connect to a licensed therapist via video or a voice call, or in-app message at times that suit your schedule.