ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications for ADHD work to increase activity in the brain areas that control behavior and attention. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines group which includes lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta), and methylphenidate. Both are sold under the brand name Ritalin.
Counseling for adult ADHD typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches clients to recognize and change the patterns of thinking that are not helpful.
Medicines
Stimulants are the most common medication treatment for ADHD. These medications aid in keeping people focused, lessen the impulsive behavior, and manage their blood pressure. They come in long- and short-acting formulas. They can be taken one time every day or more often when needed. Some of the side effects include a decreased appetite, sleeplessness, and a rebound, which is a brief period where you feel depressed or tired following the use of the drug. Most of these symptoms are mild, and they usually go away by themselves after several days or weeks.
But stimulant drugs aren't suitable for everyone. Some people may experience problems with their psychiatric disorders, such as hostility or paranoia. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with Tourette's Syndrome, severe depression or bipolar disorder shouldn't take stimulants. People with a history substance abuse are also at risk of misusing the medication for a variety of reasons, including crushing pills and taking them in a snort to get high.
There are several different types of non-stimulant ADHD medication, including 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 increases concentration and reduces impulsiveness. They can also decrease anxiety and depression.
If natural add treatment decide to take medication for ADHD, your doctor may prescribe a low dose and gradually increase it until you reach an optimal level. This procedure is called the titration. During these appointments your provider will observe your body's reaction to the medication as well as any adverse effects. You'll need to go to regular clinical monitoring appointments every three months following you reach a stable dosage to ensure that the medication is still working. These appointments will assist your doctor determine whether the dosage should be adjusted. They may also check whether there are any co-morbidities, such as heart problems.
Counseling
Counseling can be as effective as medications for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy is a method of helping patients overcome their symptoms and improve how they interact with other people. It could include individual therapy or group support, cognitive behavior therapy and other psychotherapeutic techniques. Psychotherapy can increase motivation to treat ADHD and decrease negative emotions. It can also teach patients and their loved ones strategies for improving relationships, including conflict resolution, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely of developing multiple mental health problems than those who do not suffer from it. It is therefore crucial to treat any mental health issues present. Depression bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders may all share similar symptoms as ADHD. Treatment for these disorders can enhance the response to ADHD medications and help control ADHD symptoms.
In a study looking at the effectiveness of different types of psychotherapy, participants assessed stress-reducing techniques and mindfulness meditation as quite helpful or extremely useful. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy were evaluated as very helpful or very helpful. These methods can be combined to create a comprehensive treatment program for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with problems with time management and organization. They can assist patients in developing more efficient routines and strategies for organizing their day-to-day tasks. They can teach patients to identify and correct thinking distortions that can cause self-defeating moods or unrealistic expectations. The goals of cognitive-behavioral therapy are to help patients recognize and modify negative patterns of thinking which can be an important source of stress for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be particularly beneficial in improving relationships with colleagues, friends, and partners. People suffering from ADHD are prone to forgetting appointments, missing deadlines and making impulsive choices that can stress even the most tolerant spouse or partner. Therapy for marriage and family helps families and couples comprehend how to deal with these issues. Classes that help improve communication and conflict resolution within families and couples have a profound effect on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a behavioral intervention that focuses primarily on modifying the surroundings to meet the needs of an individual. People suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty staying organized, working on a task for long periods of time, paying bills and coping with sensory input, all areas that 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 cases an OT will help them learn strategies that enable them to manage their impulses and interact with others without an emotional breakdown or disrupting the conversation.
Executive function skills are a problem for many adults suffering from ADHD. They have working memory abilities and planning skills, as well as shifting focus, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can help them develop these skills and devise strategies that improve their daily functioning.
Adults suffering from ADHD might have sensory processing issues, which cause them to be overwhelmed by auditory, visual and tactile stimuli. This kind of ADHD can cause people to be sensitive to light, smells, touch or sound and can even be averse to physical contact. An OT can help them learn to cope with these challenges and can suggest 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 can lead to emotional meltdowns and angry outbursts even at the most difficult times, like when they are reading silently at school. An OT can help them channel their energy in more constructive ways, like playing sports or joining a social group.
Children with ADHD might have issues in traditional schools, as they are not designed to accommodate children with neurodivergent issues. This makes it difficult for them to remain still or follow instructions. An OT can collaborate with a child's school to implement changes that help them better by implementing an agenda for the week or providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The signs of ADHD in adults can have a major impact on a person’s life and relationships. Therapy can help adults overcome these challenges and improve their lives by addressing behavioral and emotional issues that frequently accompany the disorder. Psychotherapy is commonly used to treat comorbid conditions such as substance abuse and depression.
Cognitive psychotherapy can teach patients new strategies for dealing with their symptoms, such as mindfulness meditation and emotion regulation. It can also help them identify and change thinking distortions that contribute to negative emotions and hinder the ability to solve problems. The aim of psychotherapy is to minimize the impact of the symptoms of ADHD while improving existing coping skills.
Behavioral therapy is a kind of individual counseling that can help people suffering from ADHD learn to organize their homes and work environments. It also addresses particular issues that are difficult to deal with, such as the tendency to forget or the tendency to be impulsive. It also can encourage the use of positive reinforcement, such as rewards for good behavior and consequences for bad behavior. It can also teach family members strategies to manage symptoms, like timers and reminders of chores and appointments.
People with ADHD are also able to benefit from diet changes. It is recommended that they eat meals and snacks not more than three hours apart. They should also avoid drinking sugary drinks, and eat more complex carbohydrates and protein to help maintain a steady amount of energy throughout the day. It is also important to schedule regular mealtimes and ensure they get enough rest.
Individuals suffering from ADHD have a difficult time creating and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people cope with these problems and teach them how to communicate more effectively. It can also address any underlying issues like feelings of being a failure or self-esteem issues, or frequent job changes.
While medications are the most effective way to treat ADHD symptoms, they may have side effects for some people. Combining them with other therapies can result in longer-lasting benefits. Research has shown that medication can decrease the risk of depression and motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults with ADHD.