Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults with ADHD find relief from the symptoms of this condition by taking medication. Medication is more effective when it is combined with other treatment methods.
Adult ADHD medication usually includes stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Certain medical conditions, such as depression and high blood pressure can interfere with these medications.
1. Medication
The use of medication is an vital aspect of treating ADHD. It regulates neurotransmitters and decreases symptoms. The most common medications are stimulants, which increase dopamine levels that are responsible for attention and thinking. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines like Adderall or Vyvanse. Non-stimulant medications, which increase dopamine levels but have different chemical make-up, are also available and include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
Stimulants begin to work in 30 to 45 minutes and last between 3 and 6 hours. Many people with ADHD experiment with different medication options over time to find out what works best for them. It's important to disclose other health conditions and any other medications you are taking to your physician because some of them may interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can affect all aspects of your life including relationships and work performance. They can lead to feelings of self-worth and inadequacy. People with ADHD frequently have difficulty completing projects or tasks. They can spend long hours working on the same task before moving onto another, leaving work unfinished in their wake. They may also experience difficulty sleeping well and feel groggy and irritable throughout the day.
When taken correctly, stimulant medication can improve how people who suffer from ADHD function in school and at home. They can ease difficulties at school, and bring people closer together with their families and help them achieve professional goals. Treatment is not an answer, but it can make a significant difference. The first step is for those with ADHD to speak to their physician or specialist. They will discuss the treatment options available to them and may suggest a mix of therapies and medications.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a proven treatment for ADHD. It helps you to examine and revise your negative thought patterns, which interfere with your self-regulation and productivity. Studies have shown that CBT can help improve symptoms and functioning, especially when combined with stimulant medication. Unlike traditional psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapies that explore traumas and childhood experiences, CBT is goal-oriented and is focused on the present.
During therapy sessions the therapist and you work together to identify and address the troubling thoughts that keep you stuck in unhealthy habits. Then, you develop strategies to replace these thoughts with more helpful ones. Your therapist might also assist you with other issues that can affect your functioning such as coexisting anxiety or mood disorders, relationship problems, job functioning, and self care.
If you're always late, your therapist may teach you how to prioritize your tasks and use an organizer. They may also suggest that you arrive earlier so that you don't become stressed or bored waiting for things start. Other options include using a watch or placing clocks in your home and office, or even writing down your daily activities in full.
It is crucial to not just make use of these tools to treat ADHD symptoms, but also to integrate them into your daily routine. But for this to happen you'll have to find a therapist that is competent. Ask your doctor for a recommendation if you don't already know one. Look up local medical centers as well as colleges and the ADDitude Directory to find therapists that specialize in ADHD.
You can also find online programs that let you test your skills on your own, while connecting you with a therapist or coach. These programs can be more affordable, but they also might not provide the same level of assistance that a face-to-face session would.
3. Counseling
Many adults with ADHD struggle in their relationships and work because they fail to complete important tasks or make impulsive choices. Coaching and therapy can improve communication between people, and strategies to deal with the stress and anger that result from these issues.
Counseling for families and marriages is a solution to the issues that develop when a person with ADHD is engaged or working at their job. These issues include not paying attention to important commitments, financial struggles and issues with the responsibilities of home or workplace. Therapy can assist you and your spouse or colleagues improve your communication so that you are able to deal with these issues better.
Adult ADHD treatment usually includes a combination of medications as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, and counseling. The medication helps you control the symptoms, so that you can focus on the tasks at-hand. However treatment of add provide more holistic ways to improve your life.
It could take a while to locate an adhd specialist therapist or coach. It's worth it to improve your life quality. Contact your primary care physician for an appointment with a mental health professional. They'll be able suggest a specialist to treat your symptoms and provide guidance for you and your family.
You may be able to take part in a clinical trial that may offer new treatments for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that examine ways to diagnose and treat, or prevent, ailments. Speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of participating in a study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a treatment that is tailored to the individual and helps people suffering from ADHD overcome challenges in their daily lives. It helps them develop skills to improve their lives and increase their ability to take part in meaningful activities in the contexts of work, school and home, as well as social connections. Studies have already proven that OT is a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
An OT will not just address symptoms but also develop skills and strategies that can help with daily tasks, such as self-control and time management. They may, for example help people suffering from ADHD how to break down tasks into smaller chunks and use visual aids to remind them of their obligations. They will also help them develop executive functional skills. These are cognitive processes that enable individuals to manage, plan and complete a task and make a decision and switch attention to other tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD often struggle with organizing their physical environment and personal belongings like wallets, books and clothes. OTs help their clients to create routines and methods to manage their lives. This can include using visual aids, preparing schedules, and using an organizer. The OTs can also assist clients learn to recognise the connection between their mood and the amount they are exposed to sensory stimulation. They will then monitor their diet of sensory stimuli to stay clear of stimulants.
OTs can also assist people with ADHD to learn to plan recreation/relaxation into their daily routines, even if it is only for 15 minutes. This will enable them to let go of their agitated energy and frustrations in a way that is more appropriate rather than transferring their emotions into relationships with others.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Coaching for behavior can be beneficial for people with ADHD who require help with specific problems. A coach could assist clients with issues such as managing money and relationships, improving communication and reducing procrastination, or improving academic performance. Coaches may also educate clients about the neurobiological and genetic factors that contribute to ADHD. This information can help clients overcome the stigma that surrounds the condition and reduce self-blame which is often portrayed in popular media.
A skilled ADHD coach will provide the structure and help required to make positive changes. They can guide the client through a process of reflection to identify what habits are beneficial or harmful to achieving their goals. They can help the client learn how to change their habits to improve their time management and help them develop the skills to achieve their goals. A coach can also offer encouragement and support throughout the process.
It's important for clients to know that their symptoms are normal. It could be that an expert is the only person who has been able to understand their condition. It can be a relief to know that their struggles are not caused by character flaws. This newfound understanding can also enable people from blaming themselves and to seek help.
A combination of medication and coaching can be extremely beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. The psychiatrist and coach may collaborate to tackle various issues, including goal setting, prioritizing tasks motivation, organizational skills, motivation, and problem solving. Behavioral coaching can be helpful for anxiety, stress and controlling impulses. A coach can also help in achieving goals in the field of education and work. The client has the option of deciding whether they want to continue coaching or switch to another type of mental health professional.