Treatments For ADHD in Adults
The same treatments that work well for children also help adults deal with their ADHD symptoms. These treatments include medication, therapy and a variety of coaching methods and coping strategies.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication used to treat adult ADHD. This class of drugs works by increasing activity in certain areas of the brain which control attention and behavior.
Stimulant Medication
The mainstay of ADHD treatment is the use of stimulant medications. There are many different medications, but they all work by boosting the levels of two neurotransmitter substances in your brain (dopamine and norepinephrine). This boost in concentration, reduces impulsivity, and decreases fatigue. The drugs are available in many forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. They are also available in various dosages. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and timeframe. Some people might have difficulty remembering to take their medication, particularly if they take short-acting medications or have a hectic lifestyle.
Most adults who get treated for ADHD see improvements in their attention, mood and self-esteem with medication. However, there’s plenty to be done to help these adults develop healthy and productive lives. They may have difficulty maintaining their home, work or school environments humming along and coping with everyday stress and disappointments. These issues can lead to a damaged sense of self-esteem and relationships issues and poor job performance.
Some studies have demonstrated that even with the right medication, the majority of adults with ADHD remain below the standard for their age, intelligence, and education. This can lead to serious long-term consequences.
Adults with ADHD who are treated with a combination therapy and medication have a greater chance of improving their symptoms than those who just take medication. It can take a while to find the right drug and dosage for you. You can help your doctor if you give clear instructions on when and how to take your medication.
Depression and other mood disorders are common among people suffering from ADHD. These adverse effects can affect the effectiveness and efficacy of stimulant medications. Antidepressants may be prescribed by your physician to treat these conditions and allow the stimulants to do their job.
Certain studies have revealed that white people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than people of other races. This could be due to the different ways doctors describe the condition or the way they search for it.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms, improve their relationships, and improve their skills to deal with difficulties. It’s often paired with medication as part of an ADHD treatment program. Behavioral therapies are geared to teaching people with ADHD practical life skills, like organizing, prioritizing and managing money, so that they can achieve success at school or work. They can also offer encouragement and support in dealing with the emotional side effects of ADHD.
A health professional or mental healthcare specialist will first assess the symptoms and problems of an adult with ADHD. They can use a rating scale checklist of symptoms, as well as other psychological or physical tests to rule out medical conditions or other problems that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
You may be diagnosed with ADHD when your symptoms are severe and cause problems at home, school or at work. The diagnosis requires that you have five or more persistent symptoms of inattention and/or five or more persistent symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should be present in more than one setting, and they must interfere with or diminish the quality of your family, social or work life.
These disorders can make it difficult to control behavior or concentrate on tasks. The addition of counseling or psychotherapy to a treatment plan may treat these co-occurring disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is also referred to as cognitive restructuring, helps those suffering from ADHD modify their negative thought patterns and behaviors. For example, they can stop making impulsive or uninformed decisions. Other types of counseling, such as family and marital counseling as well as training in coping skills, can help people with ADHD deal with the stress of living with the disorder and develop the skills needed to deal with stress.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications like amphetamine and methylphenedate. They regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. Nonstimulants, like atomoxetine and antidepressants, can also be efficient. It takes time to determine the right medication and dose for each individual. The medication needs to be taken regularly in order to be efficient.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to deal with issues at home, at work, and in relationships. Counseling can teach them how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Psychotherapy (or counseling) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy as well as other forms of structured talk therapy. Many adults also benefit from life coaching and support groups. Clinical trials, which are designed to test new methods to prevent or treat diseases and conditions, can also be helpful.
During an evaluation, your health healthcare provider or mental health professional will inquire with you about the medical history of your family and the symptoms you are experiencing. They may also conduct an examination of your body to rule out other medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD (for example sleep disorders, sleep disorders or learning disabilities). They can use a rating-scale checklist to determine your behavior.
People suffering from ADHD are frequently afflicted with anxiety or depression. In fact, one study revealed that a person with ADHD is nearly twice as likely to suffer from these conditions as people who do not suffer from the condition. These mood issues can make it more difficult to face the challenges of daily life and result in feelings of frustration and self-doubt that can be triggered by the symptoms of adhd treatment medication.
Women tend to have more trouble than men when they receive a diagnosis of ADHD due to their better at hiding their symptoms. This makes it more difficult to receive a diagnosis and treatment. In addition they are more likely to have lower self-esteem and struggle with low self-esteem and confidence.
Psychotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy, has been found to be an effective treatment for people who suffer from ADHD. This kind of therapy will help you identify your own difficulties in concentration and focus. This type of talk therapy can help you learn to break down big tasks into manageable, smaller steps, and also how to manage impulse-driven behavior.
Based on your particular needs, you may also consider other forms of psychotherapy, for instance cognitive behavior therapy. This therapy assists you in identifying negative patterns of thinking and replace them with positive ones. It will teach you how to manage anger improve organization, and develop interpersonal relationships.
Education
Adult ADHD is treated in various ways. Medication, therapy and training are all options to treat symptoms. These strategies for treating ADHD as well as support groups, can enhance the quality of life of a person and reduce the negative effects of their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty keeping their jobs, developing strong relationships and balancing household chores and bills. Behavioral therapy can be very helpful. It assists people in learning how to organize themselves better and control their behavior. Couples therapy, as well as classes that teach conflict resolution or problem-solving, can be very beneficial.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that helps to change negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. It can aid in improving impulse control, and could be used in conjunction with other treatments for ADHD. Mindfulness-based CBT (MBCT) integrates CBT with mindfulness meditation to increase self-awareness, improve emotional regulation and enhance executive functioning, which are the brain skills that help you plan, organize, focus and manage multiple tasks.
Occupational therapy is a valuable element of ADHD management. It helps you recognize the obstacles to success in school or at work and devise solutions. ADHD coaching can be a good option for some adults. An ADHD coach can help you create structures to reach your goals and teach you strategies to improve organization, focus and time management.
It is important that you consult a doctor who is skilled in diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD. Many adults with ADHD aren’t diagnosed due to the fact that they were misdiagnosed when they were children, or because their symptoms did not interfere significantly with their lives. They often get worse with age, but a diagnosis and effective treatment can dramatically enhance the quality of life of a person. There are several types of health care professionals who treat adults with ADHD Primary medical professionals, physicians and psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are trained in advanced medical techniques and are licensed to prescribe medications, while doctors can recommend alternative treatments for adults with ADHD.
