ADHD Adult Treatment
Treatments for ADHD work to increase activity in the brain in areas that control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate, which is sold under the brand name Ritalin, and stimulants in the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine that are sold under the names Adderall and Concerta, are most commonly prescribed for adults.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular method of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. CBT helps clients to recognize and alter unhelpful thinking patterns.
Medicines
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulants. They help people stay focused, reduce impulsive behaviors and control their bloodpressure. They come in short- and long-acting formulas. The people who take them can decide to take them a few or a few times a day, as required. Some side effects include a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and a rebound effect, an occasional period of depression or fatigue after the medication has worn off. These effects are usually mild and go away after a few weeks or a few days.
But stimulant medications aren’t for everyone. Certain people may be suffering from mental health issues, like paranoia or hostility. They can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. People who suffer from bipolar disorder, severe depression or Tourette's disorder should not use stimulants. People with a history drug abuse are also at risk of misusing the medication, such as crushing pills and snorting them to get high.
There are several different types of non-stimulant ADHD medications, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They function by increasing levels of a brain chemical called norepinephrine. It enhances focus and decreases impulsiveness. They can also help with anxiety and depression.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD Your doctor is likely to prescribe a lower dose and gradually increase it until you reach the ideal level. This procedure is called the titration. During these visits, your doctor will observe your body's reaction to the medication and any adverse effects. You'll have to attend regular medical monitoring appointments every three months once you have reached a steady dosage to ensure the medication is still working. These appointments help your doctor determine if the dosage has to change. They will also be able to check for any comorbid conditions like heart disease.
Counseling
Counseling is as effective as medications for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy focuses on helping people learn to manage their symptoms and improve how they interact with others. It can include individual therapy or group support, cognitive behavior therapy, or any other psychotherapeutic approach. Psychotherapy can help improve motivation for treatment and reduce negative moods that are common among people with ADHD. It can also teach patients and their significant others strategies to improve relationships that include conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a higher chance of having comorbid mental health conditions than those without it. It is therefore crucial to treat any mental health issues present. Depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder all have similar symptoms as ADHD. These underlying disorders may increase the effectiveness to ADHD medications and help you to manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study looking at the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy, participants assessed mindfulness meditation and techniques for stress reduction as quite helpful or extremely useful. Cognitive behavioral therapy as well as family therapy were rated as quite useful or very helpful. These approaches can be combined into a complete program of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with problems with time management and organization. They can assist patients in developing more effective routines and strategies to organize their day-to-day activities. They can teach patients to identify and correct thinking errors which can lead to self-defeating moods or unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapies aim to help patients overcome their negative thinking patterns which can cause frustration for those with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be particularly helpful in improving the quality of relationships with colleagues or friends. People with ADHD are prone to forgetting appointments, not meeting deadlines, and making impulsive decisions that can stress even the most understanding spouse or partner. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families learn how to manage these problems. Classes that enhance communication and conflict resolution within couples and families have a profound impact on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of treatment for behavior that focuses on shaping the environment to fit the needs of an individual. People with ADHD struggle to stay focused, staying on a task for a long period of time and also paying their bills and dealing with sensory input. Occupational therapy can help with these issues.
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 assist them in learning techniques that will allow them to control impulses and interact with others without an episode or disrupting the conversation.
Many adults with ADHD also struggle with executive function skills. These include working memory ability to plan, shifting focus, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can help them develop these skills and devise strategies to 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. 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 deal with these issues, and they may recommend strategies for managing 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 can lead to emotional meltdowns and angry outbursts even at the most uncomfortable times, such as when they are reading silently at school. An OT can teach them to adhd symptoms in adults treatment channel their energy in more constructive ways, such as playing sports or joining a social club.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty in traditional schools due to the fact that they're not set up for neurodivergent kids, which makes it hard to follow directions or stay in the classroom. An OT can collaborate with the school of a child to make changes that will help them better for ADHD, such as implementing a weekly schedule or providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can have a significant impact on the quality of life and relationships. Therapy can help adults overcome these challenges and improve their quality of life by addressing behavioral and emotional issues that are often associated with the disorder. Often times, comorbid conditions such as depression or substance misuse are also treated through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can teach patients new coping strategies to deal with their symptoms, such as mindfulness meditation and regulation of emotions. It can also help them identify and change thinking distortions which can cause negative emotions and inhibit the ability to solve problems. Psychotherapy aims to reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms while improving pre-existing coping mechanisms.
Behavioral therapy is an individual counseling method that assists people suffering from ADHD organize their home and work environments. It can also help with particular issues that are difficult to manage such as the tendency to forget or impulsiveness. 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 help manage symptoms, like timers and reminders of appointments and chores.
People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from diet changes. It is recommended that they consume regular meals and snacks at least 3 hours apart. They should also stay away from sweet drinks and increase their intakes of complex carbohydrates and proteins to ensure they have a steady supply of energy throughout the day. It is crucial to ensure that they are eating at regular mealtimes, and get enough sleep.
People with ADHD have a hard time making and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people cope with these problems and help them communicate more effectively. It can also address underlying issues like feelings of self-worth loss, inadequacy, or frequent job changes.
While medications are the most effective method to treat ADHD symptoms, they can have side effects for some people. Combining them with other therapies can lead to more lasting benefits. Studies have shown that medications can reduce rates for depression as well as motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults with ADHD.