Treating Adult ADHD
Treatment for adult adhd requires a combination of medication and counseling. These treatments help you learn new ways to cope and manage emotional problems that are typically caused by ADHD.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost brain chemicals that regulate attention. These include methylphenidate available as Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as lisdexamphetamine, sold as Adderall and Vyvanse.
Medication
Many adults with ADHD are treated with medication. It can reduce symptoms and enhance performance at school, work and at home. For some patients, it could help improve 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 a variety of drugs, and you could need to try a few before settling on one that is effective.
The medications used to treat adults with ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. Stimulants are the most effective, and methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed drug. This kind of medication may cause adverse effects, such as heart palpitations, headaches and gastrointestinal problems. Modafinil and Clonidine, which are non-stimulant drugs, have proven to be effective for certain adults. These medications have not been extensively studied as stimulants so their long-term effectiveness and side effects are not known.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychosocial treatments like family therapy and counseling. Psychotherapy helps patients understand their condition and develop coping strategies and problem-solving capabilities. It can also help improve relationships between spouses and family members. Symptoms of ADHD can lead to conflicts in relationships, and counseling can help couples learn to communicate better and support each other.
Both psychotherapy and medication are essential elements of a comprehensive treatment plan for adults with ADHD. It is crucial for patients to receive both kinds of treatments to reduce the impact of their condition on their daily life. To be eligible for an assessment of ADHD the symptoms must be severe and cause clinically significant impairment in several areas of life. The impairment must be present from the time of childhood.
Psychotherapy for adult ADHD includes counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as family and marital therapy. This counseling teaches the patient to recognize and modify negative thinking patterns that can affect how they interact with others. It also teaches patients the skills needed to manage ADHD and other mental illnesses such as addiction to drugs or depression. Many communities and online offer support groups for people who suffer from ADHD.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD experience that their problems can interfere with both personal and professional relationships. They feel as if they are in control of their lives, and that family and friends aren't understanding. Counseling, or psychotherapy can help with these symptoms by addressing the root of emotional issues and teaching life skills. It can also help with co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy which teaches you practical skills to help manage your life if you have ADHD. It concentrates on changing negative thought patterns and improving self-control, which may help improve problematic behaviors. CBT is also beneficial for those suffering from the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety or depression particularly when combined with medication.
CBT focuses more on the present than other forms of psychotherapy that are based on past experiences. It helps you identify thoughts traps or patterns of thought that hinder you from moving forward with your goals and plans. These include perfectionism and all-or-nothing thought, self-blame and catastrophizing worst-case scenarios. CBT can include communication skills training, relaxation skills training, and exposure therapies to lessen anxiety.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and interpersonal therapy are other types of therapy that can be beneficial to adults with ADHD. DBT can help you master important skills such as mindfulness that allows you to fully accept and experience emotions, as well as emotion control which is the ability to manage difficult emotions. DBT teaches not only these skills, but also practical strategies to manage stress and deal with issues in daily life. It can be provided through individual sessions, group sessions or an online therapy platform.
Interpersonal therapy focuses on helping you build lasting relationships and overcoming conflicts in your relationship. It can assist people suffering from the comorbidity of ADHD and personality disorders such as antisocial disorder that is common among adults with untreated ADHD. It can also help with an impulsive personality, and difficulties in controlling emotions which are common symptoms.
The majority of people who have ADHD can be treated with medication alone However, not all symptoms can be improved. Combining therapy with medication and coaching can help create an effective treatment plan that reduces the severity of your symptoms.
Education
ADHD treatment may include self-help methods and education on the disorder. These can help in reducing symptoms. Your health care provider may recommend websites and books or to individuals who have experience in managing the disorder. A support group is also an option to share your experiences, information, and strategies for dealing with others who have ADHD. These groups are available in a variety of communities as well as online.
The most effective treatment for adult ADHD is a combination of medication as well as behavior therapy and skills training. A lot of the same medications used to treat children are effective for adults. However, they might require a higher dose or be taken at a different time. It is important to consult your physician about the medications you require to feel your most optimal.
Psychotherapy helps patients understand and use their strengths. It also helps them develop better planning and organizational skills, learn how to handle disappointments and failures, and improve their relationships. The majority of psychotherapy approaches for ADHD adult patients have the cognitive-behavioral component. This is designed to help patients alter their thoughts and behaviors so they can gain more control over their lives.
Counseling for families and marriage is often utilized by therapists who treat adults with ADHD to help parents, spouses, and other family members better comprehend the condition and its effect on their relationship. Marital problems are common complaints of those who suffer from ADHD who seek treatment. Couples often blame one another for problems, such as financial difficulties, inattention or impulsivity. In an investigation, 81% of married couples interviewed said that their marital problems were caused by a comorbid drug addiction or depression (Hesslinger 2002).
It's easier to stay organized if are aware of the effects ADHD can have on your brain. For instance, you can set aside a daily time to clean your desk and arrange your paperwork so you're not distracted later in the day. You can also give yourself more time than you think it will take to complete tasks and get to appointments by setting alarms on your phone or jotting down appointments 15 minutes earlier than they actually are.
Support
If you don't remember appointments, have trouble keeping the track of your tasks, and you can't manage to finish your tasks at work or at home, those symptoms may not be normal. They may be a sign of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These characteristics can cause stress and can hinder the effectiveness of relationships. However more info can make a difference to your situation.
Your doctor could prescribe medication to address chemical deficiencies in the brain that are associated with ADHD, and counseling can help you improve your the ability to cope and organize. Family and friends can be a wonderful source of help.
ADHD is commonly treated with stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine also work. When prescribing medication your doctor will consider the way you react to different medications, and any adverse reactions that you may have and any other health issues.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is usually recommended for those with ADHD. This structured counseling will teach you how to modify your negative patterns of thinking and how to manage your behavior. It can help you overcome difficulties in your life and strengthen your relationships.
Support group therapy is another kind of counseling. You will be able to meet with others who are going through the same issues and discuss how to deal with them. It can also help you develop coping and organizational skills that you can apply in your daily life.
Lifestyle changes can also aid in managing the symptoms of ADHD. A healthy diet, for example, can protect both your physical and mental well-being. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, fat and processed ingredients. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise can be beneficial too. It can help you to remain calm and focused, and reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may benefit from having a coach or a mentor who can teach them practical skills to improve their daily routines. This can be an addition to more formal psychological counseling and can also include learning to set goals and apply techniques for managing time.
Online therapy is offered by BetterHelp for adults who are unable to locate a counselor in their area. You can connect to a licensed counselor via video or voice call, or in-app message at times that work for your schedule.