ADHD Adult Treatment
Treatments for ADHD work to increase activity in the brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, sold under the brand name Ritalin, and stimulants in the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine that are sold under the brands Adderall and Concerta are typically prescribed for adults.
Counseling for adult ADHD typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps clients to recognize and alter unhelpful thinking patterns.
Medicines
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. They help people focus, reduce impulse-driven behavior, and regulate their bloodpressure. These drugs are available in both short-acting as well as long-acting versions. They can be used once per day or more frequently when needed. treating adult adhd could include a decrease in appetite, insomnia and the rebound effect, which is an occasional period of depression or fatigue when the medicine wears off. These effects are usually mild and will go away after a few weeks or days.
Stimulant medications aren't right for everyone, though. Certain people may be suffering from mental health issues, like hostility or paranoia. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rates. People suffering from Tourette's Syndrome, severe depression or bipolar disorder shouldn't take stimulants. People with a history drug abuse are also at risk of misusing the medication, such as crushing pills and smoking them to get high.
There are many different types of nonstimulant ADHD medications, including Strattera(atomoxetine), Qelbree(viloxazine), and Intuniv(guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They increase levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which increases concentration and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They can also decrease depression and help with anxiety.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD Your doctor is likely to prescribe a low dose, and gradually increase it over time until you reach the ideal level. This process is called titration. In these sessions, your physician will be monitoring your body's response to the medication and any side effects. You'll have to attend regular routine clinical monitoring appointments every three months once you reach a stable dose to ensure that the medication is still working. These appointments will allow your doctor to determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted. They may also check if there are any comorbidities like heart issues.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD counseling can be as effective as medications for treating symptoms. Psychotherapy helps patients cope with their symptoms, and improves the way they interact. It could be a combination of individual therapy or group support, cognitive behavior therapy, or any other psychotherapeutic method. Psychotherapy can increase motivation to treat ADHD and decrease negative emotions. It can also teach patients and their significant others ways to improve relationships that include conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD are more likely of having co-occurring mental health issues than those who don't. Therefore, it is important to treat any mental health conditions that may be present. Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders may all share similar symptoms as ADHD. Treatment for these disorders can enhance the effectiveness of ADHD medications and help manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study that evaluated the effectiveness of different types of psychotherapy participants rated mindfulness meditation and techniques to reduce stress as very helpful or helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy were also evaluated as very beneficial or extremely helpful. These methods can be combined to form an extensive treatment program for adults with ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with problems with time management and organization. They can provide strategies to help overcome procrastination as well as creating more efficient routines to manage daily tasks. They can help patients identify and correct thinking errors that can lead to negative moods, unrealistic expectations, or self-defeating thoughts. Cognitive-behavioral therapies aim to help patients overcome their negative thinking patterns which can cause frustration for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy is particularly useful in improving relationships with friends, colleagues and partners. People who suffer from ADHD tend to forget appointments, miss deadlines, and make impulsive choices that can cause stress in even the most understanding partner or spouse. Therapy for families and marriage can help families and couples understand how to better deal with these issues. Similarly, classes for improving communication and conflict resolution skills in couples and families can have a profound impact on the lives of those who suffer from ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of behavioral intervention that focuses on shaping the environment to meet the needs of an individual. People suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty staying organized, working on an assignment for long periods of time, paying bills and coping with sensory input, all aspects 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 situations, an OT can help them develop strategies that help them manage their impulses and interact with others without getting into a fight or disrupting the conversation.
Executive function skills are also an issue for many adults with ADHD. They have working memory abilities ability to plan, shifting focus, setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can assist in developing these abilities and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Some adults with ADHD have problems with sensory processing, which can cause them to be overwhelmed or overstimulated by auditory, visual tactile, and gustatory stimuli. Those who have this kind of ADHD might be sensitive to smells, sounds, touch, or light and may be averse to physical contact. An OT can help them learn to deal with these issues and may 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 is often a trigger to emotional meltdowns and angry outbursts, even at the most inconvenient times, such as during school reading in silence. An OT can help them learn to channel their energy into more constructive avenues, like playing sports or taking part in a group.
Children with ADHD might have issues in traditional schools, since they are not designed to accommodate neurodivergent children. This makes it difficult for them to sit still or follow directions. An OT can help the teacher of a child make adjustments to better support the child, such as implementing a weekly schedule and providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of adult ADHD can have a significant impact on a person's life and relationships. Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their quality-of-life by dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues associated with this disorder. In many cases, comorbidities like depression or drug misuse are also treated through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can teach patients new strategies for dealing with their symptoms including mindfulness meditation and regulation of emotions. It can also assist them to identify and overcome thinking distortions that cause negative emotions and hamper solving problems. Psychotherapy is a method to lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms while strengthening existing strategies for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a kind of individual counseling that can help those suffering from ADHD learn how to organize their homes and work environments. It can also be used to address particular issues, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness. It can also promote the use of positive reinforcement, such as rewards for good behavior, and consequences for negative behavior. It can teach family members methods to manage symptoms, like timers and reminders of chores and appointments.
People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from diet changes. It is recommended they eat regular snacks and meals no more than 3 hours apart. They should also avoid sweet drinks and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and protein to ensure they have a steady supply of energy during the day. It is also essential to set regular meal times and make sure they get enough rest.
People with ADHD have a hard time creating and maintaining relationships. Individual talk therapy can help people cope with these issues and teach them how to communicate more efficiently. It can also address the root issues like feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
Although medication is the most effective method to treat ADHD symptoms, they can cause side effects for certain people. Combining medication with other therapies may provide more long-lasting benefits. Research has proven that medications can decrease the rate of depression motor vehicle accidents, depression and suicide among adults with ADHD.