Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD
Many adults suffering from ADHD can get relief from the symptoms of this disorder by taking medication. Medication is more effective when used in conjunction with other treatment methods.
Adult medication for ADHD typically includes stimulants as well as nonstimulant medicines. These medications may interfere with certain medical conditions, such as depression and high blood pressure.
1. Medication
Medication can be a very vital aspect of treating ADHD. It helps to regulate neurotransmitters and reduce symptoms. The primary medications are stimulants, which increase dopamine levels responsible for attention and thinking. Examples include amphetamines, such as Adderall and Vyvanse, or methylphenidate. Non-stimulant drugs, which boost dopamine levels, but have a different chemical make-up, are also available and include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
The effects of stimulants begin in 30 to 45 minutes and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people suffering from ADHD try out several medication options over time to determine what works best for them. You should tell your doctor about any other health conditions you have, as well as any medication you take, since they may interact with stimulants.
ADHD symptoms can impact the entirety of your life including relationships and work performance. They can trigger feelings of self-worth and inadequacy. People suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty finishing tasks or projects, and can spend long periods of time working on the same task before moving on to another, leaving work unfinished in their wake. They may also have trouble getting enough sleep and may be tired or uneasy throughout the day.
When taken properly, stimulant medications can improve the way people with ADHD perform at home and at school. They can help ease the burden at school, bring people closer together with their families and help them achieve professional goals. Treatment isn't a cure but it can make a real difference. The first step is for people with ADHD to speak with their doctor or specialist. They will discuss the treatment options available to them and may suggest a combination of medications and therapies.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a successful treatment for ADHD. It helps you examine and revise your negative thought patterns that hinder your productivity and self-regulation. CBT has been proven to improve the quality of life and symptoms particularly when it is combined with stimulant medication. CBT is an orientated therapy that focuses on the moment. It differs from traditional psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies, which focus on childhood traumas and experiences.
In therapy the therapist and you will collaborate to identify and address the troubling habits of thought that cause you to fall into bad habits. Then, you develop strategies to replace these thoughts with more beneficial ones. Your therapist can also assist with other issues that affect your performance, like coexisting anxiety disorders or mood disorders, relationship difficulties as well as self-care and job performance.
For example, if you're always running late, your therapist may teach you to prioritize tasks and utilize a planner. They might also suggest you be more cautious about being early to ensure that you don't feel anxious or bored waiting for something to begin. Other methods include using a clock or a watch, placing clocks in your workplace and at home and writing down your every day activities.
It is important to not use these tools to treat ADHD symptoms, but also to incorporate them into your daily routine. To achieve this you'll have to find a therapist who is reliable. If you don't know of one consult your physician for the name of a therapist. Check local medical centers, colleges and the ADDitude Directory to find therapists who specialize in ADHD.
There are also online programs that let you test your skills on your own, while connecting you to a therapist or coach. These programs are more affordable, however they may not offer the same level of support that a face-to-face session could.
3. Counseling
Many people with ADHD struggle in their relationships and work because they fail to complete important tasks or make impulsive choices. Coaching and therapy can enhance communication and assist with strategies to manage anxiety and frustration.
Family therapy and marriage therapy address the issues that may arise when a person who suffers from ADHD is in a relationship or working. These issues can include not paying attention to important obligations, financial difficulties or issues with the responsibilities at home or at work. Therapy can also assist you as well as your colleagues or friends develop better communication to help you deal with these issues more efficiently.
Adult ADHD is usually treated using a combination of medication as well as cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling. The medication helps to manage the symptoms to allow you to focus on the tasks that are at hand, but the other therapies provide more holistic approaches to improve your quality of life.
It can take a while to locate an adhd specialist or coach. But it's worth the effort to improve the quality of your life. Speak to your primary care doctor about getting a referral for a mental health professional. They'll be able suggest a specialist to manage your symptoms and provide counseling to you and your family.
You may be able to participate in a clinical study that offers new treatments for your symptoms. More about the author are research studies that test ways to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical study.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is an individualized treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome obstacles to achieving success in everyday life. It teaches them how to improve their lives quality and improve their performance in school, work at home, at work, as well as in social interactions. Studies have already proven that OT is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
In addition to treating symptoms as well as addressing their causes, an OT will concentrate on developing skills and devising strategies that assist in day-to-day functioning, including time management and the development of self-control. They can, for instance help people suffering from ADHD how to break tasks into smaller parts and employ visual aids as a reminder of their obligations. They can also assist in the development of executive functional skills that are cognitive processes that allow people to plan and manage a task and make decisions, and shift focus to new tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble organizing their physical environment and personal belongings like wallets, books, and clothing. OTs can assist the clients to create systems to keep their possessions organised and establish routines to maintain order. This could include using visual aids, preparing schedules and using an organizer. Additionally, OTs can help clients recognize the relationship between their mood and the amount they are exposed to stimulants. They will then monitor their sensory diet in order 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 can help them let go of their frustration and restlessness in a more effective manner, rather than taking these feelings into relationships with other people.
5. Behavioral Coaching
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral coaching when they have to address certain issues. A coach could work with clients to address topics such as managing finances, building relationships, reducing procrastination or improving academic performance. Coaches can also help educate clients about the neurobiological and genetic factors that cause ADHD. This information can help clients overcome the stigma that is associated with ADHD and the self-blame that is often promoted by popular media.
A competent ADHD coach can provide the structure and support necessary to make positive changes. They can guide their clients through a process of reflection to identify which behaviors are helpful or detrimental in attaining their goals. They can also teach their client how to modify their habits in order to improve their ability to manage their time and develop the necessary skills to meet their goals. A coach can provide encouragement and support throughout the process.
It's important for clients to be aware that their issues are normal. A professional might be the only person they interact with who understands the condition, and it can be a relief to know that their challenges are not a result of their character flaws, or a personal failing. This understanding will liberate individuals from blame and seek out help.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from a combination of medication and behavior coaching. The coach and psychiatrist can collaborate to tackle many issues, including goals, prioritizing tasks motivation, organizational skills, motivation and problem-solving. Behavioral coaching can also be beneficial in dealing with stress, anxiety and impulse control. A coach can also help with goals for education and career. The client is able to decide whether they want to continue coaching or to switch to a different mental health professional.