ADHD Adult Treatment
Medications for ADHD work to increase activity in the brain areas that control attention and behaviour. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines family, such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta), and methylphenidate, which is sold under the brand name Ritalin.
Counseling for adults with ADHD typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches clients to recognize and change negative thinking patterns.
Medicines
The most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants. These drugs aid in keeping people focused, reduce the impulsive behavior, and manage their blood pressure. They are available in short-acting and long-acting formulations. People who take these medications can take them once or several times throughout the day, as needed. Some of the adverse effects include decreased appetite, sleeplessness and a rebound which is a brief moment where you feel tired or depressed after taking the medication. The majority of these effects aren't severe, and generally disappear by themselves after some time or weeks.
Stimulant medications aren't right for everyone, though. Certain people might experience mental health issues, like paranoia or hostility. They can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. Those suffering from bipolar disorder, severe depression or Tourette's disorder should not use stimulants. People with a substance abuse history are also at greater chance of consuming the drug. For instance, they may crush pills and then snort them to gain a 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 increase levels of norepinephrine within the brain, which improves concentration and reduces impulsiveness. They also aid in reducing anxiety and depression.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD, your doctor may prescribe a low dose, and gradually increase it until you reach your optimal level. This is known as titration. During these visits your doctor will be monitoring your body's response to the medication, as well as any adverse reactions you experience. You'll need to go to regular medical monitoring appointments every three months once you reach a stable dosage to ensure the medication is still effective. These appointments will allow your doctor to determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted. They can also determine whether there are any comorbidities like heart issues.
Counseling
Counseling can be just as effective as medication for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy focuses on helping people overcome their symptoms and improve the way they interact with others. It may include individual therapy, group support, cognitive behavior therapy and other psychotherapeutic techniques. Psychotherapy can boost motivation to treat ADHD and decrease negative emotions. It can also teach patients and their loved ones ways to improve relationships, including conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be afflicted with multiple disorders than people without the condition, which is why it is important to treat any other mental health conditions that are present. Depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder all have similar symptoms with ADHD. These disorders can improve the response of ADHD medications and help you to manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study evaluating the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy, participants rated mindfulness meditation and techniques for reducing stress as quite helpful or very beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy were rated as quite useful or very helpful. These approaches can be combined into a comprehensive program of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also help patients with issues with time management and organizational issues. They can offer strategies to help overcome procrastination as well as establishing more effective routines for managing daily tasks. They can assist patients to identify and correct thinking mistakes that can lead to negative moods, unrealistic expectations, or self-defeating emotions. The main goals of cognitive-behavioral therapies are to assist patients in recognizing and change negative patterns of thinking, which often can be the primary source of frustration in individuals with ADHD.
Psychotherapy is particularly useful in improving relationships with colleagues, friends and partners. People with ADHD are more likely to forget appointments, not meeting deadlines, and making decisions impulsively which can be stressful for even the most patient spouse or partner. Therapy for families and marriage can assist families and couples learn how to manage these problems. Similarly, classes for improving communication and conflict resolution skills for families and couples can be a significant influence on the lives of people who suffer from ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a field of behavioral intervention that focuses on molding the environment to meet the individual's needs. People with ADHD typically have difficulty staying organized, completing an assignment for long periods of time, paying bills and dealing with sensory input, all aspects which 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 instances, an OT can help them develop strategies that allow them to control impulses and work with other people without having an episode or disrupting the discussion.
Executive function skills are a challenge for a lot of adults with ADHD. This includes working memory, focusing skills shifting attention setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can assist them in developing these skills and devise strategies that improve their daily functioning.
adult adhd treatment with ADHD suffer from sensory processing issues that could cause them to become overwhelmed or overstimulated by auditory, visual, sensory, and gustatory stimuli. People with this type of ADHD might be sensitive to sounds, smells or touch and may be averse to physical contact. An OT can help them learn how to manage their anxiety and suggest strategies to manage sensory overload or stress.
Kids with ADHD, especially those who have the hyperactive-impulsive presentation, have a lot of restless energy that they need to release. If they don't have a outlet for this energy, it can cause emotional meltdowns and angry outbursts in unintentional times such as during reading time at school. An OT can help them channel their energy in more constructive ways, like playing sports or joining a group.
Children with ADHD might struggle in traditional schools because they are not designed to accommodate neurodivergent children. This makes it difficult for them to remain still or follow directions. An OT can assist a child's teacher make changes to help them, such as implementing a weekly schedule and providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The signs of ADHD in adults can have a major impact on a person’s life and relationships. Talk therapy can help ADHD sufferers manage the symptoms and improve their quality-of-life by addressing the behavioral and emotional issues that come with this disorder. Psychotherapy is frequently used to treat comorbid disorders such as substance abuse and depression.
Cognitive psychotherapy can help patients learn new strategies for coping with their symptoms, such as mindfulness meditation and emotion regulation. It can also assist them to recognize and correct thinking errors which can cause negative emotions and inhibit the ability to solve problems. Psychotherapy's goal is to lessen the effects of the symptoms of ADHD while also enhancing existing skills for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a kind of individual counseling that can help those suffering from ADHD learn to organize their homes and work environments. It can also help with particular issues that are difficult to handle such as inattention or impulsiveness. It can also encourage positive reinforcement by offering rewards for good behaviour and punishments for bad behavior. It is also a way to instruct family members in techniques to help manage symptoms including timers for medication, prompting and reminders to make appointments or do chores and reducing distractions when doing household chores.
People with ADHD may also benefit from dietary changes. It is recommended to consume regular meals and snacks not more than 3 hours apart. They should also avoid drinks that are sweet and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and proteins to ensure they have a steady supply of energy during the day. It is also important to set regular meal times and make sure they get enough rest.
Individuals suffering from ADHD have a hard time creating and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people deal with these issues and help them learn to communicate more efficiently. It can also address deeper issues like feelings of self-worth loss, inadequacy or frequent job changes.
Medicines are the most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, but they aren't always able to last long effects and can trigger side effects in some people. Combining treatments with other therapies could bring about more lasting benefits. Studies have shown that medications can lower the rate of depression, motor vehicle accidents, and suicide among adults with ADHD.