Treatments For ADHD in Adults
The same treatments that work well for children also help adults deal with their ADHD symptoms. These treatments include therapy, medication and a variety of coaching techniques and coping strategies.
Methylphenidate is the most common medication used to treat adult ADHD. This group of medications helps by increasing the activity of specific brain regions that regulate attention and behaviour.
Stimulant Medication
The cornerstone of ADHD treatment is the use of stimulant medications. There are many different medications however, they all work by boosting the levels of two neurotransmitter chemical in your brain (dopamine and norepinephrine). This boost in concentration, reduces impulsivity, and reduces fatigue. The drugs are available in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids. They are also available in a variety of dosages. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and timeframe. Some people might have difficulty remembering to take their medication, particularly if they take short-acting medications or have a hectic lifestyle.
The majority of people treated for ADHD notice improvements in their mood, attention levels and self-esteem. However, there is still plenty to be done to help these adults develop healthy and productive lives. They may struggle to keep their school, work or home environment organized. They might also have difficulty coping with daily frustrations. These issues can lead to an uneasy self-esteem, issues in their relationships, and poor job performance.
Some studies have shown that even with the right medication the majority of adults with ADHD still perform less than what is expected for their age, intelligence level and education. This can have long-lasting effects.
Adults suffering from ADHD who are treated with the combination of medication and behavior therapy are more likely to improve their symptoms than those who simply take medication. Finding the appropriate dosage and drug can take some time. You can help your doctor if you give clear instructions on when and how to take your medication.
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and other mood disorders as well. These can have side effects that interfere with the effectiveness of stimulant medication. Your doctor can prescribe antidepressants to control these other disorders and help the stimulants in their job.
Certain studies have revealed that white men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than those of other races. This could be due to differences in how doctors describe the condition or how they test for it.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can assist people with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms, improve relationships and improve their ability to deal with challenges. It's often combined with medication as part of an ADHD treatment program. Behavioral therapies can teach people with ADHD life skills such as how to organize, prioritize and manage their money to enable them to succeed at school or at work. They also provide motivation and help in overcoming the emotional effects of ADHD.
The first step to treat adult ADHD is to consult a health care provider or mental health professional to examine the person's symptoms and problems. They can utilize the rating scale checklist of symptoms as well as other psychological or physical tests to determine if there are medical conditions or other problems that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
If your symptoms are severe enough to cause trouble at school, at home or at work, you might be diagnosed with ADHD. The diagnosis requires that you have five or more persistent symptoms of inattention and/or five or more persistent symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms are required to be present in two or more settings, and they must interfere with or reduce the quality of your social, family or work life.
Many people suffering from ADHD also have anxiety or depression These disorders can make it harder to focus on tasks or control their behavior. These co-occurring disorders can be addressed through the addition of counseling or psychotherapy in a treatment program.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is also referred to as cognitive restructuring, assists those suffering from ADHD change their negative thought patterns and behavior. For instance they can be able to stop making impulsive or forgetful decisions. Other kinds of counseling may aid people suffering from ADHD deal with stress and develop strategies for coping, such as family and marital therapy, as well as training in coping skills.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs such as methylphenedate or amphetamine. They enhance and regulate levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants may also be effective. It takes time to identify the right medication and dose for each person. The medication needs to be taken regularly to be efficient.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty managing issues at home, at work or in relationships. Counseling can help them understand how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships to live more happily. Psychotherapy (or counseling) also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, is a structured form of therapy that involves talking. Life coaching and support groups are beneficial to many adults. Clinical trials, which are designed to test new methods to prevent or treat diseases and conditions, can also be helpful.
During the examination you will be questioned about your family medical history and the symptoms. They will most likely conduct a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical issues that could cause symptoms similar or identical to ADHD (such as problems with sleep or learning). They may also employ an assessment scale to assess your behavior.
People with ADHD are typically afflicted by anxiety or depression. In fact, a study found that someone with ADHD is more than twice as likely to have these conditions as people who do not suffer from the condition. These mood disorders can make everyday challenges more difficult to manage and can trigger feelings of frustration, disappointment and low self-esteem.
Women are more likely to experience difficulties than men when it comes to getting a diagnosis of ADHD because they are more adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it more difficult to be diagnosed and receive treatment. They are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and lack confidence and self efficacy.
Psychotherapy, in particular cognitive behavioral therapy, has been proven to be a successful treatment for people who suffer from ADHD. This type of therapy can help you identify your own difficulties with attention and concentration. This kind of therapy can teach you how to break down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps as well as manage the impulsive behavior.
Depending on the needs you have, you may consider other forms like cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy can help you identify negative patterns of thinking and replace them with positive ones. It can also teach you techniques for managing anger, improving organization and building interpersonal relationships.
Education
Treatment options for adults with ADHD vary, but medication therapy, training and therapy are all available to help individuals manage their symptoms. These treatment strategies together with support groups, can improve the quality of life for a person and minimize the negative impact of their symptoms.
Read the Full Guide suffering from ADHD often have difficulty keeping their jobs and maintain good relationships, and can find that they have difficulty keeping track of household chores and bills. Behavioral therapy can be very beneficial. It helps people learn how to better organize themselves and manage their behavior. Couples therapy and classes that teach conflict resolution and problem-solving can also be very helpful.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps to change negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. It can help improve impulse control, and could be combined alongside other treatments to treat ADHD. Mindfulness-based CBT (MBCT) integrates CBT with mindfulness meditation to improve self-awareness, improve emotional regulation and improve executive functioning, which are the mental abilities that enable you to plan, organize, concentrate and manage a variety of tasks.
Occupational therapy is an important component of ADHD management. It helps you recognize difficulties to succeed at school or at work and come up with solutions. ADHD coaching can be a good option for some adults. An ADHD coach can assist you to create structures to reach your goals and will teach you strategies to improve focus, organization and time management.
It is important that you consult a doctor who is skilled in diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD. Many adults with ADHD are not diagnosed because they were misdiagnosed as children or because their symptoms didn't interfere significantly with their lives. They tend to get worse as they age, however, the diagnosis and treatment can significantly enhance the quality of life of a person. There are several kinds of health professionals who can help adults suffering from ADHD primary medical professionals, physicians and psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are trained medically and licensed to prescribe medications, while doctors may recommend alternative treatments.