ADHD Adult Treatment
Treatments for ADHD assist in boosting activity in the brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines group, such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta) and methylphenidate. Both are sold under the brand name Ritalin.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a typical treatment for adults with ADHD. CBT helps clients recognize and modify the patterns of thinking that are not helpful.
Medicines
The most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants. They help people stay focused, reduce the impulsive behavior, and manage their blood pressure. They come in long- and short-acting formulas. They can be used once every day or more often as needed. Some side effects include a decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and a rebound effect, a brief period of fatigue or bad mood as the medication wears off. Most of these symptoms aren't severe, and typically disappear on their own after a few days or weeks.
These medications aren't suitable for everyone, though. Some people may experience mental health issues, like hostility or paranoia. They can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with bipolar disorder, severe depression, or Tourette's syndrome should not take stimulants. People with a drug abuse history are also at greater risk of misusing the medication. For instance, they may crush pills and snort them to get high.
There are several different types of non-stimulant ADHD medications, including Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They work by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which increases concentration and decreases the tendency to be impulsive. They also reduce anxiety and depression.
If you decide to take medication to treat ADHD Your doctor might prescribe a lower dose and gradually increase it until you reach an optimal level. This process is called the titration. During these appointments your provider will be monitoring your body's response to the medication as well as any adverse effects. After a stable dose is achieved, you'll have to keep track of your clinical monitoring at least once every three months to ensure that the medication continues to be efficient. These appointments will allow your doctor to determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted. They may also check for any comorbidities, like heart disease.
Counseling
Counseling is as effective as medication for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy assists patients in managing their symptoms and improves the way they interact. It may be a combination of individual therapy or group support, cognitive behavior therapy, or any other psychotherapeutic modality. Psychotherapy can boost motivation to seek treatment and decrease negative moods, which are common among those who suffer from ADHD. It can also teach patients and their significant others strategies for improving relationships such as conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders than those who do not have the condition, and it's important to treat any other mental health conditions that may be present. Depression anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder can all have similar symptoms to ADHD. These disorders can improve the response to ADHD medications and help you to control ADHD symptoms.
In a study that evaluated the effectiveness of different kinds of psychotherapy, participants rated mindfulness meditation and techniques to reduce stress as very helpful or beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family counseling were rated as extremely helpful or very beneficial. These strategies can be combined to create a comprehensive treatment plan for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also help patients with issues with time management and organizational issues. They can help patients develop more effective routines and treating adhd naturally strategies to organize their day-to-day activities. They can teach patients to recognize and correct thinking errors that can lead to self-defeating negative moods and unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to help patients change their negative thinking patterns, which can be a source of frustration for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial in improving the relationship between coworkers as well as friends and partners. People with ADHD tend to forget appointments, fail to meet deadlines and make impulsive decisions which can cause stress to even the most understanding spouse or partner. Family and marriage therapy can help couples and families understand how to better manage these issues. Classes that improve communication and conflict resolution within families and couples have a profound impact on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a field of behavioral therapy which focuses on adjusting the environment to fit the individual's needs. People with ADHD typically have difficulty staying organized, working on a task for long periods of time, paying bills and coping with sensory input, all areas that are addressed through 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 assist them in learning strategies that allow them to control impulses and interact with other people without a breakdown or disrupting the discussion.
Executive function skills are an issue for many adults with ADHD. This includes working memory, coordinating skills, shifting attention, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can assist in the development of these abilities and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Certain adults with ADHD have sensory processing problems which can cause them to become overwhelmed or overstimulated by auditory, visual, sensory and gustatory stimuli. This type of ADHD can cause people to be sensitive to smells, light sounds, or touch and even dislike physical contact. An OT can help them understand how to deal with the situation and suggest strategies for managing 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 their energy, it can cause emotional meltdowns and angry outbursts during inconvenient times, like during silent reading time at school. An OT can help them learn to channel their energy into more constructive ways such as playing sports or participating in a group.
Children with ADHD are often troubled in traditional schools because they're not set up for neurodivergent children, which makes it difficult for them to follow directions or sit still in class. An OT can work with a child's school to make changes that will help them better by implementing an agenda for the week or providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The signs of ADHD in adults can have a significant impact on an individual's life and relationships. Talk therapy can help adults overcome these challenges and improve their lives by addressing emotional and behavioral issues that frequently accompany the disorder. Psychotherapy is often used to treat comorbid conditions, such as depression and substance abuse.
Cognitive psychotherapy helps patients develop new coping skills to manage their symptoms. This includes mindfulness meditation and the regulation of emotions. It can also assist patients recognize and correct thinking errors that cause negative emotions and can hinder their ability to solve problems. Psychotherapy is a method to lessen the impact of ADHD symptoms while enhancing existing strategies for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a personal counseling method that assists people suffering from ADHD manage their homes and work environments. It can also be used to address specific issues, like inattention and forgetfulness. It can also promote the use of positive reinforcement, such as rewards for good behavior and consequences for bad behavior. It can teach family members methods to help manage symptoms, like timers and reminders of appointments and chores.
Additionally, those with ADHD may benefit from dietary changes. It is recommended to consume regular meals and snacks no more than 3 hours apart. They should also avoid sugary 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 making and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people deal with these issues and help them learn to communicate more effectively. It can also address underlying issues like feelings of inadequateness, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
While medications are the most effective method to treat ADHD symptoms, they do cause side effects for certain people. Combining treatments with other therapies may provide longer-lasting benefits. Research has proven that medications can reduce rates of depression, motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults with ADHD.