ADHD Adult Treatment
Medications for ADHD help to boost activity in the brain areas that control the behaviour and attention. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines family which includes lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta) and methylphenidate. Both are sold under the brand name Ritalin.
Counseling for adults with ADHD typically involves cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT teaches clients to recognize and modify unhelpful thinking patterns.
Medicines
The most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants. They aid people in staying focused, decrease impulsive behavior and control their blood pressure. These drugs are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. They can be taken one time every day or more often as needed. The side effects could include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping and a rebound effect, an occasional period of depression or fatigue as the medication wears off. These effects tend to be mild and go disappear after a few weeks or days.
But stimulant medications aren’t for everyone. They can trigger psychiatric problems for some people, such as paranoia or hostility. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with Tourette's Syndrome or bipolar disorder shouldn't take stimulants. People with a drug abuse history are also at a higher chance of consuming the drug. For example they might crush pills and snort them to get high.
There are many different kinds 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 inside the brain, which increases concentration and decreases impulsiveness. They also aid in reducing anxiety and depression.
If you decide to take medication to treat ADHD your doctor may prescribe a low dose and gradually increase it until you reach a maximum level. This is known as the titration. In these sessions your doctor will be monitoring your body's response to the medication, as well as any adverse effects you may experience. You'll be required to attend regular medical monitoring appointments every three months once you reach a stable dose to ensure the medication is still working. These appointments will assist your doctor determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted. They may also check whether there are any comorbidities like heart issues.
Counseling
For adults suffering from ADHD Counseling can be as effective as medication in addressing symptoms. Psychotherapy assists patients in managing their symptoms and improves the way they interact. It may include individual therapy, group support, cognitive behavioral therapy and other psychotherapeutic techniques. Psychotherapy can increase motivation for treatment and decrease negative moods, which are common among those who suffer from ADHD. It can also teach patients and their family members strategies for improving relationships that include conflict resolution, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD have a higher risk of having comorbid mental health conditions than those who don't. It is therefore important to treat any mental health conditions present. Depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder are all able to share similar symptoms as ADHD. These disorders can improve the response of ADHD medications and help you to control ADHD symptoms.
In a study looking at the effectiveness of different kinds of psychotherapy, participants rated stress-reducing techniques and mindfulness meditation as very helpful or beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family counseling were rated extremely helpful or very beneficial. These methods can be incorporated into a comprehensive program of treatment for adults with ADHD.
Therapists can also help patients with problems with time management and organization. They can assist patients in developing more effective routines and strategies to organize their day-to-day activities. They can assist patients to identify and correct thinking distortions which can cause negative moods, unrealistic expectations, or self-defeating thoughts. Cognitive-behavioral therapies are designed to assist patients in changing their negative thinking patterns that can be a source of frustration for those with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial in improving the quality of relationships with colleagues as well as friends and partners. People with ADHD are prone to forgetting appointments, not meeting deadlines, and making decisions impulsively which can be stressful for even the most tolerant spouse or partner. Therapy for families and marriage can help families and couples recognize how to better manage these issues. Similarly, classes for improving communication and conflict resolution skills for families and couples can be a significant influence on the lives of those who suffer from ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is an area of behavioral therapy that focuses on shaping the environment to fit the needs of an individual. People suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty staying organized, working on an assignment for long periods of time, settling bills, and coping with sensory input, all areas 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 instances, an OT can help them develop strategies that will enable them to control their impulses and interact with other people without an emotional breakdown or disrupting the discussion.
Many adults suffering from ADHD also struggle with executive function skills. These include working memory, planning skills, shifting attention setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can help them build these abilities and develop strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Adults with ADHD might have sensory processing issues, causing them to be overwhelmed by visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. Those who have this kind of ADHD might be sensitive to smells, sounds or touch and may not like physical contact. An OT can help them understand how to cope and recommend strategies for managing sensory overstimulation 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 way to channel to release this energy, it could 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 taking part in sports or in a group.
Children with ADHD can have trouble in traditional schools because they're not designed for neurodivergent children, which makes it difficult to follow directions or remain in class. An OT can help the teacher of a child make adjustments to help the child by setting up a weekly calendar and introducing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of adult ADHD can have significant impacts on a person's life and relationships. Talk therapy can help adults deal with these issues and improve their lives by addressing behavioral and emotional issues that often accompany the disorder. Psychotherapy is often used to treat comorbid disorders such as addiction and depression.
Cognitive psychotherapy helps patients develop new strategies for managing their symptoms. It includes mindfulness meditation and the regulation of emotions. It can also assist patients to identify and alter thinking distortions which contribute to negative emotions, and hinder their problem-solving ability. Psychotherapy aims to reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms while strengthening existing coping mechanisms.
Behavioral therapy is a type of individual counseling that can help people suffering from ADHD learn to organize their homes and work environments. It can also help with specific issues that are difficult to manage such as the tendency to forget or the tendency to be impulsive. It also can encourage the use of positive reinforcements, such as rewards for good behavior and consequences for behavior that is not good. treatment for adhd in adults can also teach family members strategies to help manage symptoms, like timers and reminders of chores and appointments.
People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications. It is recommended that they eat meals and snacks no more than three hours apart. avoid sugary drinks, and increase their intake of complex carbs and protein to help maintain a steady amount of energy throughout the day. It is also essential to plan regular meals and make sure they get enough rest.
Individuals suffering from ADHD have a hard time making and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people overcome these issues and help them learn to communicate better. It can also address the root issues like feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
Although medications are the most effective way to treat ADHD symptoms, they may cause adverse reactions for certain people. Combining them with other therapies can result in longer-lasting benefits. Studies have shown that medication can reduce rates of depression, motor vehicle accidents and suicide in adults with ADHD.