ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications used to treat ADHD increase brain activity in areas that regulate attention, behavior and cognition. Methylphenidate, sold under the brand name Ritalin and stimulants from the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine, sold under the brands Adderall and Concerta are commonly prescribed for adults.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular method of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. CBT teaches clients to recognize and modify negative thinking patterns.
Medications
Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD. These medications help people stay focused, reduce impulse-driven behavior, and regulate their bloodpressure. They are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. They can be taken once per day or more frequently as needed. Some of the adverse effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and a rebound which is a brief period when you feel depressed or tired after taking the medication. These effects are usually mild and go away after a few weeks or days.
These medications aren't suitable for everyone, though. They can trigger psychiatric disorders for some people, such as paranoia or hostility. They can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People suffering from 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 might crush pills and snort them to get high.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They work by increasing levels of norepinephrine within the brain, which increases concentration and reduces impulsiveness. They can also decrease anxiety and depression.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD the doctor is likely to prescribe a lower dose and gradually increase it over time until you reach the optimal level. This procedure is known as titration. During these visits, your doctor will monitor the body's response to the medication as well as any adverse effects. After a stable dose is reached, you'll need to keep track of your clinical monitoring at least every three months to ensure the medication continues to be effective. These appointments will assist your doctor determine whether the dosage should be adjusted. They will also be able to check for any comorbid conditions like heart disease.
Counseling
Counseling can be as effective as medications for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy focuses on helping patients overcome their symptoms and improve the way they interact with others. It may include individual therapy as well as group support, cognitive behavior therapy or other psychotherapeutic methods. Psychotherapy can boost motivation for treatment and decrease negative moods that are common in people who suffer from ADHD. It can also teach patients and their significant others strategies for improving 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. The treatment of these disorders can enhance the response to ADHD medications and help manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study evaluating the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy participants rated mindfulness meditation and techniques to reduce stress as quite helpful or extremely beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy as well as family therapy were rated as quite useful or very helpful. These methods can be incorporated into a comprehensive program of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with time management and organizational problems. They can help patients develop more effective routines and strategies to organize their day-to-day tasks. They can help patients identify and correct thinking distortions which can lead to self-defeating negative moods or unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to help patients change their negative thinking patterns, which can be a source of frustration for those with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be particularly helpful in improving the quality of relationships with colleagues, friends and partners. People with ADHD are prone to forgetting appointments, not meeting deadlines, and making impulsive decisions which can be stressful for even the most patient spouse or partner. Marriage and family therapy helps families and couples understand how to deal with these problems. In the same way, classes that help improve communication and conflict resolution skills in families and couples could have a profound impact on the lives of adults who suffer from ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a field of treatment for behavior which focuses on adjusting the environment to meet the needs of an individual. People with ADHD typically have difficulty staying organized, working on an assignment for long periods of time, settling bills, and coping with sensory input, all aspects 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 practicing techniques that allow them to manage their impulses and interact with others without getting into a fight or disrupting the conversation.
Executive function skills are also a challenge for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. This includes working memory, planning skills, shifting attention, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can help them build these skills and devise strategies that will improve their daily functioning.
Some people with ADHD suffer from sensory processing issues, which can cause them to become overwhelmed or overstimulated by visual, auditory, tactile and gustatory stimuli. This type of ADHD can cause people to be sensitive to smells, light, touch or sound, and may even dislike physical contact. An OT can teach them how to cope with these challenges and may suggest strategies to manage sensory overload or disengaging from stress.
Kids with ADHD, especially those who have the hyperactive-impulsive presentation, have a lot of restless energy that they need to release. Continue Reading can lead to emotional meltdowns and angry outbursts even at the most uncomfortable times, such as during silent reading at school. An OT can help them learn to channel their energy into more constructive ways, like playing sports or participating in a social group.
Children with ADHD might struggle in traditional schools, as they are not designed to accommodate neurodivergent children. This makes it difficult for them to stay still or follow directions. An OT can help a child's teacher make changes to support them, such as creating a weekly schedule and providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of adult ADHD can have significant impacts on the person's life and relationships. Talk therapy can help adults cope with these effects and improve their quality of life by addressing emotional and behavioral issues that frequently accompany the disorder. Sometimes, comorbid disorders like depression or drug misuse are also treated through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy helps patients develop new strategies for managing their symptoms. It includes mindfulness meditation and regulation of emotions. It can also assist patients recognize and correct thinking distortions which contribute to negative emotions, and hinder their ability to solve problems. Psychotherapy aims to minimize the effects of ADHD symptoms while enhancing existing coping mechanisms.
Behavioral therapy is a personal counseling technique that helps people suffering from ADHD organize their work and home environments. It can also address specific issues that are difficult to handle like inattention or the tendency to be impulsive. It can also encourage the use of positive reinforcement, such as rewards for good behavior and consequences for behavior that is not good. Continue Reading can also teach family members techniques to help manage symptoms, such as timers, reminders of chores and appointments.
People suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications. It is recommended they consume regular meals and snacks at least 3 hours apart. They should also avoid drinks that are sweet and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and proteins to maintain a constant level of energy throughout the day. It is also essential to plan regular meals and ensure they are getting enough sleep.
In addition, those with ADHD are often having difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people overcome these issues and teach them to communicate better. It can also address the root issues such as feelings of self-worth loss, inadequacy or frequent job changes.
Medications are the most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, however they don't always have long-lasting effects and may cause adverse reactions in certain people. Combining them with other treatments could result in more long-lasting benefits. Research has shown that medication can lower the rate of depression as well as motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults with ADHD.