Treatments For ADHD in Adults
Adults can benefit from the same treatments that work for children to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include medicine, therapy, and various methods of coaching and coping.
Methylphenidate is a common medication used to treat adult ADHD. This group of medications works by increasing the activity of specific brain regions that control attention and behaviour.
Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the foundation of treatment for ADHD. There are a myriad of drugs however, they all increase the levels of two neurotransmitter chemicals in your brain (dopamine and norepinephrine). This boost improves your concentration, reduces impulsivity and decreases fatigue. These drugs are available in many forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. Also, they come in different dosages. Your doctor will determine the best dose and schedule. Some people may have trouble remembering to take their medication, particularly if they take short-acting medications or live a busy life.
Most adults who get treated for ADHD show improvements in their attention, mood and self-esteem after treatment. There is still much to be done to help these adults to lead healthy, productive lifestyles. They may have a difficult time trying to maintain their work, school or home environment organized. They could also experience difficulties coping with everyday frustrations. These issues can lead to a damaged sense of self-esteem and relationship problems as well as poor job performance.
Some studies have demonstrated that, even with appropriate medication, the majority of adults suffering from ADHD still perform below the standard for their age, intelligence level and education. This can cause grave long-term effects.
Adults with ADHD who are treated with a combination treatment with behavior therapy and medication have a greater chance of improving their symptoms than people who only take medicine. It can take a while to find the right medication and dosage for you. However, you can assist your doctor by providing clear instructions on the best time and method to take your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be depressed and other mood disorders, as well. These side effects can interfere with the effectiveness and efficacy of stimulant medications. Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat these conditions and allow stimulants to perform their function.
Certain studies have shown that white males are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than those of other races. adhd natural treatment could be due to the different ways doctors diagnose the condition or the way they search for it.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their relationships and develop skills for overcoming difficulties. It is often combined with medication as part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Behavioral therapies are designed to teaching people with ADHD practical life skills, including organizing, prioritizing and managing money, in order to help them achieve success at work or school. In addition, they provide assistance and support in dealing with the emotional consequences of ADHD.
The first step in treating adult ADHD is for a healthcare provider or mental health professional to evaluate the person's symptoms and concerns. They can utilize the rating scale checklist of symptoms and other psychological or physical tests to determine if there are medical conditions or other problems that may cause ADHD-like symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious enough to cause difficulty at home, at school or at work, you may 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 must be present in two or more settings and they must be a hindrance with or reduce the quality of your social, family or work life.
Many people with ADHD also have depression or anxiety, and these disorders can make it difficult for them to concentrate on their work or control their behavior. Addition of psychotherapy or counseling to a treatment program can treat these co-occurring disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people with ADHD recognize and alter negative thought patterns that cause poor behavior, such as forgetting appointments or making impulsive decisions. Other types of counseling, including family and marital counseling as well as training for coping skills, may help people with ADHD manage the stress of living with the disorder and build strategies to manage.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications such as methylphenedate or amphetamine. They balance and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants are also effective. Finding the most appropriate medication for each individual and the correct dose takes time. The medication should be taken regularly to be efficient.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD are often unable to manage problems at home, at work and in relationships. Counseling can help them learn to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Psychotherapy (or counseling) includes cognitive behavioral therapy and other structured types of talk therapy. Many adults also benefit from the use of life coaching and support groups. Clinical trials, which test new ways to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions, may also be beneficial.
During the evaluation you will be questioned about your family medical history and the symptoms. He or she will likely perform a physical exam to rule out any other medical conditions which could cause symptoms similar or identical to ADHD (such as problems with sleep or learning). They may also employ the rating scale checklist to assess your behavior.
People with ADHD frequently struggle with depression or anxiety. A study found that a person who suffers from ADHD is more than twice as likely to experience these disorders as people without the condition. These mood issues can make it more difficult to cope with the challenges of daily life and lead to feelings of frustration and self-doubt that are triggered by the symptoms of ADHD.
Women are more likely than men to experience difficulties obtaining a diagnosis of ADHD, because they can conceal their symptoms more effectively. This can make it harder to receive a diagnosis and get treatment. Moreover they are more likely to report lower self-esteem and struggle with low confidence and self-efficacy.
Psychotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy, has been proven to be a successful treatment for adults with ADHD. This kind of therapy can help you recognize your own issues in focusing and attention. It can also help you to break down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and to control impulsive behaviors.
Based on the needs you have, you can consider other forms such as cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy helps you to identify negative thinking patterns and replace them with positive ones. It can help you learn to manage anger, improve organization and build interpersonal relationships.
Education
Treatment options for adults with ADHD differ, but medications therapy, training and therapy are all available to help individuals manage their symptoms. These strategies for treatment and support groups can enhance the quality of life for a person and minimize the negative effects from their symptoms.
People with ADHD often struggle to keep their jobs and maintain good relationships, and may be unable to keeping track of household chores and paying bills. Behavioral therapy, which helps people develop better organizational skills and to control their behavior, can make a a big difference. Couples therapy and classes that teach conflict resolution and problem-solving, can be very beneficial.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a short term, goal-focused psychotherapy that helps to change negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. It can improve your control of impulses and can be used in conjunction with other treatments for ADHD. Mindfulness-based CBT (MBCT) combines CBT with mindfulness meditation training to increase self-awareness, improve emotional control and enhance executive functioning which are the brain skills that help you focus, plan, organize and manage multiple tasks.
Occupational therapy is an important element of your ADHD management plan. It helps you recognize obstacles to success at work or in school and come up with solutions. ADHD coaching is a good option for some adults. An ADHD coach can help you set up structures to achieve your goals and teach strategies to improve focus, organization, and time management.
It is essential to consult a healthcare provider who has experience diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD. Many adults suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed because they were misdiagnosed when they were children, or because their symptoms did not interfere significantly with their lives. They tend to get worse as they age, however, an accurate diagnosis and treatment can dramatically enhance the quality of life for a person. Adults suffering from ADHD are treated by psychiatrists, primary care providers and doctors. Psychiatrists are medically trained and licensed to prescribe medication, while doctors may recommend other treatments.