ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications for ADHD assist in boosting activity in the brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, which is sold under the brand name Ritalin, and stimulants in the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine that are sold under the brands Adderall and Concerta are commonly prescribed for adults.
Counseling for adults with ADHD typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps clients identify and alter unhelpful thinking patterns.
Medications
The most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants. They help people focus, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior and manage their bloodpressure. These medications are available in both short-acting as well as long-acting versions. They can be taken one time every day or more often as needed. Some side effects include a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and the rebound effect, which is a brief period of fatigue or bad mood as the medication wears off. These symptoms tend to be mild and go away after a few weeks or a few days.
But stimulant drugs aren't suitable for everyone. Some people may experience problems with their psychiatric disorders, such as hostility or paranoia. They can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. People who suffer from Tourette's syndrome or severe depression or bipolar disorder should not use stimulants. People with a drug abuse history are also at greater chance of consuming the drug. For example, they may crush pills and then snort them to achieve a high.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, including Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They function by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. It helps improve focus and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They can also help with depression and anxiety.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD, your doctor may prescribe a low dose and gradually increase it until you reach a maximum level. This is known as the titration. During these appointments, your provider will monitor your body's response to the medication, and will also monitor any adverse effects you may experience. Once a steady dose has been reached, you'll need to attend regular clinical monitoring appointments at least every three months to ensure that the medication is efficient. These appointments allow your doctor to determine if the dosage has to change. They can also determine if there are any comorbidities, such as heart problems.
Counseling
Counseling can be as effective as medications for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy focuses on helping people learn to cope with their symptoms and improve how they interact with others. It can be a combination of individual therapy or group support as well as cognitive behavior therapy or any other psychotherapeutic modality. Psychotherapy can help improve motivation for treatment and decrease negative moods, which are common in people who suffer from ADHD. It can also teach patients and their loved ones strategies to improve relationships such as conflict resolution, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to have multiple disorders than people without the condition, which is why it's important to treat any other mental health issues that are present. Depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder are all able to share similar symptoms as ADHD. The treatment of these disorders can help improve the response to ADHD medications and help manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study that assessed the effectiveness of various forms of psychotherapy, participants rated mindfulness meditation and stress-reducing techniques as very or beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy were evaluated as very helpful or very helpful. These approaches can be combined into a comprehensive program of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with issues with time management and organizational issues. They can offer strategies for overcoming procrastination and creating more efficient routines for managing daily tasks. They can help patients identify and correct thinking errors that can lead to self-defeating negative moods and unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapies are designed to assist patients in changing their negative thinking patterns which can be a source of frustration for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be particularly helpful in improving the quality of relationships with colleagues or friends. People who suffer from ADHD tend to miss appointments, forget deadlines and make decisions impulsively that can cause stress in even the most understanding spouse or partner. Marriage and family therapy helps families and couples understand how to deal with these issues. Additionally, classes to improve communication and conflict resolution skills in couples and families can have a profound impact on the lives of those with ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that focuses on molding the environment to meet an individual's needs. People suffering from ADHD often have trouble staying organized, completing the same task for extended periods of time, paying bills, and dealing 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 will help them learn strategies that allow them to control impulses and work with other people without having a breakdown or disrupting the conversation.
Many people with ADHD also struggle with executive functions. This includes working memory, focusing skills, shifting attention, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can help in developing these skills and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Certain adults with ADHD have sensory processing problems which can cause them to be overwhelmed or overstimulated by auditory, visual, sensory and gustatory stimuli. treating adult adhd of ADHD can cause people to be sensitive to smells, light touch or sound and can even be averse to physical contact. An OT can help them learn to cope with these challenges, and they may recommend strategies for managing sensory overload or to avoid stress.
Kids with ADHD, especially those who have the hyperactive-impulsive presentation, have a lot of restless energy that they need to release. This energy can lead to emotional meltdowns and angry outbursts, even at the most difficult times, like during silent reading at school. An OT can help them channel their energy in more positive ways, such as participating in sports or joining a social group.
Children with ADHD are often troubled in traditional schools due to the fact that they're not designed for children with neurodivergent disorders, making it hard for them to follow directions or remain in class. An OT can assist the teacher of a child to make changes to better support him or her, such as creating a weekly schedule and introducing alternatives to seating.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of adult ADHD can have significant effects on the person's life and relationships. Talk therapy can help people cope with these effects and improve their lives by addressing behavioral and emotional issues that frequently accompany the disorder. In many cases, comorbidities like depression or substance misuse are also treated through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can help patients learn new coping strategies to deal with their issues, such as mindfulness meditation and regulation of emotions. It can also assist patients to identify and alter thinking errors that cause negative emotions, and 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 form that helps people suffering from ADHD organize their work and home environments. It can also be used to address specific issues, like forgetfulness and impulsiveness. It can also promote the use of positive reinforcement, for example, rewards for good behavior, and consequences for negative behavior. It can also teach family members strategies to help manage symptoms such as timers, reminders of appointments and chores.
People suffering from ADHD can also benefit from diet changes. It is recommended they consume regular meals and snacks no more than 3 hours apart. They should also avoid sweet drinks and increase their intakes of complex carbohydrates and proteins to maintain a constant level of energy throughout the day. It is crucial to ensure that they eat at regular mealtimes, and get enough sleep.
In addition, those who suffer from ADHD often have trouble forming and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help individuals deal with these problems and teach them how to communicate more effectively. It can also address deeper issues such as feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, or frequent job changes.
Although medication is the most effective way to treat ADHD symptoms, they may cause side effects 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, depression and suicide in adults with ADHD.