ADHD Adult Treatment
The drugs for ADHD boost brain activity in areas that control attention, behavior and cognition. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines family, such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta) and methylphenidate, which is sold under the name Ritalin.
Counseling for adult ADHD typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps clients identify and alter the patterns of thinking that are not helpful.
Medications
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. These drugs help people to remain focused, decrease impulse-driven behavior, and regulate their blood pressure. These drugs are available in short-acting and long-acting forms. They can be taken once every day or more often when needed. Some of the side effects include a decreased appetite, insomnia and a rebound which is a brief moment where you feel tired or depressed following the use of the drug. These symptoms tend to be mild and go disappear after a few weeks or days.
These medications aren't suitable for everyone, though. Certain people may be suffering from problems with their psychiatric disorders, such as paranoia or hostility. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rates. People suffering from Tourette's Syndrome or bipolar disorder shouldn't use stimulants. People with a drug abuse history are also at higher chance of consuming the drug. For instance, they may crush pills and then snort them to achieve a high.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication, including 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 improves concentration and reduces impulsiveness. They can also help with depression and anxiety.
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 process is known as titration. During these appointments your physician will observe your body's reaction to the medication, as well as any side effects you have. You'll need to go to regular clinical monitoring appointments every three months after you reach a stable dosage to ensure that the medication is still effective. These appointments help your doctor determine if the dosage has to be adjusted. They will also be able to determine if there are any comorbidities like heart problems.
Counseling
For adults suffering from ADHD, counseling can be as effective as medications in treating symptoms. Psychotherapy can help patients manage their symptoms, and improves how they interact. It could include individual therapy or group support or cognitive behavior therapy or any other psychotherapeutic method. Psychotherapy can improve motivation to treat ADHD and decrease negative emotions. It can teach patients and their significant other strategies to improve relationships. These include conflict resolution, problem solving and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to be afflicted with co-occurring disorders than those who do not have the condition, so it's crucial to treat any other mental health issues that may be present. Depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder are all able to share similar symptoms with ADHD. Treating these underlying disorders can improve the effectiveness of ADHD medications and help manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study evaluating the effectiveness of different types of psychotherapy participants rated mindfulness meditation and techniques for stress reduction as quite helpful or extremely useful. Both cognitive behavioral therapy and family counseling were judged to be extremely beneficial or very helpful. These approaches can be combined to form an entire treatment program for adults with ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with problems with time management and organization. They can suggest strategies to help overcome procrastination as well as creating more efficient routines for managing daily tasks. They can assist patients to identify and correct thinking mistakes that can cause negative moods, unrealistic expectations, or self-defeating thoughts. Cognitive-behavioral therapies are designed to help patients overcome their negative thinking patterns which can cause frustration for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial in improving the quality of relationships with colleagues as well as friends and partners. People with ADHD tend to forget appointments, fail to meet deadlines, and make impulsive choices that can cause stress in even the most understanding spouse or partner. Marriage and family therapy helps families and couples to understand how to deal with these problems. Classes that improve communication and conflict resolution in families and couples can have a significant impact on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a field of behavioral intervention that focuses on shaping the environment to fit the individual's needs. People suffering from ADHD often have trouble staying organized, working on the same task for extended periods of time, settling bills, and coping with sensory input, all aspects 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 situations an OT can help them practice techniques that allow them to manage their impulses and work with other people without causing a rift or disrupting the conversation.
Many adults suffering from ADHD also struggle with executive function skills. These include working memory skills, planning skills, shifting focus, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can aid in developing these skills and strategies to 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 kind of ADHD can cause people to be sensitive to smells, light, sounds, or touch and can even be averse to physical contact. An OT can assist them in learning 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. This energy is often a trigger to anger and emotional outbursts, even at most difficult times, like during school reading in silence. An OT can teach them to channel their energy in more constructive ways, like playing sports or joining a social club.
Children with ADHD might have issues in traditional schools, since they aren't designed for 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 the child for ADHD, such as implementing a weekly schedule and introducing alternatives to seating.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of adult ADHD can have significant impacts on the person's life and relationships. Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their quality-of-life by addressing the behavioral and emotional issues that arise from this disorder. Often times, comorbid conditions like website 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 them to recognize and correct thinking errors which can cause negative emotions and inhibit solving problems. Psychotherapy aims to minimize the effects of ADHD symptoms while enhancing existing strategies for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a form of individual counseling that helps those suffering from ADHD learn to organize their home and workplace environments. It also addresses specific issues that are difficult to manage, such as forgetfulness or insanity. It can also promote positive reinforcement by offering rewards for good behavior and consequences for bad behavior. It can also teach family members strategies to help manage symptoms such as timers, reminders of chores and appointments.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD may benefit from diet changes. It is recommended to eat regular snacks and meals at least 3 hours apart. They should also stay away from drinks that are sweet and increase their intakes 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 that they get enough sleep.
Finally, individuals with ADHD frequently have difficulty making and maintaining relationships. Individual talk therapy can help people deal with these issues and help them learn to communicate more efficiently. It can also address deeper issues such as feelings of inadequateness, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
Although medication is the most effective method to treat ADHD symptoms, they do have side effects for some people. Combining treatments with other therapies could provide longer-lasting benefits. Studies have shown that medications can lower the rate of depression, motor vehicle accidents, and suicide among adults suffering from ADHD.