ADHD Adult Treatment
Medications for ADHD work to increase activity in the brain areas that regulate attention and behaviour. 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 behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches clients to recognize and change negative thinking patterns.
Medications
Stimulants are the most common medication treatment for ADHD. These drugs aid in keeping people focused, decrease the impulsive behavior, and manage their blood pressure. They are available in short-acting as well as long-acting versions. People who take them can decide to take them once or several times a day, if needed. Some side effects include a decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and the rebound effect, which is a brief period of depression or fatigue after the medication has worn off. These symptoms are usually mild and go off after a couple of weeks or days.
However, stimulant medication isn't for everyone. They can cause psychiatric issues in some people, such as anxiety or paranoia. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with Tourette's Syndrome, severe depression or bipolar disorder should not use stimulants. People with a drug abuse history are also at greater risk of misusing the medication. For instance, they may crush pills and snort them to get high.
There are several different types of non-stimulant ADHD medication, including Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They function by increasing levels of a brain chemical called norepinephrine, which helps improve focus and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They can also help with anxiety and depression.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD, your doctor is likely to prescribe a lower dose and gradually increase it over time until you reach your optimal level. This is known as titration. During these appointments your provider will observe your body's reaction to the medication as well as any adverse effects. You'll have to attend regular medical monitoring appointments every three months after you reach a stable dosage to ensure that the medication is still effective. These appointments will help your doctor determine whether the dosage should be adjusted. They will also be able to check for any comorbidities, such as heart disease.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD counseling can be as effective as medication in addressing symptoms. Psychotherapy focuses on helping people overcome their symptoms and improve the way they interact with other people. It may include individual therapy, group support, cognitive behavior therapy or other psychotherapeutic methods. Psychotherapy can boost motivation to treat ADHD and decrease negative emotions. It can also teach patients and their significant others strategies to improve relationships, including conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to have comorbid disorders than those without the condition, so it's important to treat any other mental health conditions that are present. Depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder all have similar symptoms as ADHD. Treatment for these disorders can help improve the response to ADHD medications and help manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study that evaluated the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy participants rated stress-reducing techniques and mindfulness meditation as quite helpful or extremely helpful. Both cognitive behavioral therapy and family counseling were rated as extremely beneficial or very helpful. These methods can be combined to form an extensive treatment plan for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also help patients with organizational and time management problems. They can provide strategies for overcoming procrastination and establishing more effective routines to manage daily tasks. They can teach patients to recognize and correct thinking errors which can lead to self-defeating moods or unrealistic expectations. The goals of cognitive-behavioral therapy are to help patients recognize and alter negative thinking patterns which can be an important source of stress for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy is especially beneficial in improving relationships with colleagues, friends, and partners. People with ADHD are prone to forgetting appointments, missing deadlines and making impulsive choices that can stress even the most tolerant spouse or partner. Family and marriage therapy can help couples and families understand how to better deal with these problems. Classes that improve communication and conflict resolution within couples and families have a profound impact on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a behavioural treatment that focuses on modifying the surroundings to meet an individual's requirements. People suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty staying organized, completing the same task for extended periods of time, settling bills, and dealing 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 assist them in practicing techniques that allow them to control their impulses and work with others without getting into a fight or disrupting the conversation.
Many adults suffering from ADHD also struggle with executive function skills. They have working memory abilities and planning skills, as well as shifting focus, setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can help them build these skills and develop strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Some people with ADHD have problems with sensory processing which could cause them to become overwhelmed or overwhelmed by auditory, visual, tactile, and gustatory stimuli. The people who suffer from this type of ADHD may be sensitive to smells, sounds, touch, or light and may not like physical contact. An OT can help them learn to cope with these challenges and can suggest strategies for managing the overload of sensory input or avoiding 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 an outlet for this energy, it could cause emotional meltdowns and angry outbursts during inconvenient times, like during silent reading time at school. An OT can teach them to channel their energy in more constructive ways, like playing sports or joining a social club.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty in traditional schools since they're not set up for children with neurodivergent disorders, making it hard for them to follow instructions or sit still in class. An OT can work with the school of a child to implement changes that more effectively support them by implementing a weekly schedule or providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of adult ADHD can have a significant impact on a person's life as well as relationships. Therapy can help adults deal with these issues and improve their lives by addressing behavioral and emotional issues that often accompany the disorder. In many cases, comorbidities like depression or substance abuse are also addressed with psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy teaches patients new coping skills to manage their symptoms. This includes mindfulness meditation and the regulation of emotions. It can also assist them to identify and change thinking distortions which can cause negative emotions and hinder problem-solving abilities. Psychotherapy's goal is to reduce the impact of the symptoms of ADHD while enhancing pre-existing skills for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a type of individual counseling that helps people with ADHD learn to organize their homes and workplace environments. It can also be used to address particular issues, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness. It can also encourage positive reinforcement, such as rewards for good behavior, and consequences for bad behavior. It can also train family members on methods to assist with symptom management like timers for medication as well as prompting and reminders for appointments or chores and reducing distractions when doing household chores.
Additionally, those with ADHD might benefit from dietary modifications. It is recommended to eat regular meals and snacks no more than three hours apart. They should also avoid drinks with sugar and eat more complex carbohydrates and protein to help maintain a steady flow of energy throughout the day. It is also essential to set regular meal times and ensure that they get enough sleep.
In addition, those who suffer from ADHD often have trouble making and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help them deal with these issues and teaches them to communicate better. holistic treatment for adhd can also address any underlying issues like feelings of being a failure, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
While medications are the most effective way to treat ADHD symptoms, they may have side effects for some people. Combining them with other therapies can lead to more lasting benefits. Research has proven that medication can reduce rates for depression and motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults with ADHD.