ADHD Adult Treatment
The drugs for ADHD boost brain activity in areas that control attention, behaviour and cognition. Methylphenidate, which is sold under the brand name Ritalin and stimulants from 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 teaches clients to recognize and modify the patterns of thinking that are not helpful.
Medicines
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD. These medications help people stay focused, decrease the tendency to be impulsive and also control their blood pressure. They are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. They can be taken one time every day or more often depending on the need. Side effects can include decreased appetite, insomnia and a rebound effect, a brief period of depression or fatigue as the medication wears off. The majority of these symptoms are mild, and they usually go away on their own after some time or weeks.
These medications aren't suitable for everyone, though. Some people may experience problems with their psychiatric disorders, such as paranoia or hostility. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with bipolar disorder, severe depression or Tourette's syndrome should not take stimulants. People with a substance abuse history are also at higher risk of misuse of the medication. For example, they may crush pills and then snort them to gain a high.
There are many different kinds of non-stimulant ADHD medications, such as 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 impulsiveness. They also reduce anxiety and depression.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD, your doctor will probably prescribe a low dose, and gradually increase it over time until you reach the optimal level. This procedure is known as the titration. In these sessions your doctor will be monitoring your body's reaction to the medication, as well as any adverse effects you may experience. You'll be required to attend regular routine clinical monitoring appointments every three months after you have reached a steady dosage to ensure the medication is still effective. These appointments allow your doctor to determine whether the dosage needs to be adjusted. They can also determine whether there are any comorbidities like heart issues.
Counseling
Counseling is as effective as medications for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy is a method of 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 and other psychotherapeutic techniques. Psychotherapy can boost motivation to treat ADHD and decrease negative emotions. It can teach patients and their parents strategies for improving relationships. These include conflict resolution, problem solving, and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have multiple disorders than people without the condition, which is why it is important to treat any other mental health problems that are present. Depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder are all able to share similar symptoms as ADHD. The treatment of these disorders can enhance the response to ADHD medications and help control ADHD symptoms.
In a study that evaluated the effectiveness of different kinds of psychotherapy, participants rated mindfulness meditation and techniques to reduce stress as very helpful or beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy were considered to be quite helpful or very helpful. These strategies can be incorporated into a complete program of treatment for adults with ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with time management and organizational problems. They can provide strategies to help overcome procrastination as well as developing more effective routines to manage daily tasks. They can teach patients to identify and correct thinking distortions that can lead to self-defeating negative moods or unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to help patients overcome their negative thinking patterns, which can cause frustration for those with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be particularly beneficial in improving relationships with colleagues, friends and partners. People with ADHD are more likely to forget appointments, ignoring deadlines and making impulsive choices which can be stressful for even the most patient spouse or partner. Family and marriage therapy can help families and couples recognize how to better manage these problems. In the same way, classes that help improve communication and conflict resolution skills in couples and families can have a profound impact on the lives of people with ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a behavioral intervention that focuses primarily on modifying the surroundings to meet an individual's requirements. People with ADHD typically have difficulty staying organized, completing a task for long periods of time, paying 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 develop techniques that will enable them to manage their impulses and work with other people without a breakdown or disrupting the conversation.
Many people with ADHD also struggle with executive functions. These include working memory skills and planning skills, as well as shifting focus, setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can help them develop these skills and develop strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Adults with ADHD might have sensory processing issues that cause them to be overstimulated by visual, auditory and tactile 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 help them learn to deal with these issues and may suggest strategies for managing 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. If they don't have a way to channel for this energy, it can lead to emotional meltdowns or angry outbursts at inconvenient moments such as during reading time 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 may have difficulty in traditional schools, as they aren't designed for children with neurodivergent disorders. This makes it difficult for them to sit still or follow instructions. An OT can collaborate with the school of a child to make changes that will better support them, such as using an agenda for the week 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 ADHD sufferers manage the symptoms and improve their quality-of-life by addressing the behavioral and emotional issues that arise from this disorder. Often times, comorbid conditions such as depression or substance misuse can also be addressed through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy helps patients develop new strategies for managing their symptoms. It includes mindfulness meditation and emotion regulation. It can also help them identify and change thinking distortions that cause negative emotions and inhibit the ability to solve problems. The aim of psychotherapy is to lessen the impact of the symptoms of ADHD while improving existing skills for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a personal counseling technique that helps people with ADHD organize their homes and work environments. It also addresses particular issues that are difficult to manage such as inattention or the tendency to be impulsive. It can also encourage the use of positive reinforcements, such as rewards for good behavior, and consequences for bad behavior. It can also teach family members strategies to manage symptoms, like timers and reminders of chores and appointments.
People with ADHD may also benefit from diet changes. It is recommended to take regular meals and snacks no more than 3 hours apart. They should also stay away from sugary drinks and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and protein to ensure they have a steady supply of energy throughout the day. It is important to ensure that they are eating at regular meals and enough sleep.
Additionally, adhd in adults treatment who suffer from ADHD often have trouble forming and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people overcome these issues and teaches them to communicate better. It can also address any underlying issues like feelings of failure and self-worth issues or frequent job changes.
Although medication is the most effective method to treat ADHD symptoms, they can cause adverse reactions for certain people. Combining treatments with other therapies could provide longer-lasting benefits. Research has proven that medications can decrease the rate of depression motor vehicle accidents, depression and suicide among adults suffering from ADHD.