ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications for ADHD assist in boosting activity in the brain areas that control attention and behaviour. Adults are prescribed stimulants belonging to the amphetamines family that include lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta) and methylphenidate, which is sold under the name Ritalin.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular method of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. CBT helps clients recognize and modify negative thinking patterns.
Medications
Stimulants are the most common medication treatment for ADHD. They help people focus, reduce impulse-driven behavior, and regulate their blood pressure. These medications are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. They can be used once per day or more frequently depending on the need. Side effects can include decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and a rebound effect, a brief period of irritability or mood swings as the medication wears off. These effects are usually mild and go away after a few weeks or a few days.
The use of stimulants isn't for everyone, however. Some people may experience problems with their psychiatric disorders, such as paranoia or hostility. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Those suffering from bipolar disorder, severe depression, or Tourette's syndrome should not take stimulants. People with a history of substance abuse are also at risk of misuse of the medication by crushing pills and smoking them to get high.
There are a variety of different kinds of non-stimulant ADHD medication, such as Strattera(atomoxetine), Qelbree(viloxazine) and Intuniv(guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They increase levels of norepinephrine inside the brain, which improves concentration and reduces impulsiveness. They also reduce anxiety and depression.
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 process is called titration. During these appointments your doctor will be monitoring your body's reaction to the medication, including any side effects you have. After a stable dose is attained, you'll need to keep track of your clinical monitoring at least once every three months to make sure the medication continues to be efficient. These appointments will assist your doctor determine whether the dosage should be adjusted. They can also look for any comorbid conditions like heart disease.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD Counseling can be as effective as medications in addressing symptoms. Psychotherapy helps patients cope with their symptoms, and improves how they interact. It can be a combination of individual therapy or group support or cognitive behavior therapy or any other psychotherapeutic approach. Psychotherapy can increase motivation for treatment and decrease negative moods, which are common in people with ADHD. It can also teach patients and their loved ones strategies to improve relationships that include conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be afflicted with multiple disorders than people without the condition, so it's crucial to treat any other mental health issues that are present. Depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder all have similar symptoms with ADHD. Treatment for these disorders can improve the response to ADHD medications and help control ADHD symptoms.
In a study that evaluated the effectiveness of different kinds of psychotherapy, participants rated stress-reducing techniques and mindfulness meditation as very helpful or helpful. 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 also can help patients with organizational and time management problems. They can provide strategies to help overcome procrastination as well as creating more efficient routines for organizing daily tasks. They can help patients identify and correct thinking distortions which can cause negative moods, unrealistic expectations, or self-defeating feelings. Cognitive-behavioral therapies are designed to assist patients in changing their negative thinking patterns, which can cause frustration for those with ADHD.
Psychotherapy is especially beneficial in improving relationships with colleagues, friends and partners. People with ADHD tend to forget appointments, fail to meet deadlines and make impulsive decisions that can create stress in even the most understanding partner or spouse. Therapy for families and marriage can help families and couples understand how to better manage these problems. Classes that enhance communication and conflict resolution within families and couples have a profound impact on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is an area of treatment for behavior that focuses on shaping the environment to meet the needs of an individual. People with ADHD struggle to stay focused, staying on a task for an extended period of time as well as paying their bills and dealing with sensory input. Therapy for occupational disorders can assist with these issues.
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 instances an OT can assist them in practicing techniques that allow them to control their impulses and work with other people without causing a rift or disrupting the conversation.
Executive function skills are also an issue for many adults with ADHD. These include working memory, planning skills, shifting focus, setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can aid them in developing these abilities and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Some people with ADHD suffer from sensory processing issues that could cause them to become overwhelmed or overstimulated by auditory, visual, tactile and gustatory stimuli. This type of ADHD can cause people to be sensitive to smells, light, sound or touch, and may even dislike physical contact. An OT can help them learn to manage these challenges and may suggest strategies to manage 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 an outlet for their energy, it can lead to emotional meltdowns or angry outbursts in unintentional times such as during reading here time at school. An OT can assist them in learning to channel their energy into more constructive ways like playing sports or participating in a group.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty in traditional schools since they're not set up for children with neurodivergent disorders, making it difficult to follow directions or remain in class. An OT can help the teacher of a child make adjustments to better support the child by setting up a weekly calendar and introducing alternatives to seating.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can have a significant impact on the quality of life and relationships. Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their lives by addressing the emotional and behavioral issues that come with this disorder. In many cases, comorbidities such as depression or substance misuse are also treated through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can help patients learn new strategies for coping with their symptoms including mindfulness meditation and emotional regulation. It can also assist patients to identify and alter thinking distortions which contribute to negative emotions, and hinder their problem-solving ability. The goal of psychotherapy is to minimize the effects of the symptoms of ADHD while improving existing skills for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a kind of individual counseling that can help those suffering from ADHD learn how to organize their homes and work environments. It can be used to tackle particular issues, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness. It also can encourage the use of positive reinforcement, such as rewards for good behavior, and consequences for behavior that is not good. It is also a way to instruct family members in techniques to help manage symptoms including timers for medication as well as prompting and reminders for appointments or chores, and reducing distractions during household chores.
People with ADHD can also benefit from diet changes. It is recommended that they eat regular snacks and meals at least 3 hours apart. They should also stay away from sugary drinks and increase their intakes of complex carbohydrates and protein to maintain a constant level of energy during the day. It is also important to plan regular meals and make sure they get enough sleep.
People with ADHD have a hard time creating and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people deal with these problems and help them communicate more effectively. It can help address any underlying issues, such as feelings of being a failure and self-worth issues or frequent job changes.
While medications are the most effective way to treat ADHD symptoms, they do cause side effects for certain people. Combining them with other treatments can lead to more lasting benefits. Research has shown that medication can decrease the risk of depression and motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults with ADHD.