ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications for ADHD assist in boosting activity in the brain areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, sold under the brand name Ritalin, and stimulants in the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine, available under the brand names Adderall and Concerta are commonly prescribed for adults.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular treatment for adults with ADHD. CBT helps clients to recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns.
Medicines
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD. These drugs help people to remain focused, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior and manage their blood pressure. These drugs are available in short-acting and long-acting formulations. People who take these medications can take them one or more times per day, if needed. Some of the side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia and a rebound which is a brief period where you feel depressed or tired following the use of the drug. These effects tend to be mild and go off after a couple of weeks or days.
But stimulant medications aren’t for everyone. They can trigger psychiatric disorders for some people, including paranoia or hostility. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from Tourette's Syndrome or severe depression or bipolar disorder shouldn't use stimulants. People with a drug abuse history are also at higher risk of misusing the medication. For instance, they may crush pills and then snort them to gain a high.
There are a variety of different kinds of non-stimulant ADHD medications, 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 increases concentration and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They can also decrease depression and help with anxiety.
If you decide to take medication to treat ADHD your doctor may prescribe a low dosage and gradually increase it until you reach a maximum level. This process is called the titration. During these visits, your doctor will observe your body's reaction to the medication and any side effects. Once a steady dose has been reached, you'll need to attend regular clinical monitoring appointments at least once every three months to ensure the medication continues to be effective. These appointments will assist your doctor determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted. They may also check for any comorbid conditions such as heart disease.
Counseling
For adults suffering from ADHD Counseling can be as effective as medication in addressing symptoms. Psychotherapy focuses on helping patients overcome their symptoms and improve the way they interact with other people. It could include individual therapy or group support or cognitive behavior therapy or any other psychotherapeutic modality. Psychotherapy can help improve motivation for treatment and decrease negative moods, which are common among those who suffer from ADHD. It can also teach patients and their family members strategies for improving relationships that include conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely of having multiple mental health problems than those who don't. It is therefore important to take care of any mental health problems that are present. Depression bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders are all conditions that have similar symptoms as ADHD. Treating these underlying disorders can improve the effectiveness of ADHD medications and make it easier to control ADHD symptoms.
In a study that assessed the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy participants rated mindfulness meditation and stress-reducing techniques as quite helpful or very beneficial. Read Home Page and family therapy were also rated as quite helpful or very helpful. These methods can be incorporated into a complete program of treatment for adults with ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with organizational and time management problems. They can offer strategies for overcoming procrastination and developing more effective routines for managing daily tasks. They can assist patients to identify and correct thinking mistakes that can lead to negative moods, unrealistic expectations, or self-defeating thoughts. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims 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 suffering from ADHD are more likely to forget appointments, not meeting deadlines, and making impulsive decisions which can be stressful for even the most understanding spouse or partner. Marriage and family therapy can assist families and couples understand how to better manage these problems. Additionally, classes to improve the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts in families and couples could have a profound effect on the lives of adults who suffer from ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a behavioral intervention that focuses primarily on modifying the surroundings to meet the individual's needs. People with ADHD have difficulty staying focused, focusing on a task for an extended period of time, paying their bills, and dealing with sensory input. Therapy for occupational disorders can help 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 cases an OT can assist them in practicing strategies that help them control their impulses and work with others without getting into a fight or disrupting the conversation.
Executive function skills are a challenge for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. These include working memory, focusing skills, shifting attention, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can assist in the development of these skills and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Some people with ADHD have sensory processing problems, which can cause them to become overwhelmed or overstimulated by visual, auditory, sensory, and gustatory stimuli. This type of ADHD can cause people to be sensitive to smells, light touch or sound, and may even dislike physical contact. An OT can help them learn how to manage their anxiety and suggest strategies to manage 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. If they don't have a outlet for their energy, it could result in 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 playing sports or joining a social club.
Children with ADHD might struggle in traditional schools, as they are not designed to accommodate children with neurodivergent issues. This makes it difficult for them to sit still or follow instructions. An OT can help the teacher of a child make adjustments to better support the child, such as creating a weekly schedule and providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on a person’s life and relationships. Therapy can help adults deal with these issues and improve their lives by addressing behavioral and emotional issues that frequently accompany the disorder. Often times, comorbid conditions such as depression or substance abuse are also addressed with psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy helps patients develop new strategies for managing their symptoms. These include mindfulness meditation and the regulation of emotions. It can also assist patients identify and change thinking errors that cause negative emotions, and hinder their ability to solve problems. The goal of psychotherapy is to minimize the impact of the symptoms of ADHD while improving existing coping skills.
Behavioral therapy is a type of individual counseling that helps people suffering from ADHD learn to organize their homes and workplace environments. It can be used to tackle specific problems, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness. It can also encourage the use of positive reinforcement, such as rewards for good behavior and consequences for negative behavior. It can also teach family members techniques to help manage symptoms, such as timers and reminders of appointments and chores.
In addition, people with ADHD might benefit from dietary modifications. It is recommended to take regular meals and snacks not more than 3 hours apart. They should also avoid sweet drinks and increase their intakes of complex carbohydrates and proteins to ensure a steady level of energy throughout the day. It is crucial to ensure that they are eating at regular meals and enough sleep.
People with ADHD have a hard time making and maintaining relationships. Individual talk therapy can help people deal with these problems and help them communicate more effectively. It can also address the root issues like feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
Medications are the most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, however they don't always have long-lasting effects and may cause adverse reactions in certain people. Combining treatments with other therapies may result in more long-lasting benefits. Research has proven that medication can decrease the risk of depression as well as motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults with ADHD.