ADHD Adult Treatment
The drugs for ADHD boost brain activity in the areas that control attention, behaviour, and cognition. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines group that include lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta) and methylphenidate, which is sold under the name Ritalin.
Counseling for adults with ADHD typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps clients recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns.
Medications
Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD. These drugs help people to 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 taken one time every day or more often when needed. The side effects could include a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances and a rebound effect, a brief period of irritability or mood swings when the medicine wears off. These symptoms tend to be mild and go disappear after a few weeks or a few days.
The use of stimulants isn't for everyone, though. Certain people may be suffering from psychiatric issues, such as hostility or paranoia. They can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Those who suffer from bipolar disorder, severe depression or Tourette's disorder should not use stimulants. People with a history addiction to drugs are also at risk of misusing the medication, such as crushing pills and taking them in a snort to get high.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They work by raising levels of a chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine. This helps improve focus and reduces impulsiveness. They can also lower depression and help with anxiety.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD the doctor will probably prescribe a lower dose and gradually increase it over time until you reach the ideal level. This procedure is known as titration. During these appointments your provider will be monitoring your body's response to the medication and any adverse effects. After a stable dose is achieved, you'll have to attend regular clinical monitoring appointments at least every three months to ensure that the medication is effective. These appointments help your doctor determine if the dosage has to be adjusted. They can also look for any comorbid conditions like heart disease.
Counseling
For adults suffering from ADHD counseling can be as effective as medications in treating symptoms. Psychotherapy helps patients cope with their symptoms, and improves how they interact. It may include individual therapy, group support, cognitive behavior therapy and other psychotherapeutic techniques. Psychotherapy can help improve motivation for treatment and decrease negative moods that are common among people with ADHD. It can also teach patients and their significant others strategies for improving relationships such as conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD have a higher chance of having co-occurring mental health issues than those without it. It is therefore important to treat any mental health issues present. Depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder are all able to share similar symptoms as ADHD. These disorders can enhance the effectiveness of ADHD medications and help you to manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study evaluating the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy, participants rated mindfulness meditation and techniques for stress reduction as quite helpful or extremely beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family counseling were rated as extremely helpful or very beneficial. These strategies can be incorporated to form a comprehensive plan of treatment for adults with ADHD.
Therapists can also help patients with organizational and time management issues. They can suggest strategies to overcome procrastination and creating more efficient routines for organizing daily tasks. They can help patients identify and correct thinking mistakes that can lead to negative moods, unrealistic expectations or self-defeating feelings. Cognitive-behavioral therapies are designed to assist patients in changing their negative thinking patterns which can be a source of frustration for those with ADHD.
Psychotherapy is especially beneficial in improving relationships with colleagues, friends, and partners. People with ADHD are more likely to forget appointments, not meeting deadlines, and making impulsive choices which can be stressful for even the most tolerant spouse or partner. Therapy for marriage and family helps families and couples to understand how to deal with these issues. In the same way, classes that help improve communication and conflict resolution skills for families and couples can be a significant influence on the lives of those with ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a field of behavioral intervention that focuses on shaping the environment to meet the needs of an individual. People suffering from ADHD are unable to stay focused, focusing on a job for long periods of time, paying their bills, and dealing with sensory input. Occupational therapy can aid in these problems.
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 strategies that help them manage their impulses and interact with others without having a meltdown or disrupting the conversation.
Many people with ADHD also struggle with executive function skills. These include working memory, planning skills shifting attention setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can assist them in developing these abilities and develop strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might be suffering from sensory processing issues that cause them to be overstimulated by auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli. Those who have this type of ADHD might be sensitive to smells, sounds and light and may be averse to physical contact. An OT can teach them how to cope with these challenges, and they may recommend strategies for managing sensory overload or to avoid 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 their energy, it can result in emotional meltdowns or angry outbursts in unintentional 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 group.
Children with ADHD are often troubled in traditional schools because they're not designed for neurodivergent kids, which makes it difficult to follow directions or sit still in class. An OT can work with the school to make adjustments that better support them by implementing a weekly schedule or providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can have a significant impact on the quality of life and relationships. Talk therapy can help people deal with these issues and improve their lives by addressing behavioral and emotional issues that are often associated with the disorder. Sometimes, comorbid disorders like depression or drug misuse can also be addressed through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can help patients learn new strategies for coping with their symptoms including mindfulness meditation and regulation of emotions. adhd treatment in adults can also help patients identify and change thinking errors that cause negative emotions, and hinder their problem-solving ability. Psychotherapy is a method to lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms while enhancing existing coping mechanisms.
Behavioral therapy is a form of individual counseling that helps people suffering from ADHD learn how to organize their homes and work environments. It can be used to tackle specific issues, like inattention and forgetfulness. It also can encourage the use of positive reinforcement, such as rewards for good behavior and consequences for negative behavior. It can also teach family members strategies to help manage symptoms such as timers and reminders of appointments and chores.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD may benefit from diet modifications. It is recommended to take regular meals and snacks not more than 3 hours apart. They should also stay away from sweet drinks and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and protein to ensure a steady level of energy during the day. It is also essential to schedule regular mealtimes and ensure that they get enough rest.
Finally, individuals who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people cope with these problems and teach them how to communicate more efficiently. It can also address any issues that are underlying like feelings of being a failure and self-worth issues 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 negative side effects for some people. Combining them with other therapies can lead to more lasting benefits. Research has shown that medication can decrease the risk of depression, motor vehicle accidents, and suicide among adults with ADHD.