ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications for ADHD increase brain activity in the areas that control attention, behavior and cognition. Adults are prescribed stimulants belonging to the amphetamines family, such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta), and methylphenidate, which is sold under the name Ritalin.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common treatment for adults with ADHD. CBT helps clients to recognize and alter unhelpful thinking patterns.
Medicines
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. They help people stay focused, lessen the impulsive behavior, and manage their blood pressure. These medications are available in both short-acting as well as long-acting versions. Patients who use them can decide to take them one or more times a day, if needed. Some of the side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia and a rebound which is a brief time when you feel tired or depressed following the use of the drug. The majority of these symptoms aren't severe, and usually go away by themselves after a few days or weeks.
However, stimulant medication isn't for everyone. They can cause psychiatric issues for some people, including hostility or paranoia. They can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. People suffering from bipolar disorder, severe depression, or Tourette's syndrome should not take stimulants. adhd treatment adults with a drug abuse history are also at higher risk of misuse of the medication. For instance, they may crush pills and snort them to gain a high.
There are a variety of different kinds of nonstimulant ADHD medication, such as Strattera(atomoxetine), Qelbree(viloxazine) and Intuniv(guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They increase levels of a brain chemical called norepinephrine, which enhances focus and decreases impulsiveness. They also aid in reducing anxiety and depression.
If you decide to take medication to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose and gradually increase it until you reach a maximum level. This procedure is called the titration. During these visits, your doctor will monitor the body's response to the medication and any side effects. You'll have to attend regular clinical monitoring appointments every three months once you reach a stable dosage to ensure that the medication is still working. These appointments will help your doctor determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted. They can also determine if there are any comorbidities like heart problems.
Counseling
Counseling can be as effective as medications for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy focuses on helping people overcome their symptoms and improve how they interact with others. It may include individual therapy, group support, cognitive behavior therapy and other psychotherapeutic techniques. Psychotherapy can improve motivation to treat ADHD and reduce negative emotions. It can also teach patients and their loved ones ways to improve relationships, including conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely of developing multiple mental health problems than those who do not suffer from it. Therefore, it is important to treat any mental health issues present. Depression bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders are all conditions that have similar symptoms to ADHD. Treating these underlying disorders can enhance the response to ADHD medications and help control ADHD symptoms.
In a study that assessed the effectiveness of various forms of psychotherapy participants rated mindfulness-based meditation and techniques for reducing stress as very or useful. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy were also rated as quite beneficial or extremely helpful. These approaches can be combined into a comprehensive program of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with time and organizational management problems. They can help patients develop more efficient routines and strategies to organize their daily tasks. They can help patients recognize and correct thinking errors that can cause self-defeating negative moods and unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapies aim to help patients change their negative thinking patterns, which can be a source of frustration for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy is especially beneficial in improving relationships with colleagues, friends and partners. People who suffer from ADHD tend to miss appointments, forget deadlines and make impulsive decisions that can create stress in even the most understanding partner or spouse. Therapy for families and marriage can assist families and couples learn how to 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 psychological intervention that focuses primarily on modifying the environment to meet the individual's needs. People with ADHD typically have difficulty staying organized, completing the same task for extended periods of time, settling bills, and coping with sensory input, all areas 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 methods that will allow them to manage their impulses and interact with others without getting into a fight or disrupting the conversation.
Executive function skills are a problem for many adults suffering from ADHD. They have problems with working memory, coordinating skills, shifting attention setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can aid them in developing these abilities and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Adults with ADHD may have sensory processing issues, which cause them to be overstimulated by auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli. This type 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 teach them how to manage these challenges, and they may recommend 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. This energy can lead to emotional meltdowns and anger outbursts, even at most difficult times, like during silent reading at school. An OT can teach them to channel their energy in more constructive ways, such as playing sports or joining a group.
Children with ADHD might have issues in traditional schools, since they are not designed for children with neurodivergent issues. This makes it difficult for them to sit still or follow directions. An OT can collaborate with the school to make adjustments that help them better by implementing a weekly schedule or providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The signs of ADHD in adults can have a major impact on an individual's life and relationships. Talk therapy can help adults cope with these effects and improve their quality of life by addressing emotional and behavioral issues that are often associated with the disorder. Often times, comorbid conditions such as depression or substance abuse are also addressed with psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can help patients learn new strategies for coping with their issues, such as mindfulness meditation and regulation of emotions. It can also assist them to recognize and correct thinking errors that cause negative emotions and inhibit the ability to solve problems. The aim of psychotherapy is to minimize the impact of the symptoms of ADHD while enhancing pre-existing coping skills.
Behavioral therapy is a personal counseling form that helps people with ADHD manage their homes and work environments. It can also address specific issues that are difficult to handle like the tendency to forget or impulsiveness. It can also promote the use of positive reinforcement, for example, rewards for good behavior and consequences for bad behavior. It can also instruct family members on methods to aid in managing symptoms like timers for medication or reminders, prompting, and reminders to make appointments or do chores and reducing distractions during household chores.
People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from diet changes. It is recommended that they eat regular meals and snacks no more than three hours apart. avoid drinks with sugar and eat more complex carbohydrates and protein to maintain a steady amount of energy throughout the day. It is important to ensure that they are eating at regular meals, and get enough sleep.
Individuals with ADHD have a difficult time making and maintaining relationships. Individual talk therapy can help individuals deal with these problems and teach them how to communicate more effectively. It can help address any underlying issues, such as feelings of being a failure or self-esteem issues, or frequent job changes.
Medicines are the most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, however they do not always have long-lasting effects and can cause negative side effects for some people. Combining medications with other treatments could provide longer-lasting benefits. Research has shown that medications can lower the risk of depression, motor vehicle accidents and suicide in adults with ADHD.