ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications for ADHD enhance brain activity in areas that control attention, behavior and cognition. Adults are prescribed stimulants belonging to the amphetamines family that include lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta), and methylphenidate. Both are sold under the brand name Ritalin.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular treatment for adults with ADHD. CBT teaches clients to identify and alter the patterns of thinking that are not helpful.
Medicines
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. These drugs aid in keeping people focused, lessen impulsive behavior and control their blood pressure. They come in both long- and short-acting formulas. They can be taken once every day or more often when needed. Some of the adverse effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and a rebound, which is a brief time when you feel tired or depressed following the use of the drug. These symptoms are usually mild and will go disappear after a few weeks or a few days.
The use of stimulants isn't for everyone, however. Certain people might experience mental health issues, like hostility or paranoia. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Those suffering from bipolar disorder, severe depression, or Tourette's disorder should not use stimulants. People with a substance abuse history are also at greater risk of misusing the medication. For example they might crush pills and then snort them to get high.
There are a variety of nonstimulant ADHD medication, including Strattera(atomoxetine), Qelbree(viloxazine), and Intuniv(guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They increase levels of a brain chemical known as norepinephrine. This helps improve focus and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They can also help with depression and anxiety.
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 known as titration. During these appointments your provider will observe your body's reaction to the medication as well as any side effects. You'll have to attend regular medical monitoring appointments every three months following you reach a stable dosage to ensure that the medication is still working. These appointments will allow your doctor to determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted. They can also look for any comorbid conditions such as heart disease.
Counseling
Counseling can be just as effective as medication for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy assists patients in managing their symptoms, and improves how they interact. It can include individual therapy or group support or cognitive behavior therapy or any other psychotherapeutic approach. Psychotherapy can increase motivation to seek treatment and decrease negative moods that are common among those with ADHD. It can also teach patients and their significant others ways to improve relationships such as 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's important to treat any other mental health issues that may be present. Depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder are all able to share similar symptoms as ADHD. treatment for adhd in adults underlying disorders could increase the effectiveness to ADHD medications and help you to manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study that assessed the effectiveness of various forms of psychotherapy, participants rated mindfulness meditation and stress-reducing techniques as extremely helpful or helpful. Both cognitive behavioral therapy and family counseling were rated extremely helpful or very beneficial. These methods can be incorporated into a complete program of treatment for adults with ADHD.
Therapists also can help patients with time and organizational management issues. They can assist patients in developing more effective routines and strategies for organizing their day-to-day activities. They can teach patients to identify and correct thinking distortions which can lead to self-defeating negative moods or unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to help patients change their negative thinking patterns, which can cause frustration for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial in improving the quality of relationships with co-workers as well as friends and partners. People with ADHD tend to forget appointments, miss deadlines and make decisions impulsively that can cause stress in even the most understanding spouse or partner. Therapy for marriage and family helps families and couples understand how to deal with these problems. Classes that enhance communication and conflict resolution within families and couples have a profound effect on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a behavioural intervention that focuses primarily on altering the environment to meet an individual's requirements. People with ADHD often have trouble staying organized, working on a task for long periods of time, paying bills, and dealing with sensory input, all areas which 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 instances, an OT can help them develop strategies that enable them to control 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 and planning skills, as well as shifting focus, setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can assist in developing these abilities and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Certain adults with ADHD have problems with sensory processing that can cause them to become overstimulated or overwhelmed by visual, auditory, sensory, and gustatory stimuli. People with this kind of ADHD might be sensitive to sounds, smells and light and may not like physical contact. An OT can teach them how to deal with these issues and can suggest 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. This restless energy can lead to emotional meltdowns and anger outbursts, even at most inconvenient times, such as during school reading in silence. An OT can assist them in learning to channel their energy into more constructive avenues like taking part in sports or in a social group.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty in traditional schools since they're not designed for children with neurodivergent disorders, making it hard for them to follow instructions or remain in class. An OT can help the teacher of a child make adjustments to support him or her by implementing a weekly schedule and introducing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can have a major impact on an individual's life and relationships. Talk therapy can help adults deal with these issues and improve their quality of life by addressing the emotional and behavioral issues that frequently accompany the disorder. Psychotherapy is commonly utilized to treat comorbid ailments, such as addiction and depression.
Cognitive psychotherapy can teach patients new strategies for dealing with their issues, such as mindfulness meditation and emotional regulation. It can also help them identify and overcome thinking distortions that contribute to negative emotions and inhibit problem-solving abilities. Psychotherapy aims to minimize the impact of ADHD symptoms while strengthening existing strategies for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a type of individual counseling that helps people with ADHD learn how to organize their homes and workplace environments. It can be used to tackle particular issues, such as inattention and forgetfulness. It can also promote the use of positive reinforcements, such as rewards for good behavior, and consequences for bad behavior. It can also teach family members strategies to help manage symptoms like timers and reminders of chores and appointments.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD may benefit from dietary changes. It is recommended that they eat regular meals and snacks not more than three hours apart, avoid sugary drinks and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and protein to maintain a steady flow of energy throughout the day. It is also essential to plan regular meals and ensure that they get enough sleep.
In addition, those who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty making and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help them overcome these issues and teaches them to communicate better. It can also address deeper issues such as feelings of self-worth loss, inadequacy or frequent job changes.
Although medications are the most effective method to treat ADHD symptoms, they do cause adverse reactions for certain people. Combining treatments with other therapies could provide more lasting benefits. Research has proven that medication can decrease the risk of depression and motor vehicle accidents and suicide among people with ADHD.