ADHD Adult Treatment
The drugs for ADHD boost brain activity in the areas that control attention, behaviour and cognition. Methylphenidate is sold under the brand name Ritalin as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine and lisdexamphetamine, which are sold under the brands Adderall and Concerta, are most commonly prescribed for adults.
Counseling for adult ADHD typically involves cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps clients to recognize and modify unhelpful patterns of thinking.
Medicines
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulants. They aid people in staying focused, reduce the impulsive behavior, and manage their blood pressure. They come in long- and short-acting formulas. The people who take these medications can take them one or more times a day, as needed. Some of the adverse effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and a rebound, which is a brief moment where you feel tired or depressed following the use of the drug. Most of these symptoms are not severe, and typically disappear on their own after several days or weeks.
But stimulant medications aren’t for everyone. They can cause psychiatric issues in some individuals, such as anxiety or paranoia. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with bipolar disorder, severe depression or Tourette's syndrome should not take stimulants. People with a history of addiction to drugs are also at risk of taking the drug in a way that isn't safe by crushing pills and taking them in a snort to get high.
There are many different kinds of non-stimulant 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 lower depression and help with anxiety.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD the doctor is likely to prescribe a low dose, and gradually increase it until you reach your optimal level. This process is known as the titration. In these sessions your physician will observe your body's response to the medication, and will also monitor any adverse reactions you experience. Once a steady dose has been reached, you'll need to attend regular clinical monitoring appointments at least once every three months to ensure that the medication remains effective. These appointments will help your doctor determine whether the dosage should be adjusted. They will also be able to determine if there are any comorbidities, such as heart problems.
Counseling
Counseling is as effective as medication for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy helps patients cope with their symptoms and improves how they interact. It may include individual therapy, group support, cognitive behavioral therapy and other psychotherapeutic techniques. Psychotherapy can boost motivation to treat ADHD and reduce negative emotions. It can teach patients and their significant other strategies for improving relationships. These include conflict resolution, problem solving and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to be afflicted with co-occurring disorders than those who do not have the condition, so it is important to treat any other mental health problems that are present. Depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder can all share similar symptoms to ADHD. The treatment of these disorders can help improve the effectiveness of ADHD medications and help control ADHD symptoms.
In a study evaluating the effectiveness of different types of psychotherapy participants rated mindfulness-based meditation and stress-reducing techniques as very or beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family counseling were rated extremely helpful or very beneficial. These strategies can be incorporated into a comprehensive program of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also assist patients with problems with time management and organization. They can provide strategies for overcoming procrastination and developing more effective routines for organizing daily tasks. They can help patients identify and correct thinking distortions which can cause negative moods, unrealistic expectations or self-defeating emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to help patients change their negative thinking patterns which can cause frustration for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be particularly helpful in improving the quality of relationships with co-workers or friends. People with ADHD tend to forget appointments, fail to meet deadlines and make impulsive decisions that can cause stress in even the most understanding spouse or partner. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families better comprehend how to deal with these issues. Additionally, classes to improve the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts for families and couples can have a profound effect on the lives of adults who suffer from ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that focuses on shaping the environment to fit the needs of an individual. People suffering from ADHD have difficulty staying focused, focusing on a job for long periods of time, paying their bills, and coping with sensory input. Therapy for occupational disorders 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 cases, an OT can assist them in practicing techniques that allow them to control their impulses and work with others without having a meltdown or disrupting the conversation.
Many people with ADHD also struggle with executive functions. This includes working memory, focusing skills, shifting attention, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can assist them in developing these skills and develop strategies that improve their daily functioning.
Certain adults with ADHD have sensory processing problems which could cause them to become overwhelmed or overstimulated by auditory, visual, sensory, and gustatory stimuli. Those who have this kind of ADHD may be sensitive to sounds, smells or touch, and they may dislike physical contact. An OT can teach them how to cope with these challenges and can suggest strategies to manage 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 silent reading at school. An OT can teach them to channel their energy in more constructive ways, like playing sports or joining a group.
Children with ADHD can have trouble in traditional schools because they're not designed to accommodate neurodivergent children, which makes it hard to follow directions or sit still in class. An OT can collaborate with a child's school to make adjustments that better support them by implementing an agenda for the week or providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of adult ADHD can have a significant impact on the person's life and relationships. Talk treatment of adhd in adults can help people cope with these effects and improve their lives by addressing the emotional and behavioral issues that often accompany the disorder. Sometimes, comorbid disorders like depression or substance misuse can also be addressed through psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can teach patients new strategies for coping with their issues, such as mindfulness meditation and emotion regulation. It can also help patients recognize and correct thinking errors that cause negative emotions and can hinder their problem-solving ability. Psychotherapy aims to reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms while improving pre-existing strategies for coping.
Behavioral therapy is an individual counseling method that assists people with ADHD manage their work and home 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 reinforcements, 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 chores and appointments.
People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications. It is recommended that they eat regular snacks and meals no more than 3 hours apart. They should also stay away from drinks that are sweet and increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and protein to maintain a constant level of energy during the day. It is also important to schedule regular mealtimes and ensure they get enough sleep.
Additionally, treat adhd who suffer from ADHD are often having difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships. Individual talk therapy helps people overcome these issues and help them learn to communicate better. It can also address the root issues such as feelings of inadequateness, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
Although medications are the most effective way to treat ADHD symptoms, they may cause adverse reactions for certain people. Combining them with other therapies can result in longer-lasting benefits. Studies have shown that medications can decrease the risk of depression as well as motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults with ADHD.