ADHD Adult Treatment
The drugs for ADHD increase brain activity in areas that control attention, behaviour and cognition. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines group which includes lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta) and methylphenidate, which is sold under the brand name Ritalin.
Counseling for adult ADHD typically involves cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT teaches clients to identify and alter negative thinking patterns.
Medicines
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD. These medications help people remain focused, decrease impulse-driven behavior, and regulate their blood pressure. These drugs are available in short-acting and long-acting forms. They can be taken one time per day or more frequently when needed. The side effects could include a decrease in appetite, insomnia and the rebound effect, which is a brief period of depression or fatigue when the medicine wears off. The majority of these symptoms aren't severe, and typically disappear in their own time after several days or weeks.
However, stimulant medication isn't for everyone. Certain people may be suffering from mental health issues, like paranoia or hostility. They can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People suffering from Tourette's Syndrome, severe depression or bipolar disorder should not use stimulants. People with a history substance abuse are also at risk for taking the drug in a way that isn't safe, such as crushing pills and smoking them to get high.
There are a variety 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 norepinephrine in the brain, which increases concentration and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They also aid in reducing depression and anxiety.
If treatment of add in adults decide to take medication for ADHD, your doctor may prescribe a low dose and gradually increase it until you reach a maximum level. This is known as the titration. During these appointments your doctor will be monitoring 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 keep track of your clinical monitoring at least once every three months to ensure the medication is effective. These appointments will help your doctor determine whether the dosage should be adjusted. They can also determine if there are any comorbidities like heart problems.
Counseling
Counseling is as effective as medication for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy can help patients manage their symptoms and improves how they interact. It may be a combination of individual therapy or group support as well as cognitive behavior therapy or any other psychotherapeutic method. Psychotherapy can boost motivation to seek treatment and decrease negative moods that are common in people who suffer from ADHD. It can teach patients and their significant other strategies to improve relationships. These include problems solving, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be afflicted with co-occurring disorders than those who do not have the condition, so it's important to treat any other mental health conditions that may be present. Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders are all conditions that have similar symptoms as ADHD. These underlying disorders may increase the effectiveness to ADHD medications and make it easier for you to control ADHD symptoms.
In a study that evaluated the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy, participants assessed stress-reducing techniques and mindfulness meditation as very helpful or helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy as well as family therapy were considered to be quite helpful or very helpful. These methods can be combined to create a comprehensive treatment program for adults with ADHD.
Therapists can also help patients with time management and organizational problems. They can help patients develop more effective routines and strategies to organize their day-to-day activities. They can help patients identify and correct thinking distortions which can cause negative moods, unrealistic expectations, or self-defeating thoughts. The main goals of cognitive-behavioral therapies are to assist patients in recognizing and alter negative thinking patterns which can be an important source of stress for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial in improving the relationship between coworkers or friends. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to forget appointments, not meeting deadlines, and making impulsive choices that can stress even the most tolerant spouse or partner. Family and marriage therapy can assist families and couples understand how to better deal with these issues. Classes that improve communication and conflict resolution in couples and families have a profound impact on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a behavioural therapy that focuses on altering the environment to meet the needs of an individual. People suffering from ADHD are unable to stay focused, staying on a task for an extended period of time, paying their bills, and dealing with sensory input. Occupational therapy can assist 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 will help them learn strategies that will allow them to control impulses and work with others without a breakdown or disrupting the discussion.
Executive function skills are an issue for many adults suffering from ADHD. They have working memory abilities and planning skills, as well as shifting focus, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can assist in the development of these skills and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Some adults with ADHD suffer from sensory processing issues that can cause them to become overwhelmed or overstimulated by visual, auditory, tactile and gustatory stimuli. This kind of ADHD can cause people to be sensitive to light, smells, touch or sound and even dislike physical contact. An OT can teach them how to cope with these challenges and may suggest strategies for managing the overload of sensory input or avoiding 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 this energy, it could result in emotional meltdowns or angry outbursts during inconvenient times like during quiet reading time at school. An OT can help them learn to channel their energy into more constructive outlets such as playing sports or participating in a social group.
Children with ADHD might have issues in traditional schools, as they are not designed for neurodivergent children. This makes it difficult for them to remain still or follow instructions. An OT can collaborate with the school to make changes that will more effectively support them, such as using 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 frequently accompany the disorder. Often times, comorbid conditions like depression or drug abuse are also addressed with psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy teaches patients new coping strategies to manage their symptoms. This includes mindfulness meditation and emotion regulation. It can also assist patients recognize and correct the way they think, which can lead to negative emotions and can hinder their ability to solve problems. Psychotherapy aims to reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms while improving pre-existing coping mechanisms.
Behavioral therapy is a form of individual counseling that helps people suffering from ADHD learn to organize their homes and workplaces. It can be used to tackle particular issues, such as forgetfulness and impulsiveness. It also can 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 manage symptoms, such as timers, reminders of chores and appointments.
People with ADHD are also able to benefit from diet changes. It is recommended that they eat meals and snacks no more than three hours apart, avoid drinks with sugar and eat more complex carbohydrates and protein to help maintain a steady level of energy throughout the day. It is important to ensure that they have regular meals and enough sleep.
Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people to overcome these issues and help them learn to communicate better. It can also address any underlying issues that cause feelings of being a failure and self-worth issues or frequent job changes.
Although medications are the most effective way to treat ADHD symptoms, they can cause side effects for certain people. Combining medication with other therapies may result in more long-lasting benefits. Studies have shown that medications can reduce rates for depression, motor vehicle accidents, and suicide among people with ADHD.