ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications for ADHD work to increase activity in the brain areas that regulate attention and behaviour. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines group 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 method of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. CBT helps clients identify and alter unhelpful thinking patterns.
Medicines
Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD. They help people focus, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior and manage their blood pressure. They are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Patients who use them can decide to take them a few or a few times per day, as required. Some of the side effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and a rebound which is a brief period when you feel tired or depressed following the use of the drug. These symptoms tend to be mild and go disappear after a few weeks or a few days.
However, stimulant medication isn't for everyone. They can trigger psychiatric disorders in some people, including hostility or paranoia. They can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. treatments for adhd who suffer from Tourette's syndrome or severe depression or bipolar disorder should not use stimulants. People with a substance abuse history are also at higher chance of consuming the drug. For instance they might crush pills and snort them to get high.
There are many different kinds of non-stimulant ADHD medications, including Strattera (atomoxetine) Qelbree (viloxazine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They function by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine. It enhances focus and decreases the tendency to be impulsive. They can also lower depression and help with anxiety.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose and gradually increase it until you reach a maximum level. This process is known as the titration. During these visits, your doctor will be monitoring your body's response to the medication and any side effects. Once a steady dose has been achieved, you'll have to keep track of your clinical monitoring at least every three months to make sure the medication continues to be effective. These appointments will help your doctor determine if the dosage has to be adjusted. They will also be able to check for any comorbid conditions, such as heart disease.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD counseling can be as effective as medications in addressing symptoms. Psychotherapy focuses on helping patients overcome their symptoms and improve the way they interact with others. It could include individual therapy, group support, cognitive behavioral therapy, or other psychotherapeutic modalities. Psychotherapy can boost motivation to treat ADHD and decrease negative emotions. It can teach patients and their parents ways to improve their relationships. These include problems solving, conflict resolution and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to be afflicted with co-occurring disorders than those who do not have the condition, which is why it's important to treat any other mental health problems that are present. Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorder are all conditions that have similar symptoms to ADHD. The treatment of these disorders can enhance the response to ADHD medications and make it easier to control ADHD symptoms.
In a study that evaluated the effectiveness of different types of psychotherapy, participants assessed mindfulness meditation and techniques to reduce stress as quite helpful or extremely useful. Cognitive behavioral therapy as well as 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 time and organizational management problems. They can provide strategies for overcoming procrastination and creating more efficient routines for managing daily tasks. They can help patients identify and correct thinking errors which can lead to self-defeating negative moods or unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapies are designed to help patients overcome their negative thinking patterns that can be a source of frustration for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be particularly beneficial in improving relationships with colleagues, friends and partners. People suffering from ADHD are prone to forgetting appointments, missing deadlines and making decisions impulsively which can be stressful for even the most understanding spouse or partner. Marriage and family therapy can assist families and couples recognize how to better deal with these problems. Classes that enhance communication and conflict resolution in couples and families have a profound impact on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a field of behavioral intervention that focuses on molding the environment to fit the needs of an individual. People with ADHD often have trouble staying organized, completing the same task for extended periods of time, paying 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 instances, an OT can help them develop strategies that will allow them to control impulses and interact with other people without having an episode or disrupting the conversation.
Many adults suffering from ADHD also struggle with executive functions. These include working memory skills and planning skills, as well as shifting focus, 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 suffer from sensory processing issues which can cause them to be overwhelmed or overstimulated by auditory, visual sensory and gustatory stimuli. The people who suffer from this type of ADHD may be sensitive to sounds, smells or touch and may not like physical contact. An OT can help them learn to cope with these challenges and can 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. This restless energy can lead to emotional meltdowns and angry outbursts, even at the most difficult times, like during silent reading at school. An OT can assist them in learning to channel their energy into more constructive avenues such as playing sports or taking part in a group.
Children with ADHD are often troubled in traditional schools since they're not designed for neurodivergent children, which makes it difficult for them to follow directions or sit still in class. An OT can help the teacher of a child to make changes to help the child, such as implementing a weekly schedule and providing alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The signs of ADHD in adults can have a major impact on a person’s life and relationships. Therapy can help ADHD sufferers manage the symptoms and improve their lives by dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues associated with this disorder. Sometimes, comorbid disorders such as depression or substance abuse are also addressed with psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can help patients learn new coping strategies to deal with their issues including mindfulness meditation and emotion regulation. It can also help them recognize and correct thinking errors which can cause negative emotions and hamper solving problems. Psychotherapy is a method to lessen the impact of ADHD symptoms while strengthening existing strategies for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a form of individual counseling that helps people suffering from ADHD learn to organize their home and work environments. It can also help with specific problems that are difficult to handle, such as the tendency to forget or the tendency to be impulsive. It also can encourage the use of positive reinforcements, such as rewards for good behavior, and consequences for negative behavior. It is also a way to instruct family members on techniques to aid in managing symptoms including timers for medication as well as prompting and reminders to make appointments or do chores and reducing distractions during household tasks.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD may benefit from dietary changes. It is recommended that they consume regular meals and snacks at least 3 hours apart. They should also stay away from sweet drinks and increase their intakes of complex carbohydrates and proteins to maintain a constant level of energy throughout the day. It is also essential to set regular meal times and ensure they get enough rest.
Finally, individuals who suffer from ADHD are often having difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help individuals deal with these issues and help them learn to communicate more efficiently. It can also address any issues that are underlying like feelings of failure or self-esteem issues, or frequent job changes.
Although medications are the most effective method to treat ADHD symptoms, they may cause adverse reactions for certain people. Combining them with other treatments can result in longer-lasting benefits. Studies have shown that medication can lower the risk of depression motor vehicle accidents, depression and suicide in adults with ADHD.