Treatments For ADHD in Adults
Adults can benefit from the same therapies that work for children to manage their ADHD symptoms. These treatments include therapy, medication, and various coaching techniques and coping mechanisms.
Methylphenidate is the most common medication used to treat adult ADHD. This class of medications works by increasing activity in certain areas of the brain which control the behavior and attention.
Stimulant Medication
The mainstay of ADHD treatment is the use of stimulant medications. There are a myriad of drugs, but they all increase the levels of two neurotransmitter chemicals in your brain (dopamine and norepinephrine). This boost in concentration, decreases impulsivity and reduces fatigue. These drugs can be found in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets and liquids. Additionally, they are available in various dosages. Your doctor will find the right dose and schedule for you. Some people have difficulty remembering to take their medications, especially if they are taking short-acting medications or have a hectic schedule.
The majority of people treated for ADHD have improvements in their mood, attention span and self-esteem. There is still much to be done to help those with ADHD to lead healthy, productive lives. They may have a difficult time trying to keep their school, work or home environments in order. add treatments for adults might also have difficulties dealing with daily stressors. These issues can lead to a loss of self-esteem and relationship problems, as well as low job performance.
Certain studies have revealed that even with the right medication, the majority of adults suffering from ADHD still perform less than what is expected for their age, intelligence, and education. This can have grave long-term effects.
Adults suffering from ADHD who are treated with a combination treatment with behavior therapy and medication have a greater chance of improving their symptoms than people who only take medicine. It can take a while to find the right medication and dosage for you. It is possible to assist your doctor by giving clear instructions on how and when to take your medication.
Depression and other mood disorders are common in those with ADHD. They can cause negative effects that hinder the effectiveness of stimulant medications. Antidepressants may be prescribed by your doctor to help control these conditions and allow the stimulants to perform their function.
Several studies have shown that white men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD compared to other races. This could be due to differences in the way doctors diagnose the condition or how they test for it.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their relationships and build the skills to overcome difficulties. As part of an ADHD plan, it's often combined with medication. Behavioral therapies are designed to teaching people with ADHD practical life skills, like organizing, prioritizing and managing money, in order to help them achieve success at work or school. They can also provide encouragement and help in overcoming the emotional side effects that come with ADHD.
A health professional or mental health professional will first evaluate the symptoms and problems of an adult with ADHD. They may use an assessment checklist that includes a rating scale of symptoms, as well as other physical or psychological tests to determine if there are medical conditions or other problems that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
If your symptoms are serious enough to cause difficulty at school, at home or at work, you may be diagnosed with ADHD. The diagnosis requires that you have five or more persistent symptoms of inattention and/or five or more persistent symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be present at a minimum of twice a week and must affect your work, family or social life.
Many people with ADHD also have anxiety or depression and these conditions can make it difficult to concentrate on their work or control their behavior. Addition of psychotherapy or counseling to a treatment program can treat these co-occurring disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is also known as cognitive restructuring, aids people suffering from ADHD change their negative thinking patterns and behaviors. For instance, they can stop making impulsive or forgetful decisions. Other kinds of counseling can aid people suffering from ADHD cope with the stress and learn strategies to manage stress, for example family and marital therapy, as well as training for coping skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications such as methylphenedate or amphetamine. They balance and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine, or certain antidepressants can also be effective. Finding the appropriate medication for each individual and the appropriate dosage takes time. The medication should be taken on a regular basis to remain efficient.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD may be struggling with issues at home, at work or in relationships. Counseling can help them learn to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Psychotherapy (or counseling) includes cognitive behavioral therapy as well as other structured types of talk therapy. Life coaching and support groups can be beneficial for many adults. Clinical trials that test new ways to identify and treat conditions and diseases are also beneficial.
In the course of an assessment the health healthcare provider or mental health professional will inquire with you about your family's medical history and your symptoms. He or she will likely perform a physical exam to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar or identical to ADHD (such as sleep disorders or learning difficulties). He or she may also use a rating-scale checklist to evaluate your behavior.
People with ADHD are typically afflicted by depression or anxiety. One study revealed that people with ADHD are nearly twice as likely who do not be suffering from anxiety or depression. These mood disorders can make it harder to face the challenges of daily life and lead to feelings of frustration, disappointment and low self-esteem which can be caused by the symptoms of ADHD.
Women are more likely to experience difficulty than men with getting an diagnosis of ADHD because they are more adept at disguising their symptoms. This makes it more difficult to get a diagnosis and get treatment. Additionally they are more likely to have lower self-esteem and struggle with low confidence and self-efficacy.
Studies have shown that psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular is a highly effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy can teach you to recognize your own issues in focusing and attention. It can also help you to break down large tasks into small, manageable steps, and to control the impulsive behavior.
Depending on your specific needs, you may also consider other forms of psychotherapy, like cognitive behavior therapy. This therapy helps you identify negative thinking patterns and replace them by positive ones. It can also teach you skills for managing anger as well as improving organization and forming interpersonal relationships.
Education
Treatment options for adults with ADHD differ, but medications therapy, training and therapy are all available to help people manage their symptoms. These treatment strategies and support groups can enhance the quality of life for a person and lessen the negative effects of their symptoms.
People with ADHD can have trouble keeping their jobs, developing good relationships and managing household chores and bills. Behavioral therapy that helps people build better organizational skills and to control their behavior, can make a huge differences. Couples therapy, as well as classes that teach conflict resolution or problem-solving, can be very beneficial.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a short term, goal-focused psychotherapy that assists in changing negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. It can improve your control of impulses and can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments for ADHD. Mindfulness-based CBT (MBCT) incorporates CBT and mindfulness meditation training to increase self-awareness, improve emotional control and improve executive functioning, which are the brain skills that allow you to plan, organize, concentrate and manage multiple tasks.
Occupational therapy is an important element of your ADHD management strategy. It assists you in identifying obstacles to success at school or at work and devise solutions. ADHD coaching is a different option that is suitable for some adults. A ADHD coach will work with you to create structures that help you get closer to your goals, and will help you develop skills and strategies for improving organization, focus and time management.
It is crucial to consult an experienced health professional who is experienced in diagnosing and treating adults suffering from ADHD. Many adults suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed due to the fact that they were misdiagnosed as children, or because their symptoms didn't interfere significantly with their lives. They usually get worse with age, however, a diagnosis and effective treatment can dramatically enhance the quality of life of a person. Adults with ADHD are treated by primary care physicians, psychiatrists and doctors. Psychiatrists are trained in advanced medical techniques and are licensed to prescribe medicines and doctors can suggest different treatments for adults suffering from ADHD.