Adult ADHD Treatment

The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve with a combination treatment, behavioral strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will look at the health history of the patient and determine if any other health issues like anxiety or depression, might contribute to the symptoms.

Stimulants are often the first medication that is tried. Other treatments include the non-stimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.

Medication

Stimulant medications are usually the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control your focus in your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine, which enhances your ability to concentrate. They also lessen the brain's natural desire for dopamine to be absorbed and reduces hyperactivity.

More methods can take medications to improve your symptoms, and function better at work, school, or in other areas of your life. They can't solve all your issues. You might experience adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Talk to your doctor regarding possible side effects.

Both stimulants and nonstimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will suggest the right medicine and dose for you based on your individual situation, symptoms and health background. Some people may not respond to any stimulant medications, while others may have no reaction at all.

There are three types that are available: immediate-release medication, extended release medication, and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release drugs are taken when needed and usually peak between 30 and 60 minutes after taking them, then wear off quickly. Extended-release medicines are taken one time every day and last up to 16 hours, aiding in the control of symptoms. People who take extended release ADHD medications usually supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the evening or afternoon.

Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the action of certain brain chemicals that control mood and attention. It's a longer-lasting and sustained-release medication than other ADHD medicines, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain.

Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine and clonidine that work by controlling the brain part that controls your attention. These may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD who also suffer from tics or anxiety. These medications are known as cholinergic agents. They are available only on prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.

Therapy

In addition to medications Therapy is often an integral part of an ADHD treatment plan. Talk therapy can help you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can also help you learn strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.

A therapist can show you techniques for staying organized and in control of your environment. A therapist can also teach you problem-solving and conflict resolution techniques, as well as techniques to increase concentration and focus. You might learn breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or other relaxation methods to relax yourself and improve your mood. This is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.

A Therapist can also help you build coping skills to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common among adults with ADHD. For instance, a therapist can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of therapy through which you learn you how your thoughts, beliefs and beliefs affect your emotions and actions. CBT is particularly effective in addressing executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD which include difficulty in organizing, planning and managing time.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is another alternative. It assists you in changing your way of reacting to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to observe your thoughts without judgement and regulate your emotions that helps you manage emotional distress, as well as training in interpersonal skills. It is a great option for people suffering from co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

It is important to keep in mind that, even if you begin taking medication, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medications. You may experience problems at work and home until you have developed the skills needed to manage symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle changes to help you deal with the symptoms.

Ask your professor or boss to make accommodations if you're forgetful and impulsive. This will allow you to achieve success in class. Similarly, you can request family members and friends to make allowances for your ADHD. You might also look into family therapy or marriage counseling that can aid you and your loved ones to communicate better and understand the challenges of each other.

Education

Psychosocial treatment for adults can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies that can be provided in person or online. They can also be combined with medications to get the most effective results.

A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will utilize scales and semi-structured, structured clinical interviews to gather information about the person's issues. They can then identify the issue and provide an effective treatment plan.

Talk therapy can be used to aid people suffering from ADHD cope with their problems and manage them. Psychoeducation is one of the therapies that help patients understand their condition and its impact on school, work, and relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and improving the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive therapy, for instance helps people to identify and change negative beliefs and behaviors that can be holding them back.

Family and marriage counseling can help address the challenges that ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help families and couples learn how to communicate better and recognize patterns that cause conflicts. It can also help them discover ways to improve their interactions and create a positive outlook for the future.

Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD boost their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their abilities. It can also teach them to manage their time and money more efficiently and improve their organizational skills, manage the impulsive behavior of their children and become better in managing anger and stress. These skills can be taught either in a group or in a private session with the psychotherapist.

Meditation or mindfulness training can be a powerful form of therapy to treat adult ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives, by teaching them to be in the present moment and become more aware. It can be done in a group setting or with a therapist and can be used with other treatment methods like CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.

Other treatment options for adults with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as interpersonal therapy, which focuses on building interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD utilize complementary health strategies to combat their symptoms, which includes diet changes and supplements. These strategies have not been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD however, some people find them useful.

Support

You might feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms flare, everything from managing relationships to paying bills and meeting deadlines can be challenging. The symptoms can also impact your self-esteem, making it difficult to know why you are acting in the way you do. You should seek treatment in order to overcome your challenges and lead an improved life.


Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that medication is effective, but they do not address all symptoms nor improve your quality of life. It is essential to get a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adults with adhd that includes therapy and medication.

Therapy can help you to manage your ADHD symptoms and develop coping skills. It can help you learn how to manage your emotions, and your relationships. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can ease stress and help you focus. You should also seek support from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you discover how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.

There are many kinds of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that helps you overcome negative thought patterns and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy can assist you to improve organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help resolve mental distortions that can lead to a bad mood and feeling that you have a limited number of options.

A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD found that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise, improved quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson et al 2002). This kind of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you be a part of therapy sessions with people who face similar challenges which can be helpful.

There are a variety of online resources that can help you locate an adult adhd therapist or support group. Some of these offer virtual sessions using video chat or chatrooms and others provide local meetings. These services are growing in popularity, and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.