Effective Treatments For Adult ADHD

The use of medication can assist many people suffering from ADHD to ease the symptoms. Medication is more effective when combined other treatment methods.

Adult medication for ADHD typically includes stimulants and nonstimulant medications. These medications can interfere with medical conditions such as depression and high blood pressure.

1. Medication


Medical treatment can be an vital aspect of treatment for ADHD. It regulates neurotransmitters and decreases symptoms. The primary drugs are stimulants, which increase dopamine levels that are responsible for thinking and attention. Examples include amphetamines such as Adderall and Vyvanse, or methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medications, which increase dopamine levels, but have a different chemical composition, are also available and include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).

The stimulants begin to work in around 30 to 45 minutes, and last for 3 to 6 hours. Many people with ADHD try different medications to find one that is most effective for themselves. It is essential to inform about other health conditions and any other medications you're taking to your doctor because some of them may interact with stimulants.

The symptoms of ADHD affect multiple aspects of life, from relationships to work performance. They can create feelings of self-worth and inadequacy. People suffering from ADHD might have trouble completing tasks or projects. They may spend hours on one task before moving to another, leaving unfinished work. They may also have trouble sleeping well and feel tired and irritable throughout the day.

When properly taken, stimulant drugs can improve the way people who suffer from ADHD function in school and at home. They can ease difficulties at school, bring students closer to their families, and aid them to achieve their professional goals. Treatment is not a panacea, but can make a significant difference. People suffering from ADHD must first speak with their doctor or an expert. They will discuss the options for treatment available to them and suggest a mix of therapies and medications.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is an effective treatment for ADHD. It helps you identify and alter negative patterns of thought that hinder your performance and emotional self-regulation. CBT has been proven to improve the quality of life and symptoms particularly when it is combined with stimulant medications. In contrast to psychodynamic or psychoanalytic therapies that look at traumas and childhood experiences, CBT is goal-oriented and is focused on the present.

During therapy sessions the therapist and you collaborate to identify and challenge distressing thoughts that keep you stuck in unhealthy habits. Then, you develop strategies to replace these thoughts with more positive ones. Your therapist may also help you with other issues that impact your functioning, including co-existing mood disorders or anxiety or relationship issues as well as job performance and self-care.

For example, if you're always running late, your therapist could help you prioritize tasks and use a calendar. They might also suggest that you be more cautious about being on time, so that you don't feel stressed or frustrated waiting for something to start. Other methods include using a watch or clock watch, placing clocks in your home and at work, or writing down the daily routine.

The goal is to make these tools a natural part of your everyday life, not just a way to manage your ADHD symptoms. However, for this to happen you'll need to find a therapist who is reliable. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you don't already know one. Then check with local medical centers colleges, universities, and the ADDitude Directory for therapists who specialize in ADHD.

You can also find online programs that let you work on your skills on own, while still connecting you with a therapist or coach. These programs are typically more affordable, but they may not offer the same level of support that face-to-face sessions will.

3. Counseling

Many people with ADHD struggle with their relationships and work because they forget important things or make impulsive decisions. Coaching and therapy can help aid in improving communication and provide strategies to manage stress and frustration.

Marriage and family counseling is a solution to the issues that develop when a person with ADHD is in a relationship or working at their job. These issues can include forgetting important obligations, financial difficulties or having difficulty with responsibilities at home or work. Therapy can aid you and your partner or colleagues learn to communicate more effectively so that you can be able to deal with these issues better.

Adult ADHD is typically treated with a combination of medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and counseling. The medication helps you manage the symptoms, so you can concentrate on the task at hand. However other treatments offer a more holistic way to improve your life.

If you suffer from adult adhd, it might be a long time before you find an expert therapist or coach who specializes in treating the disorder. But treating adult adhd to improve the quality of your life. Consult your primary care doctor about getting a referral for an expert in mental health. They may recommend an expert to treat your symptoms and provide counseling for you and your loved family members.

You could be eligible to participate in a clinical trial that may offer new treatments for your symptoms. Clinical trials are research studies that look at ways to prevent or treat diseases and conditions. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and dangers of participating in a clinical study.

4. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a form of treatment that is individualized to the individual and helps those with ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their daily lives. It teaches skills to improve their lives and help them engage in meaningful activities within the context of school, work as well as social interactions at home and at school. OT has been proven to be an effective treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD.

In addition to addressing the symptoms, an OT will focus on building abilities and devising strategies to help with day-to-day functioning, including time management and the development of self-control. For instance, they could help people suffering from ADHD to break tasks down into smaller parts and use visual aids to remind them of their duties. They can also help them develop executive functional skills. These are cognitive processes that enable people to plan, manage and complete tasks, and also make decisions and switch attention to other tasks.

Adults with ADHD struggle to organize their environment and personal possessions including books, clothes, and wallets. OTs help their clients to develop routines and methods to manage their lives. This can include using visual aids, making schedules and using planners. Additionally, OTs assist clients in recognizing the connection between mood and the amount of sensory stimulation they feel and help them monitor their sensory diet to stay clear of stimulants.

OTs can also assist people with ADHD to learn to plan recreation/relaxation into their daily routines, even if it is only for 15 minutes. This will allow them to release their anger and frustration in more appropriate ways instead of taking these feelings into relationships with others.

5. Behavioral Coaching

Coaching for behavior can be beneficial for adults with ADHD who require help with specific issues. A coach could work with clients on topics like managing money and relationships, improving communication as well as reducing procrastination and improving academic performance. Coaches can also educate about the neurobiological, genetic and environmental factors that contribute to ADHD. This information can help clients overcome the stigma that surrounds the condition and lessen self-blame that is often promoted in popular media.

A competent ADHD coach can provide the help and structure needed to implement changes. They can guide their client through a process of reflection to identify the behaviors that can be beneficial or detrimental to attaining their goals. They can teach the client how to change their habits to improve their time management skills and build the skills to achieve their goals. A coach can provide guidance and support during the entire process.

It is important that clients be aware that their symptoms aren't abnormal. It may be that a professional is the only person who has been able to understand their condition. It can be a relief for them to know that their struggles are not caused by character weaknesses. This new understanding could allow people from blaming their own mistakes and seek help.

Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from a combination of medication and behavior coaching. The psychiatrist and coach may collaborate to address many issues, such as goal setting, prioritizing tasks, motivation, organization skills and problem solving. Behavioral coaching is also helpful for anxiety, stress and impulse control. Coaching can aid with educational or vocational goals as well. The client has the option to continue coaching or switch to a different kind of mental health professional.