ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications for ADHD work to increase activity in the brain areas that control behavior and attention. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines family which includes lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta), and methylphenidate, which is sold under the name Ritalin.
Counseling for adults with ADHD typically involves cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT teaches clients to identify and alter unhelpful thinking patterns.
Medicines
Stimulants are the most commonly used medication treatment for ADHD. These medications aid in keeping people focused, lessen the tendency to be impulsive and also control their blood pressure. They are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. They can be taken once a day or more frequently depending on the need. Some side effects include a decreased appetite, insomnia and the rebound effect, which is short periods of fatigue or bad mood when the medicine wears off. These symptoms are usually mild and will go off after a couple of weeks or a few days.
But stimulant medications aren’t for everyone. Certain people might experience mental health issues, like hostility or paranoia. They can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. People suffering from Tourette's Syndrome, severe depression or bipolar disorder shouldn't take stimulants. People with a substance abuse history are also at greater risk of misuse of the medication. For example, they may crush pills and snort them to achieve a high.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication, such as Strattera(atomoxetine), Qelbree(viloxazine), and Intuniv(guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They work by raising levels of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine, which enhances focus and decreases impulsiveness. They can also decrease depression and help with anxiety.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD the doctor is likely to prescribe a low dose, and gradually increase it until you reach the ideal level. This process is called the titration. During these appointments your provider will observe your body's reaction to the medication as well as any side effects. Once a steady dose has been achieved, you'll have to keep track of your clinical monitoring at least once every three months to ensure that the medication remains effective. These appointments will help your doctor determine if the dosage has to be adjusted. They may also check whether there are any co-morbidities, such as heart problems.
Counseling
For adults suffering from ADHD Counseling can be as effective as medication in addressing symptoms. Psychotherapy helps patients cope with their symptoms and improves the way they interact. It could include individual therapy or group support or cognitive behavior therapy or any other psychotherapeutic modality. Psychotherapy can help improve motivation for treatment and reduce negative moods, which are common among people with ADHD. It can also teach patients and their significant others strategies to improve relationships such as conflict resolution, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have co-occurring disorders than those who do not have the condition, and it's crucial to treat any other mental health issues that may be present. Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and substance use disorders are all conditions that have similar symptoms as ADHD. Treating these underlying disorders can enhance the response to ADHD medications and make it easier to manage ADHD symptoms.
In a study that assessed the effectiveness of different types of psychotherapy participants rated mindfulness-based meditation and techniques for reducing stress as extremely helpful or helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family counseling were rated as very helpful or quite helpful. These approaches can be combined to create a comprehensive treatment program for adults with ADHD.
Therapists also can help patients with time and organizational management problems. They can suggest strategies to help overcome procrastination as well as establishing more effective routines for organizing daily tasks. They can help patients identify and correct thinking errors that can cause self-defeating negative moods or unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapies aim to help patients overcome their negative thinking patterns, which can cause frustration for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy can be particularly helpful in improving the quality of relationships with co-workers as well as friends and partners. People who suffer from ADHD tend to forget appointments, fail to meet deadlines and make impulsive decisions that can create stress in even the most understanding spouse or partner. Marriage and family therapy helps couples and families better know how to handle these problems. Similarly, classes for improving the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts for families and couples can have a profound effect on the lives of those who suffer from ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a behavioural intervention that focuses primarily on modifying the environment to meet the individual's needs. People with ADHD struggle to stay focused, staying on a task for an extended period of time, paying their bills, and coping with sensory input. The practice of occupational therapy can assist with these issues.
Those who have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms here 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 situations, an OT can assist them in learning strategies that enable them to manage their impulses and interact with other people without an emotional breakdown or disrupting the conversation.
Many adults suffering from ADHD also struggle with executive functions. These include working memory and planning skills, as well as shifting focus, setting priorities, and self-control. An OT can aid in the development of these abilities and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Some people with ADHD have problems with sensory processing that can cause them to become overstimulated or overwhelmed by auditory, visual sensory and gustatory stimuli. This type of ADHD can cause people to be sensitive to smells, light, sounds, or touch and can even be averse to physical contact. An OT can help them learn how to manage their anxiety and suggest strategies for managing sensory overstimulation or stress.
Kids with ADHD, especially those who have the hyperactive-impulsive presentation, have a lot of restless energy that they need to release. This energy can lead to emotional meltdowns and angry outbursts even at the most uncomfortable times, such as during silent reading at school. An OT can help them learn to channel their energy into more constructive outlets, like playing sports or taking part in a group.
Children with ADHD might have issues in traditional schools, since they are not designed for children with neurodivergent issues. This makes it difficult for them to sit still or follow instructions. An OT can assist the teacher of a child make adjustments to better support him or her for ADHD, such as setting up a weekly calendar and introducing alternatives to seating.
Individual Therapy
The signs of ADHD in adults can have a significant impact on a person’s life and relationships. Talk therapy can help ADHD sufferers manage the symptoms and improve their quality-of-life by addressing the behavioral and emotional issues that come with this disorder. Often times, comorbid conditions such as depression or substance abuse are also addressed with psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can help patients learn new strategies for coping with their symptoms like mindfulness meditation and emotional regulation. It can also assist them to identify and change thinking distortions that contribute to negative emotions and inhibit solving problems. The goal of psychotherapy is to minimize the effects of the symptoms of ADHD while improving existing coping skills.
Behavioral therapy is a type of individual counseling that can help people suffering from ADHD learn how to organize their homes and work environments. It can also help with specific issues that are difficult to manage, such as forgetfulness or insanity. It can also promote positive reinforcement such as rewards for good behavior and consequences for bad behaviour. It can also teach family members techniques to help manage symptoms, like timers and reminders of chores and appointments.
People with ADHD may also benefit from dietary changes. It is recommended that they eat meals and snacks no more than three hours apart. avoid sugary drinks, and eat more complex carbohydrates and protein to maintain a steady level of energy throughout the day. It is also important to schedule regular mealtimes and ensure they are getting enough sleep.
Finally, individuals who suffer from ADHD are often having difficulty in creating and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people to overcome these issues and teaches them to communicate better. It can also address deeper issues such as feelings of inadequateness, low self-esteem, or frequent job changes.
While medications are the most effective way to treat ADHD symptoms, they may have side effects for some people. Combining them with other treatments can result in longer-lasting benefits. Studies have shown that medications can lower the rate of depression, motor vehicle accidents, and suicide among adults suffering from ADHD.