ADHD Treatment For Adults
The symptoms of ADHD often affect school, work and social relationships. There are a variety of treatments available.
Medications can significantly reduce symptoms of ADHD. Long-acting stimulant medications offer once-daily doses that increase compliance and minimize side effects.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD manage frustrations and resentments resulting from constant underachievement and failure, academic difficulties and conflict in relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) concentrates on transforming negative thoughts and patterns to healthier ones.
Medication
A medication treatment program is a crucial part of any adhd treatment for adults. Medication works to control symptoms of ADHD by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. These chemicals help to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Doctors will suggest a dosage and schedule for your medication, according to your individual needs. There are a variety of medications that treat ADHD and your physician will assist you in finding the right one for you.
ADHD is most commonly treated by using stimulants. These medications have been used to treat the condition for several decades and boost activity in parts of the brain that control attention. The two most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine. The majority of the brand-name medicines prescribed for ADHD are a variation of these two drugs which include Adderall and Ritalin. Stimulants come in different forms, from immediate-release tablets to extended-release capsules that can be taken two or three times per day.
Nonstimulants are also used to treat ADHD. They don't have the same effect as stimulants, and they don't produce the same level of energy. Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree) are both SNRIs that work to increase the concentrations of chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex. These medicines are approved for use by adults, and results from a randomized controlled study suggest that they improve ADHD symptoms compared to placebo.
There are many options for people suffering from ADHD, and psychotherapy has been proven effective in certain instances. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can be performed on its own or in groups. It aims to change how a person perceives situations, allowing them to manage more effectively. Other forms of psychotherapy may be suggested to people suffering from ADHD for stress relief, such as psychoeducation, mindfulness-based stress relief or family therapy.
These strategies may not be suitable for everyone suffering from ADHD and should only be utilized under the supervision of a medical professional. For instance, there is no evidence to suggest that cutting out foods or taking supplements can cure the condition. Certain people suffering from ADHD also report that changes in diet make their symptoms worse.
Counseling
Counseling can help people with ADHD develop coping skills to manage symptoms, boost their self-esteem and communicate more effectively. It can also be helpful for those suffering from co-occurring psychiatric issues, like depression or anxiety. It is important to find a counselor who has experience treating people with ADHD and who utilizes evidence-based practices.
Talk therapy can be used as a stand-alone therapy or in conjunction with other treatments for ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy which teaches people with ADHD to alter their negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT can teach people how to better manage their emotions and increase their ability to face problems at work, at home or at school.
Therapy for interpersonal relationships can help those with ADHD overcome difficulties that might have arisen in their relationships. It can help people realize that their communication issues and low self-esteem aren't their fault and they aren't alone. It can also help them deal with issues that might be contributing to their symptoms, such as low self-esteem or job changes, issues with intimate relationships, or issues with alcohol or other drugs.
Children suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavior therapy by learning to manage their behavior. It can include activities like reward systems, positive reinforcement, and time management. In addition, it can involve the entire family to help them learn how to help the child with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy can also be used in conjunction with medication. A few studies have revealed that it could reduce the amount of medication required when combined with a combination of life skills training, and counseling.
Other types of therapy that are useful in treating adults with ADHD include psychoeducation which is a type of treatment that educates people and their families about ADHD and its consequences. Psychoeducational counseling can be particularly helpful for adults who struggle to accept and understand their diagnosis.
Another treatment option that can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which blends CBT with meditation techniques. It helps people become more aware of emotions and feelings. This could improve their the control of impulses, and improve their ability to manage stress.
Therapy for Relationships
Adults with ADHD have a tougher relationship with their spouses than those who do not suffer from the disorder. Spouses may feel that their ADHD-diagnosed partner is unreliable and impulsive, and blame each other for the difficulties caused by ADHD (Eakin, et al, 2004). Therapy can help both spouses know how ADHD affects their relationships and how to monitor symptoms. Classes that teach communication, conflict resolution, and problem solving skills as along with family therapy can prove beneficial in improving relationships.
There are many different types of relationship therapy, from couples counseling to individual sessions. The majority of these techniques include cognitive behavioral therapy. This technique is highly effective and can improve communication, boost the reward for relationships and help to reconsider harmful assumptions that lead to miscommunication and friction. This kind of therapy is also beneficial for children who have a parent who has ADHD.
If you're seeking relationship counseling for yourself or your partner, it is important to set measurable goals. Ideally, these goals will be attainable and specific. You could, for instance setting a goal for improving your communication skills or developing intimacy. These goals serve as a reference for therapy session and provide you with the goal to work towards together. It is not unusual for individuals and couples to go through many sessions before seeing improvement in their relationship. These sessions could be based on Gottman Method, Imago Relationship Therapy or Motivational Interviewing.
Exercise
Exercise is a proven treatment for ADHD that can help people improve their mood, boost self-esteem and gain control over their emotions. However, people with ADHD often have difficulty finding the motivation and discipline required to maintain the routine of exercising regularly. There are strategies to overcome the obstacles.
Research suggests that long-term fitness programs that last for a few weeks could result in positive effects on ADHD symptoms and cognitive impairments. There are many aspects to take into consideration when choosing an exercise plan. It's best to begin with a gym or fitness club that offers structure, guidance, and an accountability group. If this isn't possible then you could look into the services of a wellness coach or psychotherapist who can provide additional assistance and encouragement.
A balanced and nutritious diet can also help to manage ADHD symptoms by promoting overall health of the brain. Eating vegetables, fruits and healthy fats along with protein sources that are lean can improve the body's ability to control the flow of impulses and focus. Also, treatment for adults with add should consume plenty of omega-3 fats, which are crucial for brain function.
Selecting an enjoyable, stimulating fitness routine is vital to staying motivated during your workouts. If your workout routine gets boring it could cause you to lose motivation and quit working out completely. There are plenty of options to make your exercise more exciting and enjoyable.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a highly effective workout for improving concentration and energy levels, and it can be done both outdoors and indoors. Consider hiring a personal trainer with expertise working with ADHD individuals or joining a group fitness class like cycling, dance or aerobics. If these options are not available, consider taking advantage of the outdoors and exercise. Studies show that being outdoors can lessen ADHD symptoms more than when exercising indoors.
Martial arts and other team sports provide physical exercise, along with a social aspect that keeps you interested in your routine. They also require discipline and concentration, which is advantageous for people suffering from ADHD.