ADHD Adult Treatment
The drugs for ADHD increase brain activity in areas that control attention, behaviour, and cognition. Adults are prescribed stimulants from the amphetamines family, such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta) and methylphenidate, sold under the name Ritalin.
Counseling for adults with ADHD typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches clients to identify and alter unhelpful thinking patterns.
Medicines
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. They help people remain focused, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior and manage their blood pressure. They are available in short- and long-acting formulas. People who take these medications can take them a few or a few times throughout the day, if needed. Some of the adverse effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and a rebound, which is a brief time when you feel tired or depressed after taking the medication. The majority of these effects are not severe, and usually go away by themselves after some time or weeks.
But untreated adhd in adults aren't suitable for everyone. They can trigger psychiatric disorders in some people, including anxiety or paranoia. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. People who suffer from bipolar disorder, severe depression or Tourette's syndrome should not take stimulants. People with a history of substance abuse are also at risk for misuse of the medication for a variety of reasons, including crushing pills and snorting them to get high.
There are a variety of different kinds of nonstimulant ADHD medication, such as Strattera(atomoxetine), Qelbree(viloxazine), and Intuniv(guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They increase levels of norepinephrine within the brain, which increases concentration and decreases the tendency to be impulsive. They can also help with depression and anxiety.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD the doctor is likely to prescribe a lower dose and gradually increase it over time until you reach the ideal level. This process is known as the titration. During these appointments your provider will observe your body's reaction to the medication as well as any adverse effects. You'll have to attend regular clinical monitoring appointments every three months following you reach a stable dose to ensure the medication is still effective. These appointments will help your doctor determine whether the dosage should be adjusted. They will also be able to check for any comorbidities, such as heart disease.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD, counseling can be as effective as medication in addressing symptoms. Psychotherapy is a method of helping patients learn to cope with their symptoms and improve how they interact with others. It could involve individual therapy, group support, cognitive behavior therapy or other psychotherapeutic methods. Psychotherapy can boost motivation to treat ADHD and reduce negative emotions. It can teach patients and their families strategies for improving relationships. These include problem solving, conflict resolution and communication skills.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders than those who do not have the condition, and it is important to treat any other mental health problems that may be present. Depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder all have similar symptoms as ADHD. These underlying disorders may increase the effectiveness of ADHD medications and make it easier for you to control ADHD symptoms.
In a study that assessed the effectiveness of various forms of psychotherapy participants rated mindfulness meditation and stress-reducing techniques as quite helpful or very beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family counseling were rated very helpful or quite helpful. These strategies can be incorporated into a complete program of treatment for adults with ADHD.
Therapists can also help patients with organizational and time management issues. They can suggest strategies for overcoming procrastination and developing more effective routines for managing daily tasks. They can teach patients to identify and correct thinking errors that can lead to self-defeating moods or unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to help patients change their negative thinking patterns which can cause frustration for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy is especially beneficial in improving relationships with colleagues, friends, and partners. People with ADHD are more likely to forget appointments, missing deadlines and making impulsive choices which can be stressful for even the most patient spouse or partner. Therapy for families and marriage can help couples and families understand how to better manage these issues. In the same way, classes that help improve the ability to communicate and resolve conflicts for families and couples can have a profound impact on the lives of adults who suffer from ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a psychological treatment that focuses on altering the environment to meet the needs of an individual. People suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty staying organized, completing the same task for extended periods of time, paying bills, and coping with sensory input, all of which are areas that are addressed through occupational therapy.
Those who have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms 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 instances an OT can help them develop strategies that help them control their impulses and work with others without having a meltdown or disrupting the conversation.
Executive function skills are an issue for many adults with ADHD. They have working memory abilities, planning skills, shifting focus, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can assist in the development of these abilities and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Some people with ADHD have problems with sensory processing which can cause them to become overwhelmed or overwhelmed by auditory, visual tactile and gustatory stimuli. The people who suffer from this type of ADHD may be sensitive to smells, sounds, touch, or light and may be averse to physical contact. An OT can help them learn to cope with these challenges and may suggest strategies to manage sensory overload or disengaging from stress.
Kids with ADHD, especially those who have the hyperactive-impulsive presentation, have a lot of restless energy that they need to release. If they don't have a way to channel for this energy, it could lead to emotional meltdowns or angry outbursts at inconvenient moments like during quiet reading time at school. An OT can help them learn to channel their energy into more constructive ways such as playing sports or taking part in a social group.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty in traditional schools since they're not designed for children with neurodivergent disorders, making it hard for them to follow instructions or remain in class. An OT can collaborate with the school to implement changes that better support them, such as using the weekly schedule or offering alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The signs of ADHD in adults can have a significant impact on an individual's life and relationships. Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their quality-of-life by dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues associated with this disorder. Sometimes, comorbid disorders such as depression or substance abuse are also addressed with psychotherapy.
Cognitive psychotherapy can help patients learn new coping strategies to deal with their symptoms like mindfulness meditation and regulation of emotions. It can also assist them to recognize and correct thinking errors that contribute to negative emotions and inhibit problem-solving abilities. The aim of psychotherapy is to lessen the impact of the symptoms of ADHD while also enhancing existing coping skills.
Behavioral therapy is an individual counseling method that assists people suffering from ADHD manage their home and work environments. It can also address particular issues that are difficult to handle like the tendency to forget or the tendency to be impulsive. It can also promote positive reinforcement by offering rewards for good behaviour and consequences for bad behavior. It is also a way to instruct family members on methods to assist with symptom management including timers for medication as well as prompting and reminders for chores or appointments and reducing distractions during household tasks.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD may benefit from dietary changes. It is recommended that they eat meals and snacks not more than three hours apart, avoid drinking sugary drinks, and eat more complex carbohydrates and protein to help maintain a steady flow of energy throughout the day. It is also essential to schedule regular mealtimes and ensure that they get enough rest.
In addition, those who suffer from ADHD often have trouble making and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people cope with these issues and teach them how to communicate more efficiently. It can also address any underlying issues that cause feelings of being a failure and self-worth issues or frequent job changes.
While medications are the most effective method to treat ADHD symptoms, they may cause side effects for certain people. Combining treatments with other therapies could provide more lasting benefits. Research has proven that medication can lower the rate of depression as well as motor vehicle accidents and suicide among adults with ADHD.