Treatments For ADHD in Adults
The same strategies that work for children can also help adults manage their ADHD symptoms. These treatments include therapy, medication and a variety of coaching techniques and coping mechanisms.
Methylphenidate (MPH) is the most commonly used medication for treating adult ADHD. The MPH class of medicines is effective by enhancing the activity in specific brain areas that control attention and behavior.
Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medication is the foundation of treatment for ADHD. There are a variety of medications, but they all work by increasing the levels of two neurotransmitter substances in your brain (dopamine and norepinephrine). This boost increases your concentration, reduces impulsivity and decreases fatigue. The drugs are available in many forms, including tablets and capsules. They are also available in a variety of dosages. Your doctor will determine the best dose and schedule. Some people struggle to remember to take their medications particularly if they are taking short-acting medication or have a hectic schedule.
The majority of adults who are treated for ADHD have improvements in their attention, mood and self-esteem with medication. There is much to be done for these adults to lead healthy, productive lifestyles. They may have difficulty keeping their work, home or school environments humming along and dealing with everyday frustrations and disappointments. These issues can lead to a diminished sense of self-esteem, and relationship issues as well as poor performance at work.
Despite taking the appropriate medication, many people with ADHD are still performing below expectations for their age, intelligence, and education. This can cause grave long-term effects.
Adults suffering from ADHD who are treated with an interdisciplinary approach of behavior therapy and medication are more likely to improve their symptoms than those who simply take medication. Finding the right dosage and medication can take some time. However, you can assist your doctor by giving clear instructions about how and when you want to take your medication.
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and other mood disorders as well. These side effects can interfere with the effectiveness and efficiency of stimulant medications. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to control these other conditions and help the stimulants in their job.
Certain studies have revealed that white males are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than people of other races. This could be due to differences in how doctors report the condition or how they test for it.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms as well as improve their relationships and develop skills for overcoming challenges. It's often paired with medication as part of an ADHD treatment program. Behavioral therapies are geared to teaching people suffering from ADHD practical life skills, including organizing prioritizing their time and managing money, so that they can succeed in school or at work. In addition, they can provide support and encouragement in dealing with the emotional effects of ADHD.
A health care provider or mental healthcare specialist will first assess the symptoms and concerns of an adult with ADHD. They may use a rating checklist of symptoms or other tests that are psychological or physical to determine if there are medical conditions that may cause symptoms and signs similar to ADHD.
You may be diagnosed with ADHD when your symptoms are severe and cause difficulties at school, at home or work. The diagnosis requires that you have five or more persistent symptoms of inattention and/or five or more persistent symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be present in more than one setting and must interfere with or diminish the quality of your family, social or work life.
Many adults with ADHD also have anxiety or depression These disorders can make it difficult to concentrate on their work or manage their behavior. Counseling or psychotherapy to a treatment program can address these co-occurring disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aids people suffering from ADHD identify and modify negative thought patterns that can lead to poor behavior such as ignoring appointments or making impulsive choices. Other kinds of counseling may assist people with ADHD deal with stress and develop strategies to cope, such as family and marital therapy, as well as training in coping skills.
Stimulant medicines, such as methylphenedate and amphetamine, are the most common medication used to treat ADHD in adults. They increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, and some antidepressants are also efficient. Finding the right medication for each person and the appropriate dosage takes time. To be effective, the medication should be taken regularly.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD can find it difficult to deal with issues at home, at work, and in relationships. Counseling can help them to manage their symptoms, improve their relationships and live a more fulfilling life. Psychotherapy (or counseling), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of therapy that involves talking. Many adults also benefit from support groups and life coaching. Clinical trials, which test new ways to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions, can also be helpful.
During the evaluation, you will be asked about your medical history and the symptoms. He or she will likely conduct a physical exam to rule out any other medical issues that may cause symptoms similar to or identical to ADHD (such as problems with sleep or learning). You can also use a rating-scale checklist to determine your behavior.
People with ADHD often suffer from anxiety or depression. In fact, one study found that a person who suffers from ADHD is more than twice as likely to experience these disorders as people without the condition. These mood disorders can make it harder to face the challenges of daily life and result in feelings of frustration and self-doubt which can be caused by the symptoms of ADHD.
Women are more likely than men to have difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD, because they can conceal their symptoms more effectively. This can make it harder to get a diagnosis and receive treatment. Additionally, they are more likely to have low self-esteem and suffer from low self-esteem and confidence.
Ongoing , and in particular cognitive behavioral therapy, has been proven to be a highly effective treatment for people who suffer from ADHD. This kind of therapy will help you identify your own issues in concentration and focus. This kind of therapy can help you learn to break down big tasks into manageable, smaller steps as well as control impulse-driven behavior.
Depending on the needs you have, you could also try other types like cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy can help you identify negative patterns of thinking and replace them with positive ones. It can also teach you techniques for managing anger, improving organization, and building interpersonal relationships.
Education
Adult ADHD is treated in many ways. Medication, therapy, and training can all be used to manage symptoms. These strategies for treatment and support groups can help improve the quality of life of a person and lessen the negative effects from their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to keep their jobs and maintain good connections, and discover that they have a difficult time keeping track of household chores and expenses. Behavioral therapy can be very helpful. It can help people learn how to organize themselves better and monitor their behavior. Ongoing and classes that teach conflict resolution and problem-solving skills can also be very helpful.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a short term, goal-focused psychotherapy that helps to change negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. It can improve your control of impulses and can be used in combination with other treatments for ADHD. Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MBCT) combines mindfulness and CBT to improve emotional regulation and self-awareness, as well as to improve executive function which is the mental ability that helps you organize, plan, focus and manage a variety of tasks.
Occupational therapy is an important part of ADHD management. It helps you recognize the obstacles to success in school or at work and devise solutions. ADHD coaching is a different option that works for some adults. An ADHD coach will collaborate with you to create structures that bring you closer to your goals and will help you develop skills and strategies to improve your organization, focus and time management.
It is important that you consult a doctor who has experience diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD. Many people with ADHD aren't diagnosed because they were misdiagnosed while they were young or their symptoms did not impact their lives. They tend to get worse as they age, however, and an accurate diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve a person's life. Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated by psychiatrists, primary care providers and doctors. Psychiatrists are trained medically and licensed to prescribe medications, while doctors may recommend alternative treatments.