Treating Adults With ADHD
If you have ADHD even the most basic tasks can be difficult. You may find it difficult to get up each day, stick to deadlines and maintain healthy relationships at work and home.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must experience five or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that began before age 12 and interfere with school and work functioning.
Medicines
Stimulants are the most common treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. They help increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which are essential to the brain's ability for concentration, manage impulses, plan ahead, and complete tasks. They can also ease symptoms that affect daily functioning, such as disorganization or problems maintaining relationships.
There are many different types of stimulant medication. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the two most common stimulant medications. These drugs are both available as pills, liquids or patches, and can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically prescribed long-acting tablets, which release the medication slowly. These tablets are taken only once a daily. They are believed to be more efficient than short- or intermediate-acting medications which require patients to take their medication up to four times a day.
When taking a stimulant it is important to tell your doctor about any side effects you're experiencing. These can include nausea, decreased appetite, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Stimulants may also make tics more apparent and can cause minor growth delays in children and teenagers.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by a doctor to manage impulsivity-related symptoms in some people who are not treated with medications for adult ADHD. FDA has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However studies have demonstrated that they can be effective in a variety of cases.
It is also important to keep in mind that even though medication can improve the ability to plan, organize, and carry out everyday tasks, they're not a cure for ADHD. People suffering from ADHD must still work hard to establish and maintain healthy relationships, adhere to good sleeping habits and incorporate a balanced diet as well as exercise into their lives.
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty in their relationships due to their unpredictable behavior and poor time management and a lack of organizational skills. Therapy that focuses on relationship issues or classes that teach conflict resolution and communication skills can be beneficial. Many couples also benefit from counseling, since it can help them overcome patterns of blaming each other which cause marital tensions or prevent families from working together effectively.
Psychotherapy
If you're an adult who suffers from ADHD, you may find that psychotherapy can help you get control of your life and decrease the symptoms. The therapist you choose to work with will typically provide emotional support, and will help you develop time management skills, organizational skills and problem-solving capabilities. Psychotherapy can also help you deal with family and relationship issues that are often encountered when dealing with ADHD.
Generally, talk therapy can be done in person or over the phone. In some cases it's used in conjunction with medication to treat mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It may also be helpful in the treatment of other issues such as dealing with chronic pain or a serious illness.
One type of psychotherapy is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This involves the identification of negative thoughts and changing them to improve behavior. Typically, this involves looking back at the past and examining any difficulties or struggles. Your therapist will teach you how to break down these issues to help you identify and reframe the negative thinking patterns that could be a contributing factor to them.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a different option. DBT teaches a variety skills that can help manage your emotions and behavior. It can teach you to practice mindfulness, which enables you to concentrate on the present moment and calm your mind. It can also help you to control your emotions to ensure that they are less likely to trigger impulsive behavior.
Other types of psychotherapy are interpersonal therapy and hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy and interpersonal therapy can help you understand and let your emotions out in a healthy way. These techniques can help you build your confidence and self-esteem, as well as help you deal with frustration and anger.
Lastly, marriage and family therapy can address problems that ADHD causes in your relationships with family members. It can help you communicate better with your partner or spouse and identify productive ways to deal with issues with money, anger over neglected responsibilities, and disagreements over how best to handle an impulsive way of making decisions.
Counseling
A thorough physical exam is the initial step in treating adults with ADHD. A doctor will be looking for underlying conditions that can cause ADHD, including depression, anxiety disorders mood swings, and other psychiatric illnesses. Mood disorders are often present alongside ADHD and can exacerbate symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD must be evaluated for addiction to alcohol and drugs.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD learn how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Adults with ADHD can receive counseling in a variety of formats, including individual and group therapy sessions, online platforms, and phone-based therapy. Counseling is designed to help people develop important skills like managing stress and anger, regulating their emotions, and improving communication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular form of therapy that teaches coping techniques to deal with ADHD. It involves working with a therapist to identify and alter negative thought processes that lead to problems such as insufficient time management and impulsive behaviors. CBT can be used in conjunction with medications or alone.
Family counseling is a common part of the treatment of people suffering from ADHD. Spouses and children can be irritated by the difficulties of living with someone suffering from ADHD particularly when it causes relationship problems. Couples therapy can help partners learn to communicate better and resolve conflicts, as well as support each other's goals when ADHD is present.
Other forms of talk therapy are available, such as dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT uses meditation training to improve a person's self-awareness and manage impulsive behavior. It also teaches strategies for reducing stress, focusing and enhancing executive functioning.
Some ADHD patients have found that diet modifications and exercise increases can help reduce symptoms. Exercise can boost mood, improve concentration, and decrease hyperactivity. A diet rich in healthy foods can provide essential nutrients and help with impulsive behaviors. Sleep hygiene is also important to ensure a restful sleep. Having a regular bedtime and a consistent wake-up routine can reduce the amount of hyperactivity, increase focus and promote better overall health.
Coaching
In contrast to psychotherapy, which can help people work through emotional issues, coaching for adults with ADHD is focused on practical solutions. A professional coach will teach you how to reduce distractions, design a perfect workspace and prioritize tasks. They can also instruct relaxation methods that can reduce impulsivity, and improve concentration.
Another issue for people who suffer from ADHD is maintaining motivation to complete goals and tasks A coach can help by offering encouragement and a structure. They can utilize strategies such as the Pomodoro Technique to help maintain focus and efficiency. They can also assist people to create healthy eating habits and exercise routines to boost their energy levels.
Coaching can help adults suffering from ADHD develop effective communication skills. They can also help them develop and keep positive relationships by focusing on strengths rather than issues. Coaching can also assist adults with ADHD gain a better understanding of their own habits, tendencies and how they affect other people.
Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to control their emotions. This can impact their self-esteem as well the quality of their work and social performance. A coach can instruct strategies for stress reduction that can improve concentration and coping skills, such as meditation or mindfulness. This can help improve sleep, which can be interrupted by racing thoughts and restless night.
A coach can also assist people develop healthier eating habits, which can be a problem for those who suffer from ADHD. They can provide advice on how to buy groceries and cook meals, and how to keep healthy snacks in the pantry. This will help you avoid eating foods that are high in sugar, salt or fat that may trigger ADHD symptoms.
Coaching is an important element of treatment for adults with ADHD, and it can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and medication to aid in managing their symptoms. To find adhd untreated in adults who is a good fit, it is crucial to investigate their credentials thoroughly. A licensed mental health professional could help in recommending someone. Alternatively, someone who suffers from ADHD may find their own coach through forums on the internet or by word of mouth.