Treating Adults With ADHD
If you suffer from ADHD daily tasks can seem like a huge obstacle. It might be difficult to rise in the morning, meet deadlines and maintain healthy relationships at home and at work.
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.
Medications
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They balance and increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which are crucial for the brain's ability control impulses and plan and follow through on tasks, and focus. They can also ease symptoms that affect daily functioning, such as disorganization and difficulty maintaining relationships.
There are a variety of different kinds of stimulant medication. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the two most common stimulant medications. Both of these drugs are available as liquids, pills or patches and can be utilized in conjunction or as a stand-alone with psychotherapy. Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD are typically prescribed as long-acting, extended-release tablets that are taken once a day. They are believed to be more effective than the short- and intermediate-acting ones which require users to take their medication three or four times a day. They can cause frequent "crash" periods.
It is important to inform your doctor when you experience any adverse effects while taking stimulants. Side effects can include nausea, decreased appetite, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, stimulants can cause tics to become more obvious and can cause minor growth delays in teenagers and children.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by a doctor to treat impulsivity symptoms in those who aren't treated with medication for adult ADHD. Antidepressants aren't specifically approved by the FDA for treating ADHD however studies have shown they can be beneficial in many cases.
It's also important to remember that even though medication can help you plan, organize, and carry out daily tasks, they are not an effective treatment for ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD must still be diligent in establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, implementing good sleeping habits, exercising regularly and including a balanced diet into their lives.
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty in their relationships due to erratic behaviors, poor time management, and a lack of organizational skills. Therapy that focuses on issues with relationships or classes that teach conflict resolution and communication skills can help. Couples can also benefit from counseling because it can help them break patterns of blaming each other which cause marital tensions or prevent families from working effectively.
Psychotherapy
If you're an adult suffering from ADHD, you may find that psychotherapy will help you take control of your life and lessen your symptoms. Your therapist will usually offer emotional support, and help you develop your time management skills, organizational skills and problem-solving skills. Psychotherapy can also assist you in dealing with family and relationship issues that are often encountered when you suffer from ADHD.
Talk therapy is usually conducted over the phone or in person. In some cases it is possible to use talk therapy in conjunction with medications to treat mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. It can also be helpful in the treatment of other issues, such as coping with chronic pain or an illness that is serious.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of psychotherapy. This involves finding negative thoughts and changing them to improve behavior. Typically, this involves examining the past experiences and challenges. Your therapist will teach you how to dissect these situations to recognize and modify the negative thoughts patterns that may contribute to them.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a different alternative. DBT teaches you a variety of skills that will assist you in managing your mood and behavior. It can help you develop mindfulness which allows your mind to be calm and focused on the present. It will also help you manage your emotions, so that they don't trigger impulsive behavior.
Other forms of psychotherapy include the hypnotherapy and interpersonal therapy. Interpersonal therapy can help you learn to recognize and express your feelings in healthy ways, while hypnotherapy can help you relax and calm during stressful situations. These techniques can help you increase your confidence and self-esteem, and also aiding you in dealing with frustration and anger.
Marriage and family therapy can also help you tackle the issues ADHD can cause in your relationships. It can assist you and your spouse or partner to communicate more effectively and discover effective ways to handle money problems as well as resentment at the lack of responsibilities and disagreements over how to deal with impulsive decisions.
Counseling
A thorough physical exam is the initial step in treating adults with ADHD. A doctor will look for any underlying issues that could cause ADHD, including anxiety disorders, depression mood swings, and other psychiatric disorders. Mood disorders often co-exist with ADHD and can worsen symptoms. Adults who suffer from ADHD should also be evaluated for alcohol and drug addiction.
Talk treatment of add can help those with ADHD learn how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Adults suffering from ADHD are able to receive counseling in a variety of forms, including individual and group therapy sessions as well as online platforms and phone-based therapy. Counseling is designed to help people develop fundamental skills, such as managing anger and stress as well as regulating their emotions and improving their communication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of talk therapy that teaches coping strategies to manage ADHD. It involves working with a therapy therapist to discover negative thinking patterns that lead to problems like poor time management or an impulsive behavior. CBT can be used by itself or in combination with medication.
Family counseling is a common part of the treatment of adults with ADHD. Couples and children may be irritated by the challenges dealing with someone who has ADHD especially when it causes problems with relationships. Couples therapy can teach partners how to communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts and support their goals in the face of the difficulties that ADHD can cause.
Other types 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 control impulsive behaviors. It also provides strategies for reducing stress, focusing and improving executive functioning.
Certain patients suffering from ADHD discover that changes to their diet and incorporating more exercise help to reduce their symptoms. Exercise can help improve concentration, improve mood and reduce hyperactivity. A diet that is rich in nutritious foods can help to reduce impulsive behavior and provide essential nutrients. In addition, good sleep hygiene is essential for a healthy night's rest. Making sure you have a regular bedtime, and a consistent wake-up routine can help reduce anxiety, improve focus and promote better overall health.
Coaching
Unlike psychotherapy, which can aid people in dealing with emotional issues coaching for adults with ADHD is focused on practical solutions. A professional coach can instruct strategies to reduce distractions, designing a perfect workspace and prioritizing work. They can also instruct relaxation techniques that help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration.
A coach can provide structure and motivation to help adults with ADHD keep their motivation. They can utilize strategies such as the Pomodoro Technique to help maintain focus and efficiency. They can also assist in the development of healthy eating and exercise habits that can boost energy levels.
It can be difficult to establish relationships for adults with ADHD Coaching can help with this by helping them develop effective communication skills. They can also help people with ADHD develop and maintain a positive relationship by focusing more on their strengths and not so much problems. Coaching can also help adults with ADHD gain a better understanding of their own habits, tendencies and how they affect other people.
Many people with ADHD struggle to control their emotions, which can impact their self-esteem and their professional and social performance. A coach can instruct strategies for stress reduction that can improve attention and coping skills such as meditation or mindfulness. This can aid in improving sleep, which can be interrupted by racing thoughts and restless night.
A coach can also help people develop healthy eating habits, which can be an issue for people who suffer from ADHD. They can give tips on how to buy groceries and cook meals, and how to keep healthful snacks on hand. This can help to avoid eating foods that are high in salt, sugar or fats that could cause ADHD symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from coaching, which is an integral component of their treatment. It can be combined with medication and psychotherapy to treat symptoms. It is essential to investigate the credentials of a coach before choosing one. A licensed mental health professional can help in recommending someone, or someone who suffers from ADHD may find their own coach via online forums or word of mouth.