Treating Adults With ADHD
If you have ADHD even the most simple tasks can be a challenge. You might find it difficult to get up each day, stick to 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
Adults with ADHD are treated most commonly by stimulants. These drugs help boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that are crucial to the brain's ability to focus and control impulses, plan ahead, and follow through on tasks. Stimulants may also reduce symptoms that hinder daily functioning, such as disorganization and problems maintaining relationships.
There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are two most commonly used stimulant medications. They are both available as pills, liquids or patches, and can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. Adults with ADHD are typically prescribed long-acting tablets, which release the medication slowly. These tablets are taken only once a day. These drugs are thought to be more effective than short- and intermediate-acting versions that require patients to take their medication three or four times a day and can result in frequent "crash" periods.
When taking a stimulant, it is important to tell your doctor about any adverse effects you're experiencing. Side effects can include nausea, decreased appetite, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. The stimulants can cause tics to become more noticeable and may cause minor growth delay in children and adolescents.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by a physician to control symptoms of impulsivity in certain people who aren't treated with medications for adult ADHD. FDA has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, studies have shown that they are effective in a variety of cases.
treat adult add is also important to keep in mind that even though medications can help you plan and plan out daily tasks, they are not the only solution for ADHD. People suffering from ADHD have to work hard to establish and maintain healthy relationships, adhere to good sleeping habits, and include a balanced diet and exercise into their lives.
People suffering from ADHD struggle with their relationships due to their erratic behaviors and poor time management and a lack of organizational skills. Therapy that focuses on relationship issues or classes that teach the art of conflict resolution and communication can aid. Counseling is also beneficial to couples of all kinds as it aids them overcome patterns of blame that can keep their marriages in turmoil or prevent families working together effectively.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy may help you reduce symptoms and take control of your life if you have ADHD as an adult. Typically, your therapist will provide emotional support and assist you to develop the skills you need to improve your ability to manage time, organize, problem-solving ability and an impulsive behaviour. Psychotherapy can also help you cope with family and relationship problems that can arise when dealing with ADHD.
Talk therapy can be conducted via phone or in person. In some cases it's used in conjunction with medication to treat mental health problems like depression and anxiety. It may also be helpful in addressing other issues like coping with chronic pain or an illness that is serious.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy. It involves changing negative thoughts that can lead to bad behavior. Typically, this involves examining the past and examining any difficulties or struggles. Your therapist will show you how to break these situations into pieces so that you can determine the negative thinking patterns which may have contributed to them.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a third option. DBT teaches a variety techniques that help you manage your mood and behavior. It can teach you to practice mindfulness, which helps you to be in the present moment and calm your mind. It can also help you regulate your emotions, so they don't trigger impulsive behaviors.
Other forms of psychotherapy include interpersonal therapy as well as the use of hypnotherapy. Interpersonal therapy can help you to learn to recognize and express your emotions in a healthy way and hypnotherapy may help you relax and calm yourself in stressful situations. These methods can help you increase your confidence and self-esteem, and also aiding you in dealing with frustration and anger.
Lastly, marriage and family therapy can help address the issues that ADHD creates in your relationships with family members. It can assist you and your spouse or partner communicate better and find productive ways to manage money issues as well as resentment at the lack of responsibilities and conflicts 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. These include anxiety disorders, depression and mood swings. Mood disorders often coexist alongside ADHD and exacerbate symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD must also be examined for alcohol and drug addiction.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD learn how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Counseling for adults with ADHD is available in various forms, including individual and group therapy sessions as well as online counseling platforms and phone-based therapy. Counseling is designed to help people develop important skills like managing anger and stress as well as regulating their emotions and improving their communication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular form of talk therapy that teaches coping techniques to manage ADHD. It involves working with a therapy therapist to discover negative thinking processes that can lead to issues like poor time management or the impulsive behavior. CBT can be used in conjunction with medication or by itself.
Family counseling is usually a part of the treatment options for adults with ADHD. Children and spouses can be frustrated by the challenges of living with someone suffering from ADHD particularly when it leads to relationship problems. Couples therapy can help partners learn how to communicate more effectively as well as resolve conflicts and help each other's goals in face of the difficulties that ADHD can cause.
Other forms of talk therapy are also available, like mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT employs mindfulness-based training to improve the self-awareness of a patient and control impulsive behavior. It also teaches strategies to reduce stress, focusing, and improving executive functioning.
Some ADHD patients notice that dietary changes and exercise may help reduce symptoms. Exercise can improve concentration, boost mood and reduce hyperactivity. A diet high in nutritious foods can assist to control the impulsive behavior and provide vital nutrients. Sleep hygiene is also important for a good sleep. A regular bedtime and following a consistent wake up routine can help reduce the amount of hyperactivity, increase focus and improve overall health.
Coaching
Coaching for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on practical solutions, unlike psychotherapy which can assist people with emotional issues. A professional coach will show you how to cut down on distractions, set up a productive workspace and prioritize tasks. They can also instruct techniques for relaxation that can help to reduce impulsivity and increase concentration.
A coach can provide structure and encouragement to help people with ADHD keep their motivation. They can use strategies like the Pomodoro Technique to help maintain focus and productivity. They can also help people develop healthy eating and exercise habits to boost energy levels.
Coaching can help adults with ADHD develop effective communication skills. They can also help adults with ADHD develop and maintain a positive relationships by focusing more on their strengths than their issues. Additionally, coaching can help adults with ADHD recognize their own patterns and behaviors and how they affect others.
Many people with 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 teach stress reduction techniques that can improve attention and coping abilities including mindfulness and meditation. This can also help individuals improve their sleep which is often interrupted by anxiety-inducing thoughts and slumbering nights.
A coach can also assist people develop healthier eating habits, which is often a problem for those who suffer from ADHD. They can give suggestions on how to purchase groceries, prepare meals and keep healthy snacks in the pantry. This can help to avoid eating foods high in sugar, salt or fat that may cause ADHD symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from coaching, which is a part of their treatment. It can be paired with psychotherapy and medication to help manage symptoms. It is essential to investigate the qualifications of a coach prior to selecting one. A licensed mental health professional can help in recommending someone. Or, those with ADHD can find their own coach through forums on the internet or by word of mouth.