Treating Adults With ADHD
If you have ADHD even the most basic tasks can be a challenge. It can be difficult to get out of bed in the morning, meet deadlines and maintain healthy professional and personal relationships.
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
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated most commonly with stimulants. They help increase and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which are key to the brain's ability to concentrate and control impulses, plan ahead, and follow through on tasks. Stimulants can also help reduce symptoms that interfere with everyday functioning, such as problems with organization and maintaining relationships.
There are many different types of stimulant medication. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the two most common stimulant medications. These drugs can be taken as patches, liquids, pills or pills. They can also be used in conjunction with psychotherapy. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically prescribed long-acting tablets, which release the medication slowly. These tablets are used only once per daily. These medications are believed to be more effective than short- and intermediate-acting versions which require users to take their medication at least three or four times a day and can result in frequent "crash" periods.
When you are taking a stimulant, it is crucial to inform your doctor about any adverse effects you're experiencing. These can include nausea, decreased appetite, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. The stimulants can also make tics more apparent and may cause minor delays in growth in teenagers and children.
Antidepressants can be 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 shown that they can be effective in many cases.
It is also important to keep in mind that even though medication can help you plan and plan out daily tasks, they're not a cure for ADHD. People suffering from ADHD still need to work hard at establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, practicing good sleep habits regularly, exercising regularly and making sure they have a balanced diet in their lives.
People suffering from ADHD struggle with their relationships due to their erratic behaviors and poor time management and poor organizational skills. Therapy that focuses on relationship issues or classes that teach communication and conflict resolution can help. A lot of couples benefit from counseling, as it can help them break patterns of blaming each other that cause marital conflict or prevent families from working together effectively.
Psychotherapy
If you're an adult who suffers from ADHD and you're a child of ADHD, you might discover that psychotherapy can assist you in controlling your life and decrease your symptoms. Your therapist will usually offer emotional support and assist you improve your time management skills, organizational abilities and problem-solving abilities. Psychotherapy can also assist you in dealing with relationship and family issues that often arise when you suffer from ADHD.
Talk therapy can generally be done via phone or in person. In some instances it is possible to use talk therapy alongside medications to treat mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. It can be used to treat other problems like chronic pain or serious illnesses.
One form of psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It involves the identification and modification of negative thoughts that cause poor behaviors. This usually involves looking at past struggles and challenges. Your therapist will show you how to break these issues into smaller pieces to determine the negative thinking patterns which may have contributed to these issues.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT teaches a variety skills that can help you manage your emotions and behavior. It can teach you mindfulness, which allows your mind to be calm and focused on the present. It can also help you to regulate your emotions so that they are less likely to trigger impulse-driven behavior.
Other types of psychotherapy include 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 increase confidence and self-esteem and allow you to cope with anger and frustration.
Family therapy and marriage can also help you solve the issues that ADHD can cause in your relationships. It will help you better communicate with your spouse or partner and find efficient ways to tackle money problems, resentment about neglected responsibilities, and disagreements regarding how to deal with impulsive decision-making.
Counseling
The first step in treatment of adults suffering from ADHD is to ensure that the patient undergoes an extensive physical exam. A doctor will search for any underlying issues that could influence ADHD and include anxiety disorders, depression, mood swings and other psychiatric disorders. Mood disorders can coexist with ADHD and can exacerbate symptoms. Adults with ADHD should also be screened for alcohol and drugs addiction.
Talk therapy can be used to assist people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms and improve relationships. Counseling for adults with ADHD is available in various forms, including individual and group sessions for therapy, online counseling platforms and phone based therapy. The aim of counseling is to assist individuals develop essential abilities, like managing stress and anger as well as regulating emotions, and enhancing communication and problem-solving.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of talk therapy which helps to teach coping skills for ADHD. It involves working with a therapist to identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to issues such as insufficient time management and impulsive behaviors. CBT can be used in conjunction with medications or alone.
Family counseling is often a component of the treatment options for people with ADHD. Spouses and children can be irritated by the difficulties of living with someone with ADHD particularly when it leads to issues with relationships. Couples therapy can help partners learn how to communicate better, resolve conflicts and support their goals in the face of the difficulties that ADHD can bring about.
Other types of talk therapy are available, including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT uses meditation training to increase a person's self-awareness and manage impulsive behavior. It also provides strategies to reduce stress, focus and enhance executive functioning.
Some patients with ADHD find that making changes to their diet and incorporating more exercise help to reduce their symptoms. Exercise can boost mood, increase concentration and reduce hyperactivity. A diet rich in nutritious foods can assist to reduce the impulsive behavior and provide vital nutrients. Additionally, a healthy sleep routine is essential for a healthy night's sleep. A regular bedtime and a consistent wake-up routine can help reduce anxiety, improve concentration and overall health.
Coaching
Coaching for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on practical solutions, not unlike psychotherapy that can help people deal 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 teach relaxation techniques that can reduce impulsivity and improve focus.
A coach can provide structure and encouragement to help adults with ADHD keep their motivation. They can use strategies like the Pomodoro Technique to help maintain focus and productivity. They can also assist people to develop healthy eating and exercise habits to boost their energy levels.
Coaching can help adults with ADHD improve their communication skills. They can also assist adults with ADHD develop and maintain a positive relationship by focusing more on their strengths and not so much difficulties. Coaching can also help adults with ADHD better understand their own habits, tendencies and how they affect others.
Many people with ADHD struggle to control their emotions, which can impact their self-esteem, as well as their career and social life. A coach can teach methods to reduce stress and enhance attention and coping capabilities, such as mindfulness and meditation. This can help people improve their sleep which is often interrupted by racing thoughts and restless nights.
A coach can assist people develop healthier eating habits. This is a typical issue for people with ADHD. They can provide tips on how to shop for groceries and prepare meals, and how to store healthy snacks on hand. This will help you avoid overindulging in foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt, which could cause ADHD symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from coaching, which is a part of their treatment. It can be paired with psychotherapy and medication to manage symptoms. In treatment of add in adults to find a coach who is a good fit for you, it is essential to investigate their credentials thoroughly. A licensed mental health professional can recommend someone, or a person who suffers from ADHD may find their own coach through forums on the internet or through word-of-mouth.