Treating Adults With ADHD
If you have ADHD even the most simple tasks can be difficult. You may find it difficult to get up in the morning, meet 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
Adults with ADHD are treated most commonly by stimulants. These drugs balance and boost the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, which are crucial for the brain's ability to regulate impulses, plan and follow through with tasks, and concentrate. They also aid in reducing symptoms that hinder daily functioning, such as difficulties in maintaining relationships and disorganization.
There are a variety of stimulant medications. The two most popular are amphetamine and methylphenidate. These drugs are available as patches, liquids or pills. They can also be combined with psychotherapy. Adults with ADHD are typically prescribed long-acting tablets, which release the medication slowly. These tablets are used only once per day. They are believed to be more effective than short- or intermediate-acting medications which require patients to take their medication as many as four times per day.
When taking a stimulant, it is important to tell your doctor about any adverse effects you are experiencing. Common side effects include upset stomach and an increase in appetite, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure. The stimulants can also make tics more apparent and may cause minor delays in growth in teenagers and children.
Some people experience a problem with impulsivity that cannot be controlled by medication for treating adult ADHD So a physician may prescribe antidepressants in order to treat these symptoms. I Am Psychiatry has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, studies have shown that they are effective in a variety of cases.
It is also important to keep in mind that, despite the fact that medications can improve the ability to plan and organize out everyday tasks, they are not a cure for ADHD. People suffering from ADHD have to be diligent in establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, practicing good sleeping habits as well as regularly exercising, and making sure they have a balanced diet in their lives.
People with ADHD often have trouble in their relationships with others due to their unpredictable behavior, poor time management and ineffective organization skills. Therapy that focuses on relationship issues or classes that teach communication and conflict resolution can help. A lot of couples benefit from counseling because it can help them break patterns of blame-taking which cause marital tensions or hinder families from working effectively.
Psychotherapy
If you're an adult suffering from ADHD and you're a child of ADHD, you might find that psychotherapy can assist you in controlling your life and decrease the symptoms. Your therapist will usually provide emotional support and assist you improve your time management skills, organizational capabilities and problem-solving capabilities. Psychotherapy can also assist you in dealing with family and relationship problems that can arise when dealing with ADHD.
Talk therapy is usually conducted via phone or in person. In certain instances it's utilized in conjunction with medications to treat mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It can be employed to treat other ailments such as chronic pain or serious illnesses.
One type of psychotherapy is cognitive therapy (CBT). It is a process of changing negative thoughts that lead to poor behaviors. This usually involves examining past struggles and challenges. Your therapist will demonstrate how to break these situations into pieces so that you can identify the negative thinking patterns which may have contributed to these issues.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a different option. DBT teaches you a variety of skills that will aid you in managing your emotions and behavior. It can help you develop mindfulness, which helps your mind be calm and focused on the present. It can also teach you to regulate your emotions so that they are less likely to trigger impulse-driven behavior.
Other types of psychotherapy are interpersonal therapy and hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy and interpersonal therapy can help you understand and express your emotions in a healthy manner. These techniques can help increase confidence and self-esteem and help you to handle anger and frustration.
Family therapy and marriage can also help you solve the issues that ADHD causes in your relationships. It will help you better communicate with your spouse or partner and find productive ways to deal with issues with money, anger over neglected responsibilities, and disagreements regarding how to deal with an impulsive way of making decisions.
Counseling
A thorough physical exam is the first step to treating adults with ADHD. A doctor will search for underlying conditions that can influence ADHD such as anxiety disorders, depression mood swings, and other psychiatric conditions. Mood disorders can often co-exist with ADHD and cause more symptoms. Adults who suffer from ADHD should also be screened for alcohol and drug addiction.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Counseling for adults with ADHD is available in various forms, including group and individual sessions for therapy online, counseling platforms for online and phone based therapy. Counseling is designed to help people improve their essential skills such as managing anger and stress as well as regulating their emotions and improving their communication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy which teaches coping skills for ADHD. It involves working with a therapy therapist to discover negative thinking processes that can lead to issues like poor time management and impulsive behavior. CBT can be used in conjunction with medications or by itself.
Family counseling is often part of the treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Children and couples can be irritated by the challenges of living with someone suffering from ADHD particularly when it causes problems with relationships. Couples therapy can teach partners how to communicate better as well as resolve conflicts and help their goals in the facing the challenges ADHD can create.
Other forms of talk therapy are also available, including dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT uses mindfulness training to improve a patient's self awareness and control impulsive behavior. It also teaches strategies to reduce stress, focusing, and improving executive functioning.
Some ADHD patients notice that dietary modifications and exercise increases can alleviate their symptoms. Exercise can boost mood, increase concentration and reduce hyperactivity. A diet high in healthy foods can help to reduce impulsive behavior and provide essential nutrients. It is also essential to maintain a healthy sleep for a good sleep. Making sure you have a regular bedtime, and following a regular wake up routine can help reduce the amount of hyperactivity, increase focus and improve overall health.
Coaching
Coaching for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on practical solutions, in contrast to psychotherapy that can help people deal with emotional issues. A professional coach can teach strategies for reducing distractions, creating an optimal workspace and prioritizing tasks. They can also instruct relaxation methods that can reduce impulsivity, and improve concentration.
A coach can provide structure and motivation to help those suffering from ADHD maintain motivation. They can use strategies such as the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in short bursts, with breaks, to help individuals remain focused and productive. They can also help people develop healthy eating and exercise habits to boost their energy levels.
Relationships can be difficult for people with ADHD Coaching can help with this by helping them improve their communication skills. They can also assist them to build and keep positive relationships by focusing on their strengths rather than issues. In addition, coaching can help people with ADHD recognize their own patterns and behavior and how they impact others.
Many adults with ADHD have difficulty controlling 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 enhance attention and coping capabilities, such as mindfulness and meditation. This can aid in improving sleep, which can be interrupted by racing thoughts and restless night.
A coach can also assist people develop healthy eating habits, which is frequently an issue for people who suffer from ADHD. They can provide advice on how to purchase groceries and prepare meals, and how to store healthy snacks on hand. This will help avoid eating foods that are high in sugar, salt or fats that could cause ADHD symptoms.
Coaching is a crucial element of treatment for adults with ADHD and can be paired with medication and psychotherapy to help them manage their symptoms. It is important to investigate the qualifications of a coach prior to choosing one. A licensed mental health professional could help in recommending someone. Or, someone with ADHD may find their own coach through online forums or word of mouth.