How to Treat ADHD
Many people with ADHD find relief from medication. The stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine boost and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals.
Counseling can help you overcome the challenges ADHD can cause at school, at work and in your relationships. Therapy can also teach family members how to support their loved children.
Medicines
Adults and children suffering from ADHD can benefit from taking medication to improve their ability to control impulses, plan ahead and concentrate. These psychostimulants appear to increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They also help reduce symptoms of ADHD within a short amount of time.
There are several different kinds of stimulants approved to treat ADHD, including amphetamines (Dexedrine), dextroamphetamine-amfetamines (Adderall XR, Mydayis and Vyvanse) and methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin). Some of these drugs contain other ingredients that can reduce appetite and encourage sleep. Stimulant medication can have a variety of negative side effects, such as loss of appetite, stomach upset, insomnia, and weight loss. It's important to discuss these issues with your doctor prior to starting treatment.
Adults who have co-occurring ADHD or substance use disorders are at a greater risk of abusing stimulant medication than those without a mental illness. It is crucial to cooperate with your healthcare provider to determine the characteristics and needs of the various extended release stimulant preparations. It is helpful to track the effects of the medication on your daily activities so that you and your healthcare professional can make any necessary adjustments.
Adults are treated with antidepressants and Wellbutrin, a medication that contains bupropion. They work by increasing concentration via two neurotransmitters that are found in the brain, norepinephrine (a stimulant) and dopamine (an antidepressant). These drugs could be a good option in the event that stimulants haven't worked or are too bothersome, or if there is an history of abuse.
Non-stimulant medication is also available to treat ADHD in adults. However, they are not as common as stimulants. While they are generally considered to have less risk of adverse effects like insomnia and agitation but all drugs come with risk. FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication includes atomoxetine (Strattera) Intuniv (guanfacine), Kapvay, (clonidine) XR and Qelbree.
Therapy can help your child or teach you how to manage ADHD symptoms, including anger, stress, and frustration. Therapists can also teach you how to set reasonable goals and persist toward them, enhance your ability to focus and manage your impulsive behavior, and create more harmonious relationships. BetterHelp, a service that matches you with licensed and certified therapists, may help you deal those suffering from ADHD, depression or anxiety.
Counseling
If you have adult ADHD, you could benefit from counseling services to assist you in managing your symptoms and lead a more successful life. These services can include psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as education on the disorder, and acquiring skills to become more successful. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one common form of treatment that can be used in conjunction with medication to treat ADHD. CBT teaches you how to change your negative habits of thinking and behavior that can cause problems in your everyday life. It can also improve your concentration and memory, and help you get better control over your thoughts and emotions.
You may need marriage counseling or family therapy in the event that your ADHD symptoms affect your relationships. Your therapist will show you how to improve communication and problem solving. Family members can learn how to support you. CBT can help boost your self-esteem and boost your organizational skills, making you feel more confident in yourself. Talkspace is a great option for those who are having difficulty finding the right therapy provider. This platform is subscription-based and offers mental health care that includes therapy for ADHD and other disorders. You can communicate with your therapist via audio, video or text messages. The company offers a monthly subscription with unlimited messages and a guarantee of a response from your therapist, five days a week.
To manage ADHD it is necessary to have patience and persistence. If you're having a hard recalling appointments or meeting deadlines, try setting reminders on your smartphone or computer. If you're not able to manage your symptoms, talk to your doctor about medication or other treatments.
It's important to find a therapist who understands your unique challenges associated with ADHD. Choose adult add treatments who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD and who you are confident in. A good therapist should have a caring, non-judgmental approach and will listen to your concerns. Avoid a therapist who doesn't make eye contact or listens to you attentively.
The National Association of Attention Deficit Disorders offers many resources to adults suffering from ADHD. The website has educational materials as well as support groups, webinars, and classes. There is also an online directory of specialists who specialize in the condition.
Self-help
Many people with ADHD can make positive adjustments to their routines, learn how to use their strengths, and create strategies to manage their symptoms. These skills can help them function more efficiently, maintain organization and better interact with other people. Certain of these strategies may aid in reducing stress levels and increase a person's sense of self-worth. These self-help programs don't offer quick fixes, however they can help in reducing some of the more challenging aspects of ADHD.
Psychological counseling is a typical option for treating adults with ADHD. It may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients understand and change unhelpful habits of thought and behavior. It also addresses other mental health conditions such as depression or addiction to drugs. Family and marital counseling can also assist loved ones cope with the difficulties of living with ADHD.
CBT is an effective treatment for ADHD in adults and can be combined in conjunction with medication. It teaches people to identify and overcome unhealthy patterns of thinking, such as all-or-nothing thinking, focusing on mistakes, and minimizing achievements. These thoughts can cause procrastination, an impulsive attitude, and issues with interpersonal relationships. CBT can also teach patients to use strategies for coping, including planning, goal setting and organizational skills.
Other methods to deal with adult ADHD include keeping a schedule and working out. Resting enough can improve focus and reduce anger. Practicing mindfulness meditation can also improve emotional regulation and control. A recent study revealed that a cognitive-behavioral approach using mindfulness meditation training CBT, mindfulness, and inter-personal psychotherapy improved symptoms of ADHD.
It is important to remember that ADHD affects all areas of your life, including professional and personal relationships. It can cause issues with school, finances or work, as well as with family. It is difficult to maintain a sense of self-worth. It can also result in chronic stress and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and sleep issues. These problems can worsen your ADHD symptoms and affect your family, friends and relationships. You can find a therapist who has ADHD expertise to assist you in overcoming these issues.
Support groups
A support group can be an excellent way to connect with other people with ADHD. They provide a wealth of knowledge and advice from those who have lived with ADHD over many years. They can also provide emotional assistance. Many support groups are run by professional counselors that specialize in treating ADHD. Others are run by volunteers. There are also virtual and online support groups.
It's important to choose an account that is trustworthy and secure. Look for social media accounts that have been verified by an organization. It is best to choose accounts that are affiliated with the larger organizations that you can trust. You should also determine if the group is peer-led, or professionally facilitated. While peer-led groups can be successful however, they may not have the resources or knowledge to solve complex problems and challenges. A professional facilitator offers structure, guidance, and specialized knowledge to improve the quality of the group.
Some support groups provide a variety of activities and events, such as meetings, workshops, webinars and coaching services. In addition to offering assistance, these groups could also provide useful information about medications and treatments for ADHD. A lot of these groups have a directory of local ADHD professionals. You can also find a group based on your interests if seeking specific assistance. There are groups for parents of ADHD children or adults who have ADD/ADHD.
You can also speak to your family and close friends about the diagnosis. It is also important to inform your supervisors and coworkers about your illness. This will allow them to better know your needs and allow you to be supported at school or at work. You can also ask them to accommodate your issues by giving you more time to complete specific tasks. This is a significant step in improving your relationships with those closest to you. But, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for the most up-to-date medical information.