Treating Adults With ADHD
If you suffer from ADHD even the most simple tasks can be a challenge. You may struggle to get out of bed in the morning, meet deadlines, and maintain a 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.
Medications
Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulants. They help increase and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which are essential to the brain's ability to concentrate, control impulses, plan ahead, and complete tasks. They can also ease symptoms that interfere in everyday functioning, such as disorganization or difficulty maintaining relationships.
There are many different kinds of stimulant medications. The two most commonly used are amphetamine and methylphenidate. Both of these drugs are available as pills, liquids patches or liquids and are taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed long-acting tablets, which release the medication slowly. These tablets are taken only once per daily. 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 a day.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you experience any side effects while taking stimulants. Common side effects include a bloated stomach, decreased appetite, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure. The stimulants can also make tics more apparent and cause minor growth delays for teenagers and children.
Certain people have a problem with impulsivity that cannot be controlled by medications for treating adult ADHD, so a doctor may prescribe antidepressants to control these symptoms. Antidepressants have not been specifically approved by the FDA for treating ADHD however studies have shown they can be beneficial in many instances.
It's also important to understand that even though medications may improve the ability to plan, organize, and carry out everyday tasks, they're not the only solution for ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD have to work hard to maintain healthy relationships, practice good sleeping habits and incorporate a balanced diet as well as exercise into their lives.
People suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty in their relationships with others due to their erratic behavior, poor time management and poor ability to organize their lives. Therapy that focuses on issues with relationships or classes that teach conflict resolution and communication skills can help. Counseling can also be beneficial to many couples as it aids them to overcome patterns of blame that keep their marriages in trouble or prevent families working together effectively.
Psychotherapy
If you're an adult suffering from ADHD, you may find that psychotherapy can help you take control of your life and decrease the symptoms. Typically, your therapist will provide emotional support and help build skills to improve your time management, organizational skills as well as your problem-solving skills and the impulsive behavior. Psychotherapy can also help you deal with family and relationship issues that are often encountered when dealing with ADHD.
Talk therapy can be done over the phone or in person. In certain instances the use of talk therapy is in conjunction with medication to treat mental conditions such as depression and anxiety. It is also employed to treat other ailments such as chronic pain or serious illnesses.
One type of psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This involves identifying negative thoughts and changing them to improve behavior. This usually involves looking at the past and examining challenges and struggles. Your therapist will show you how to dissect these situations so that you can identify and change the negative thoughts patterns that can contribute to them.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a different option. DBT teaches you a variety of skills that can help you manage your mood and behavior. It can teach you mindfulness which allows your mind to be calm and focused on the present. It also teaches you to manage your emotions so that they are less likely to trigger impulsive behavior.
Other types of psychotherapy include interpersonal therapy as well as the practice of hypnotherapy. Interpersonal therapy can help you to learn to recognize and express your feelings in a healthy manner and hypnotherapy can help you relax and calm in stressful situations. These techniques can help increase confidence and self-esteem and make it easier for you to cope with anger and frustration.
Family therapy and marriage can also help you tackle the issues ADHD can cause in your relationships. It can aid you and your spouse or partner to communicate better and find effective strategies to deal with money issues as well as resentment at the lack of responsibilities and disagreements over how to handle impulsive decisions.
Counseling
The first step in the treatment of adults with ADHD is to ensure that a patient has an extensive physical examination. A doctor will look for any underlying issues that could affect ADHD. These include anxiety disorders, depression and mood swings. Mood disorders often coexist with ADHD and exacerbate symptoms. Adults with ADHD should also be evaluated for drug and alcohol addiction.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Counseling for adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of forms, including group and individual sessions for therapy online, counseling platforms for online and phone based therapy. Counseling is designed to help people develop essential skills such as managing stress and anger, regulating their emotions, and improving communication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of talk therapy that teaches coping techniques to manage ADHD. It involves working with a therapist to identify negative thought processes which lead to problems like poor time management and the impulsive behavior. CBT can be used in conjunction with medications or by itself.
Family counseling is often a component of the treatment options for people 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 help partners learn to communicate better and resolve conflicts, while also supporting the goals of one another when ADHD is present.
There are other forms of talk therapy, for instance mindfulness-based cognitive treatment (MBCT) and dialectical behavior therapy. MBCT uses meditation training to increase a person's self-awareness and manage impulsive behavior. It also teaches strategies to reduce stress, focus and improve executive functioning.
Some ADHD patients have found that diet changes and exercise may alleviate their symptoms. Exercise can improve concentration, improve mood, and decrease hyperactivity. A diet rich in healthy food choices can provide vital nutrients and aid in the impulsive behavior. Sleep hygiene is also important to get a good night's sleep. Regular bedtimes, and a consistent morning routine can help reduce the amount of hyperactivity and increase focus, as well as promote better health.
Coaching
Coaching for adults with ADHD is focused on practical solutions, in contrast to psychotherapy that can assist people with emotional issues. A professional coach can instruct strategies to reduce distractions, establishing a productive workspace and prioritizing tasks. They can also instruct relaxation techniques that can reduce impulsivity and increase concentration.
A coach can provide structure and encouragement to help those suffering from ADHD maintain motivation. They can use strategies like 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 habits and exercise routines to boost their energy levels.
It can be difficult to establish relationships for adults with ADHD, and coaching can help address this issue by helping them develop effective communication skills. They can also assist them to develop and keep positive relationships by focusing on their strengths instead of issues. Coaching can also help treatment for adults with add with ADHD gain a better understanding of their own tendencies, behaviors and how they affect others.
Many adults suffering from ADHD have trouble controlling their emotions. This can affect their self-esteem, aswell in their professional and social performance. A coach can help 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 help individuals to develop healthier eating habits. This is a typical problem for those with ADHD. They can provide guidance on how to purchase groceries and prepare meals, and how to keep healthy snacks in the pantry. This can help to avoid eating foods that are high in salt, sugar or fats that could trigger ADHD symptoms.
Coaching is a crucial element of treatment for adults with ADHD and can be used in conjunction with medication and psychotherapy to help them manage their symptoms. In order to find a coach who is a good match, it is crucial to research their credentials thoroughly. A licensed mental health professional can assist in recommending someone, or someone with ADHD can seek out their own coach on online forums or word of mouth.