Treatment of Adult ADHD
Most people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder. These conditions can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medication.
Psychological counseling assists patients in managing their symptoms and improves relationships. Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches patients to recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors.
Medication
Medication is a potent treatment for adults with ADHD. It can help improve concentration and decrease symptoms, but it is only one part of a treatment plan that also includes counseling and other strategies for coping with behavioral issues. Talk therapy can help you to understand more about how ADHD affects you and how you can deal with problems that arise from your symptoms, like difficulty working to meet deadlines at work or relationships that are difficult. It can help you identify negative thinking patterns and alter them. Talk therapy can aid in improving your relationships and tackle other issues like addiction or depression.
Stimulant medications, including amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD in adults. These medications are available in different forms that include extended-release tablets as well as quick-release capsules. The medication increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters within your brain. These include dopamine and norepinephrine. The stimulant medications can have negative side effects like weight loss and reduced appetite, as well as other health issues such as insomnia and headaches.
Non-stimulant medications are also available to treat people suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an FDA-approved nonstimulant drug that works by enhancing the activity of a different neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. It is not as addictive as stimulant drugs however it could take longer to be effective.
Some people notice remarkable improvements in their symptoms with ADHD medication. However, treating adults with adhd experience only a limited relief and experience a number of adverse effects. It takes time to figure out what dosage and medication is appropriate for each person. You'll need to visit your GP regularly for routine checks and tests to check the effectiveness of the medication.
Talk therapy
In addition to medication and therapy, talk therapy, also referred to as behavioral therapy is a treatment option for adults with ADHD that can help you learn how to manage your symptoms. Therapy is typically short-term and you'll be working with a trained mental health professional. This kind of therapy helps you understand how your thoughts, emotions and actions affect each one another. It can also help you develop skills to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. It's important to locate a professional who has previous experience treating adults suffering from ADHD.
CBT is a proven approach that has helped many adults suffering from ADHD. This therapy teaches you to change your unhealthy thinking patterns, like procrastinating or thinking things are "all-or-nothing," and replace them with more positive ones. This type of therapy teaches you to structure your environment in ways that help you deal with the issues caused by your ADHD.
Behavioral coaching is another method that focuses on practical solutions for everyday problems. This kind of therapy can help create strategies for organizing home and work environments, prioritizing tasks and directing money. This can be done over the phone or in person. A lot of coaches come from a business background, and can provide guidance on how to manage work-related issues.
Some people with ADHD might notice that their symptoms are more evident at certain times in their lives. This could be due to major life changes, such as a new job or childbirth. Some people have reported that their symptoms become less severe as they age.
The good news is that ADHD is highly treatable with the right combination of medication and therapy. The first step is to consult your family doctor. He or she will evaluate your health condition and recommend the best treatment strategy.
Exercise
If you're struggling with ADHD, you can try exercising as treatment. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, it can enhance your cognitive capabilities and mood. It can also increase the production of proteins essential to regulate signaling processes within the brain. It also aids in reducing the amygdala's responsiveness to hair-triggers so you are less likely to lose your temper in public or lash at another driver when you have an incident of road rage.
It is important to select an exercise that is compatible with your tastes and interests. This will keep those with ADHD motivated and engaged. For instance, if you are a fan of team sports, you might consider joining a league or finding an online team. If you don't like the gym atmosphere you can exercise in nature or at your home. The hum of the gym could create sensory overload, and you may become frustrated and disinterested in your exercise.
Strength training should be incorporated in the routines of people who suffer from ADHD, along with cardiovascular exercise. This will give you an improved workout and increase your coordination, which is impaired in people who have ADHD. Strengthening exercises can also improve the concentration of those suffering from ADHD.
In addition to regular exercise, adults with ADHD must eat nutritious foods. Avoid drinks that are sugary or fast food and eat meals or snacks regularly. Adding protein and complex carbohydrates will help people with ADHD maintain their energy levels and improve their focus. People with ADHD should ensure they get enough rest. Sleep deprivation can contribute to the impulsive behavior and low concentration. Try meditation and relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety and anger.
Yoga
Many adults do not realize that they suffer from ADHD until they seek treatment for other issues, like marital or depression. They usually have a hard focus at work or at school and their relationships are often stressed. They may experience sleep problems. Anxiety disorders or high levels of ADHD could be the result.
Yoga exercises can help adults suffering from ADHD reduce the symptoms. It is an ancient form of exercise that integrates self-awareness with physical activity, and creates a connection between the mind and body. It assists people in focusing on their breathing, and also creates a sense calm. It reduces the levels of the hormone neurotransmitters epinephrine and dopamine, both of which are linked to hyperactivity.
Research has shown that yoga improves the ability of adults suffering from ADHD to manage their emotions and focus on their tasks. In one study, 32 women were randomly assigned to either six weeks of Bikram Yoga training or a group of control waiting on the waiting list. Researchers employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in order to measure the activity of the brain. The women who participated in the yoga program were more improved than the control group.
Before you begin discuss with your doctor about whether you should consider yoga for ADHD. Make sure that the yoga instructor is certified and inquire if they have any experience working with people with ADHD. Consult your physician to determine if a study is the right option for you. Clinical trials are research studies which investigate new methods to stop, detect or treat illnesses. They involve healthy volunteers as well as patients.
Management of stress
Utilizing a variety of methods to manage stress, you can to reset your body's alarm system and reduce the impact of negative emotions such as anger, anxiety and resentment on your health, relationships and quality of life. Stress management can involve calming techniques to lower your heart rate and breathing rate and cognitive behavioral therapy that assists you in changing negative thinking patterns and also individual talk therapy.
The first step to manage your symptoms and emotions is to identify and track the sources of stress. It isn't easy to pinpoint the exact cause, but a close examination of your routine and habits will aid in determining the cause. If you're stressed out by a work schedule that includes back-to-back meetings and you know it causes you stress every time, you can attempt to alter the situation by making plans ahead or managing your time. You can also accept the fact that you aren't in control and find ways to deal with situations that you cannot change.
Communication with co-workers and teachers about ADHD is another aspect of stress management. While you might be worried about the reactions of these people to your diagnosis, the majority will likely to be understanding and willing to make a few accommodations to improve your ability to do your job or complete your studies. In addition, you can get emotional support from family and friends. Marital or family counseling can assist you and your loved ones comprehend and help each one another, improve communication and work together to overcome any obstacles in your relationship. It is important to keep in mind that these methods aren't universally applicable, and you might need some trial and error before you find the ideal combination for your needs.