ADHD Adult Treatment
The medications for ADHD increase brain activity in the areas that control attention, behaviour and cognition. Adults are prescribed stimulants belonging to the amphetamines family that include lisdexamphetamine (marketed under the names Adderall and Concerta), and methylphenidate, sold under the name Ritalin.
Counseling for adults with ADHD typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps clients identify and alter unhelpful thinking patterns.
Medications
The most common medication for ADHD is stimulants. These drugs help people stay focused, reduce the tendency to be impulsive and also control their blood pressure. They are available in long- and short-acting formulas. They can be used once a day or more frequently depending on the need. Some of the adverse effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and a rebound, which is a brief period that makes you feel depressed or tired after taking the medication. These symptoms are usually mild and will go off after a couple of weeks or days.
Stimulant medications aren't right for everyone, however. They can trigger psychiatric problems in certain individuals, such as hostility or paranoia. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with Tourette's Syndrome or severe depression or bipolar disorder shouldn't take stimulants. People with a substance abuse history are also at higher risk of misusing the medication. For example, they may crush pills and then snort them to achieve a high.
There are many different types of non-stimulant ADHD medication, including Strattera(atomoxetine), Qelbree(viloxazine), and Intuniv(guanfacine). These medicines don't affect dopamine as stimulants do. They increase levels of a chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine. This helps improve focus and reduces impulsiveness. They also aid in reducing anxiety and depression.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD, your doctor may prescribe a low dosage and gradually increase it until you reach an optimal level. This process is known as the titration. During these appointments your doctor will be monitoring your body's response to the medication, including any adverse reactions you experience. Once a steady dose has been reached, you'll need to attend regular clinical monitoring appointments at least every three months to ensure the medication remains efficient. These appointments will help your doctor determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted. They may also check whether there are any comorbidities like heart problems.
Counseling
img width="406" src="
">
For adults with ADHD, counseling can be as effective as medications for treating symptoms. Psychotherapy focuses on helping patients learn to manage their symptoms and improve how they interact with others. It could include individual therapy as well as group support, cognitive behavior therapy and other psychotherapeutic techniques. Psychotherapy can increase motivation to treat ADHD and reduce negative emotions. It can also teach patients and their family members ways to improve relationships such as conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be afflicted with comorbid disorders than those without the condition, so it is important to treat any other mental health conditions that may be present. Depression bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorder are all conditions that have similar symptoms to ADHD. Treatment for these disorders can help improve the response to ADHD medications and make it easier to control ADHD symptoms.
In a study that assessed the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy participants rated mindfulness meditation and stress-reducing techniques as very or helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy were evaluated as very beneficial or extremely helpful. These approaches can be combined to form a comprehensive plan of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
Therapists can also help patients with organizational and time management issues. They can offer strategies to help overcome procrastination as well as developing more effective routines for organizing daily tasks. They can help patients recognize and correct thinking errors that can lead to self-defeating negative moods and unrealistic expectations. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to help patients overcome their negative thinking patterns, which can be a source of frustration for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy is particularly useful in improving relationships with colleagues, friends and partners. People with ADHD tend to forgetting appointments, not meeting deadlines, and making decisions impulsively which can be stressful for even the most understanding spouse or partner. Family and marriage therapy can assist families and couples learn how to deal with these issues. Classes that improve communication and conflict resolution within families and couples have a profound effect on the lives of ADHD adults.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a behavioural intervention that focuses primarily on modifying the environment to meet the needs of an individual. People with ADHD have difficulty staying organized, focusing on a task over a long period of time, paying their bills, and dealing with sensory input. The practice of occupational therapy can aid in these problems.
Those who have hyperactive-impulsive symptoms of ADHD may find it difficult to control their impulses, which can cause them to interrupt others, grab things from other people, or speak at inappropriate times. In these instances an OT can assist them in learning strategies that will allow them to control impulses and work with others without an episode or disrupting the conversation.
Many people with ADHD also struggle with executive function skills. These include working memory skills and planning skills, as well as shifting focus, setting priorities and self-control. An OT can help in developing these skills and strategies to improve their daily functioning.
Some adults with ADHD have problems with sensory processing that could cause them to become overwhelmed or overwhelmed by visual, auditory, tactile, and gustatory stimuli. Those who have this type of ADHD may be sensitive to sounds, smells or touch and may not like physical contact. An OT can help them learn to manage these challenges and can suggest strategies for managing sensory overload or to avoid stress.
Kids with ADHD, especially those who have the hyperactive-impulsive presentation, have a lot of restless energy that they need to release. If they don't have a outlet for their energy, it can lead to emotional meltdowns or angry outbursts during inconvenient times such as during reading time at school. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/ can help them learn to channel their energy into more constructive outlets, like taking part in sports or in a group.
Children with ADHD are often troubled in traditional schools because they're not set up for neurodivergent kids, which makes it difficult to follow directions or stay in the classroom. An OT can help the teacher of a child to make changes to support the child for ADHD, such as setting up a weekly calendar and offering alternative seating options.
Individual Therapy
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on a person’s life and relationships. Therapy can help adults cope with these effects and improve their lives by addressing emotional and behavioral issues that often accompany the disorder. Psychotherapy is commonly used to treat comorbid conditions such as depression and substance abuse.
Cognitive psychotherapy can teach patients new strategies for coping with their issues like mindfulness meditation and regulation of emotions. It can also help them identify and overcome thinking distortions which can cause negative emotions and hinder the ability to solve problems. The goal of psychotherapy is to reduce the effects of the symptoms of ADHD while enhancing pre-existing skills for coping.
Behavioral therapy is a one-on-one counseling technique that helps those with ADHD manage their home and work environments. It can be used to tackle specific issues, like inattention and forgetfulness. It can also promote positive reinforcement such as rewards for good behavior and punishments for bad behavior. It can teach family members methods to help manage symptoms, such as timers, reminders of chores and appointments.
People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications. It is recommended that they take regular meals and snacks at least 3 hours apart. They should also avoid sweet drinks and increase their intakes of complex carbohydrates and proteins to maintain a constant level of energy throughout the day. It is also essential to schedule regular mealtimes and ensure they get enough rest.
Additionally, people with ADHD frequently have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. Individual therapy can help people deal with these issues and teach them to communicate better. It can also address any issues that are underlying, such as feelings of failure, low self-esteem or frequent job changes.
Medicines are the most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, but they don't always have long-lasting effects and can trigger side effects in some people. Combining them with other treatments can lead to more lasting benefits. Research has shown that medications can lower the risk of depression motor vehicle accidents, depression and suicide in adults with ADHD.
![[PukiWiki]](image/pukiwiki.png "[PukiWiki]")
