How to Treat ADHD
Many people with ADHD are able to get relief from medication. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, can boost and regulate the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.
Counseling can help you manage the difficulties ADHD can cause in your work, at school and in your relationships. Therapy can help family members to support their loved one.
Medicines
Children and adults with ADHD can benefit from taking medication to improve their ability to control impulses, plan ahead and concentrate. Psychostimulants are believed to balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They also can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in 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). Certain drugs contain other ingredients that reduce appetite and encourage sleep. These medications can cause various side effects including the loss of appetite as well as stomach upsets, insomnia, and weight loss. It is important to discuss these issues with your doctor before beginning treatment.
Adults who suffer from co-occurring ADHD/substance abuse disorders are at a greater chance of consuming stimulant medications than those with no mental illness. It is essential to collaborate with your healthcare professional to determine the characteristics and requirements of the various extended release stimulant preparations. You may find it helpful to record your daily activities as well as the effects of your medication to collaborate with your healthcare professional to make any necessary adjustments.
Medications like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and antidepressants are available "off-label" to treat ADHD in adults. They work by increasing concentration through two neurotransmitters found in the brain that are norepinephrine (a stimulant) and dopamine (an antidepressant). These medications could be a good option in the event that stimulants haven't worked or are too annoying, or if there is a history of drug abuse.
Non-stimulant drugs are also available to treat ADHD in adults. However they aren't as common as stimulants. Although adult adhd treatments tend to have less risk of adverse effects such as agitation and insomnia but all drugs come with risks. FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medication includes atomoxetine (Strattera) Intuniv, (guanfacine), Kapvay, (clonidine) the XR and Qelbree.
Therapy can help you or your child learn skills to cope with the symptoms of ADHD such as how to manage stress, anger and frustration. Therapists can help you learn to set realistic goals and persist in achieving them, increase your concentration and control of impulsive behavior, and build stronger relationships with others. BetterHelp, which matches you with accredited and licensed therapists, can help those suffering from ADHD depression, ADD or anxiety.
Counseling
If you suffer from adult ADHD You may benefit from counseling to help you manage your symptoms and achieve a more fulfilling life. These services include psychological counseling (psychotherapy), education about the disorder, and acquiring skills to become more successful. CBT is a common treatment for ADHD that can be combined medication. CBT helps you to change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that can cause problems in your daily life. It can also help improve your concentration and memory and help you gain better control over your emotions and impulses.
You may need family therapy or counseling for your marriage if your ADHD symptoms impact your relationships. Your therapist can teach you strategies to improve communication and problem-solving. Family members can learn to support you. CBT can also improve your self-esteem and increase your organization skills, ensuring you feel more confident about your self-esteem. If you're having trouble finding a therapist, think about using a telehealth service like Talkspace. The online platform provides subscription-based mental health services that include therapy for ADHD and other conditions. You can communicate with your therapist through video, messaging or audio sessions. The company offers a monthly subscription with unlimited messages and a guaranteed response from your therapist, five days a week.
To manage ADHD it is necessary to have perseverance and patience. Set reminders on your phone or computer in case you're having difficulty remembering deadlines or appointments. If you're unable manage your symptoms, speak to your doctor about taking medication or seeking alternative treatment options.
It is crucial to choose a therapist who is aware of the unique challenges you face with ADHD. Be sure to choose an therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD and whom you are confident in. A good therapist must have an open and non-judgmental manner and be able to listen to your concerns. Avoid a therapist who does not listen to you or who doesn't keep eye contact.
The National Association of Attention Deficit Disorders offers many resources to people suffering from ADHD. The website provides educational materials as well as support groups, webinars and classes. There is also a directory of specialists who specialize in the disorder.
Self-help
Many people suffering from ADHD can make positive changes in their daily routines, learn to utilize their strengths and devise strategies to control their symptoms. These abilities can help them work more efficiently, keep their organization and be more effective in interacting with other people. Certain techniques can also reduce stress and improve their self-esteem. These self-help tools aren't easy fixes, but with time and effort they can reduce some of the most difficult aspects of ADHD.
Psychological counseling is one of the most commonly used forms of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. It may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists patients understand and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It can also address other mental health conditions such as depression or substance abuse. Marital and family counseling can also help loved ones deal with the difficulties of living with ADHD.
CBT is a well-studied treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and can be used in conjunction with medication. It teaches people to identify and overcome unhealthy patterns of thinking, such as all-or nothing thinking, magnifying errors, and downplaying accomplishments. These behaviors can lead to procrastination, impulsive behavior, and trouble with interpersonal relationships. CBT can also help patients to employ coping strategies, such as planning, goal setting and organizational skills.
Other strategies to deal with adult ADHD include identifying and practicing healthy sleeping patterns, observing a regular schedule, and exercising. A good night's rest can help increase focus and decrease anger. Meditation can improve emotional regulation and impulse control. Recent research found that a cognitive-behavioral method that combined mindfulness meditation, CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy helped to reduce ADHD symptoms.
It is important to be aware that ADHD can affect every aspect of your life, including personal and professional relationships. It can cause problems with money, work, school, and family and make it difficult to maintain a sense of self-worth. It can also lead to chronic burnout and mood disorders, anxiety disorders and sleep problems. These issues can increase your ADHD symptoms and impact your family, friendships, and relationships. To overcome these difficulties you can seek the help of a therapist who specializes in ADHD.
Support groups
A support group is a great method to meet other people with ADHD. These groups provide many sources of knowledge and advice from those who have dealt with ADHD for many years. They can also provide emotional assistance. Many support groups run by professional counselors who specialize in treating ADHD. Some are run by volunteers. There are also online and virtual support groups.
When selecting a support organization, it's important to find one that is safe and reliable. Look for social media accounts that have been validated by an organization. It is best to choose accounts that are linked to the larger organizations that you can trust. It is also crucial to determine if the group is led by peers or professionally facilitated. While peer-led groups are effective, they may not have the resources or know-how to solve complex problems and challenges. Professional facilitators provide structure, direction and specialized expertise to enhance the effectiveness of a group.
A few support groups provide a variety of activities and events, such as meetings, workshops and webinars. They may also offer coaching services. They provide assistance and information about treatments and medications. A majority of these groups provide local lists of ADHD experts. If you're looking for a particular type of help you could also consider finding a group focused on your particular interests. For example there are groups that focus on parenting ADHD children or for adults suffering from ADD/ADHD and neurodivergence.
You can also speak to your family and friends about the diagnosis. It is also advisable to inform your co-workers and supervisors about your health condition. This will allow them to better understand your needs and will make it easier for you to be aided at work or in school. Additionally, you can request that they make accommodations for your condition like making you work longer for certain tasks. This can be an important step in improving your relationships with people closest to you. However, you should always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional for the most accurate medical information.