How to Treat ADHD
Many people with ADHD find relief through medication. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine increase the levels of certain brain chemicals.
Counseling helps you cope with the issues that ADHD causes at work, school and in relationships. Therapy can also teach family members how to support their loved ones.
Medicines
Many kids and adults suffering from ADHD benefit from medication to help improve their ability to focus, control impulses and plan ahead. These drugs, referred to as psychostimulants, are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can also reduce the 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). Certain of these medications contain additional ingredients that help to reduce appetite and promote sleep. Stimulant medication can have a variety of negative side effects, such as weight loss as well as stomach upset, insomnia and weight loss. Before starting treatment, it's important to discuss these adverse effects with your physician.
Adults who suffer from co-occurring ADHD/substance abuse disorders are at a greater chance of consuming stimulant medications than those without a mental illness. For this reason, it is crucial to work with your healthcare professional to align the characteristics of the different extended release stimulant medications to your individual needs. It is helpful to track the effects of the medication on your daily activities so that you and your healthcare professional can make adjustments as necessary.
Medications like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and antidepressants can be prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD in adults. These medications target two neurotransmitters in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine, which can enhance concentration. They may be an appropriate treatment option in the event that you've tried stimulants but found them to be unhelpful or unpleasant or if you have an history of addiction to drugs.
Non-stimulant medications are also available to treat ADHD in adults. However treatment for adhd in adults as stimulants. They tend to carry less risk of adverse effects like agitation or insomnia, but all drugs have dangers. FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications include atomoxetine (Strattera) and Intuniv (guanfacine XR), Kapvay (clonidine XR) and Qelbree (viloxazine).
Therapy can teach you or your child techniques to deal with the symptoms of ADHD, including how to manage stress, anger and frustration. Therapists can teach you how to establish realistic goals and persevere in achieving them, improve your concentration and control of the impulsive behavior of your child, and also develop better interpersonal relationships. BetterHelp, an online service that connects you with accredited and licensed therapists, may help you deal with ADHD depression, ADD or anxiety.
Counseling
Counseling services can help you manage ADHD symptoms and lead an enjoyable and fulfilling adult life. These can include psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as education about the disorder, and learning techniques to become more successful. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular method of treatment that can be combined with medication to treat ADHD. CBT helps you to change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that can cause problems in your daily life. It can also help you improve your memory, focus and emotions.
If you find that your ADHD symptoms affect your relationships, you may need marriage or family counseling. Your therapist will teach you how to improve communication and problem solving. Family members can learn how to support you. CBT can improve your self-esteem, and boost your organization skills so that you feel more confident. If you are having difficulty finding a therapist, consider using a telehealth provider like Talkspace. 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 plan with unlimited messages and a guarantee of a response by your therapist five days a week.
Managing managing your ADHD requires patience and persistence. If you're having a hard remembering appointments or meeting deadlines, try setting reminders on your computer or phone. If you're unable to manage your symptoms, speak to your doctor about taking medication or looking into alternative treatments.
It's important to find a therapist who understands the unique challenges you face with ADHD. Find a therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD, and one you can be confident in. A good therapist should possess a caring and non-judgmental attitude and be willing to listen to your concerns. Be wary of a therapist who does not listen to you or who doesn't maintain eye contact.
The National Association of Attention Deficit Disorders has many resources for adults with ADHD. Its website features educational materials and also supports groups classes, webinars, and webinars and a professional directory of professionals who specialize in the condition.
Self-help
Many people with ADHD can make positive changes in their daily routines, learn to use their strengths and develop strategies to manage their symptoms. These skills can help them function more efficiently, stay organized, and interact better with other people. Some of these techniques may also help to reduce stress levels and increase a person's sense of self-worth. These self-help programs aren't instant solutions however, with time and effort they can lessen some of the most difficult aspects of ADHD.
Psychological counseling is a popular form of treatment for adults with ADHD. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids patients understand and change unhelpful behavior patterns and thoughts. It can also address issues that are related to other mental health conditions like addiction to drugs or depression. Marital and family counseling can also assist loved ones cope with the difficulties of living with ADHD.
CBT is an effective treatment for ADHD in adults that can be used with medication. It helps patients recognize and challenge negative thoughts, which could include the all-or-nothing mentality, magnifying mistakes, and downplaying accomplishments. These habits can lead you to impulsive and procrastination behaviors, as well as problems with interpersonal relationships. CBT can help patients develop strategies for coping, such as goal setting, planning and the ability to organize.
Other strategies to cope with adult ADHD include keeping a routine and working out. Sleeping enough can help improve focus and reduce anger. Meditation can help improve emotional regulation and impulse control. A recent study revealed that a cognitive-behavioral method involving mindfulness meditation training CBT, mindfulness, and inter-personal psychotherapy improved symptoms of ADHD.
It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD can impact all aspects of your life, including your professional and personal relationships. It can lead to issues with work, finances, school, and family, making it difficult to maintain a sense self-worth. In addition, it may cause chronic stress and burnout as well as mood disorders, anxiety and sleep disorders. These issues can increase ADHD symptoms and have an adverse impact on your family, friends, and relationships. You can consult a therapist who has ADHD expertise to help you overcome these challenges.
Support groups
A support group can be an excellent way to connect with people who have ADHD. They provide a wealth of information and tips from those who have suffered from ADHD for many years. They can also provide emotional assistance. There are many support groups 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 a group that is safe and reliable. You should look for an account on social media that has been verified by the company. It is best to use accounts on social media that are associated with larger organizations you trust. It's also important to know if the group is led by peers or professionally-facilitated. While peer-led groups can be effective but they might not have the resources or expertise to address complex problems and issues. Professional facilitators provide structure, guidance and specialized expertise to enhance the effectiveness of the group.
Some support groups offer different activities and events like meetings, workshops and webinars. They may also offer coaching services. In addition to providing support, these groups can also offer valuable information on medications and treatments for ADHD. A majority of these groups provide a list local ADHD experts. If you're looking for a specific type of help, you can also try finding a group specifically focused on your particular interests. There are groups for parents of ADHD children or adults with ADHD/ADD.
You can also speak to your family and close friends about the diagnosis. You should also tell your co-workers and supervisors about your condition. This will help them comprehend 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 to accommodate your needs like giving you more time for specific tasks. This could be a huge step in improving relationships with the people who are closest to you. You should always consult with an experienced healthcare professional to get the most precise information.