Treatment of Adult ADHD
Most people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from comorbid mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression or substance use disorder. These disorders can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medication.
Psychological counseling aids patients in managing their symptoms and improves relationships. Counseling can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches patients to recognize and alter negative thoughts and behavior.
Medication
The use of medication can be a potent tool in treating adult ADHD. It can aid in improving concentration and decrease symptoms, but it is only one aspect of a treatment plan that includes talk therapy and other strategies for coping with behavioral issues. Talk therapy can help you learn more about how ADHD affects you and how to handle problems that arise because of your symptoms, for example, difficulty meeting 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 as well as tackle other issues like depression or addiction to drugs.
Stimulant medications, including amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most commonly used medications for treating ADHD in adults. They are available in a variety of forms including extended-release tablets and quick-release capsules. The medication increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters within your brain. These include dopamine and norepinephrine. These medications can trigger negative side effects like weight loss and reduced appetite, or other health concerns such as insomnia and headaches.
Non-stimulant drugs are also available to treat people suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an FDA-approved nonstimulant medication that works by increasing the activity of another neurotransmitter, called norepinephrine. It isn't as addictive as stimulant medicines, but it may take longer for it to be effective.
Some people experience significant improvement in their symptoms after taking ADHD medication. Others experience only a little relief, and suffer from many side effects. It can take time to figure out which dosage and type of medication is right for each individual. You'll likely have to visit your GP frequently for regular tests and check-ups to monitor how the medication is working.
Talk therapy
In addition to medication, talk therapy -- also referred to as behavioral therapy -- is a treatment for adults with ADHD that can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms. Therapy is usually short-term and you'll be working with a qualified mental health professional. This kind of therapy can help to understand the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and actions. It can also help you learn techniques to manage symptoms and improve the quality of your life. It's important to find a doctor who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD.
CBT is a tried and true method that has helped many adults suffering from ADHD. The therapy teaches you how to change unhealthy thinking patterns such as procrastination or thinking that things are all-or-nothing with more positive ones. This kind of therapy also helps you organize your environment to help you deal with the issues caused by your ADHD.
Behavioral coaching is another approach that focuses primarily on practical solutions to everyday problems. This type of therapy helps to develop strategies for organizing your the work and home environments, prioritizing tasks and managing money. It can be conducted in person or over the phone. Many coaches have a background in business and may be able to offer advice on managing workplace issues.
Some people with ADHD may be aware that their symptoms are more evident at certain times in their lives. This can be due to major life changes, such as having a baby or starting a new job. Others say that their symptoms become less severe as they grow older.
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 physician. The doctor will examine your condition and recommend the best treatment plan.
Exercise
Exercise can be a great treatment for ADHD. In addition to the obvious physical benefits, it can also improve your cognitive abilities and mood. In addition, it can increase the production of essential proteins that aid in regulating the brain's signaling. It also helps blunt the hair-trigger sensitivity of the amygdala. As a result, you're less likely to lose your temper in public or be angry with a driver in a road-rage incident.
It's important that you choose an exercise program that is based on your interests and tastes. This will keep you engaged and active, which can be a challenge for people with ADHD. Consider joining a team or league if you like team sports. If you aren't a fan of the gym, think about exercising at home or in the outdoors. The clamor of the gym could create sensory overload, and you could be dissatisfied and bored with your exercise routine.
In addition to cardio exercise those with ADHD should include strength training into their routines. This will provide you with an improved workout and increase your coordination, which is often impaired in those with ADHD. Additionally the exercises that strengthen your body can help people with ADHD concentrate better.
Adults with ADHD must eat healthy food in addition to exercising regularly. Avoid drinks that are sugary, fast food and eating meals or snacks frequently. Protein and complex carbohydrates can help those with ADHD improve their concentration and maintain their energy levels. People who suffer from ADHD must also ensure that they get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to impulsive behavior and poor concentration. Try made a post and meditation techniques to decrease anxiety and irritability.
Yoga
Many adults don't discover they suffer from ADHD until after they seek help for another problem, such as depression or marital problems. They often have a difficult focus at work or at school and their relationships are often stressed. They may have trouble sleeping well. Anxiety disorders or high levels of ADHD could also be the result.
Yoga exercises can help adults suffering from ADHD reduce the signs of ADHD. It is a traditional form of exercise that promotes a connection between the body and mind. It assists people in focusing on their breathing and creates the feeling of peace. It lowers the levels of hormone neurotransmitters like epinephrine and dopamine, both of which are linked to hyperactivity.
Yoga improves the ability of adults with ADHD to control and focus their emotions. In one study, 32 people were randomly assigned to six weeks of Bikram Yoga or a control group waiting on the waiting list. They were asked to perform a working memory test and the researchers employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess the activity of the brain. Women who participated in the yoga class performed better than those in the control group.
Before you begin discuss with your doctor about whether you should consider yoga to treat ADHD. Make sure that the yoga instructor is certified and ask if they've had any experience working with people with ADHD. It is also recommended to consult your doctor about whether a trial in clinical research might be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new methods to prevent, detect or treat conditions and diseases. They involve healthy volunteers as well as patients.
Management of stress
Stress management is a collection of strategies that help you reset your body's alarm and decreases the effects of negative emotions like anxiety, anger and resentment. These emotions can negatively impact your health, relationships and your overall quality of life. In addition to techniques for calming that decrease heart and breathing rates, stress management could include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you change negative thinking patterns or individual therapy (either in person or via online counseling platforms like BetterHelp).
The first step to managing your emotions and symptoms is to identify and track the sources of stress. While it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause, a close examination of your daily routine and habits can help discover the source. If you're overwhelmed by the demands of a job that include back-to-back meetings and you know it causes you stress every time, you can attempt to improve the situation by making plans ahead or managing your time. You can also find ways to deal with and accept situations that you can't alter.
Communication with teachers and coworkers about ADHD is another aspect of managing stress. Although you may be concerned about the reactions of these individuals to your diagnosis, most are likely to be understanding and willing to make small accommodations to improve your ability to complete your job or studies. Additionally, you can seek emotional support from your family and friends. Family or marital counseling can assist you and your loved ones comprehend and help each to improve communication and work to overcome the obstacles that hinder your relationship. You may have to try various combinations before you find the right one for you.