How to Treat ADHD
Many people with ADHD are able to get relief from medication. The stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine boost and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals.
Counseling can help you deal with the issues that ADHD creates at work, school and in relationships. Therapy can also teach family members how to help their loved ones.
Medicines
Adults and children suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from medications 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). Some of these medications have additional ingredients that can reduce appetite and encourage sleep. Stimulant medications can cause several adverse effects, including loss of appetite and stomach upsets, insomnia and weight loss. Before beginning treatment, it is important to discuss these adverse effects with your physician.
Adults who suffer from co-occurring ADHD/substance abuse disorders are at a greater risk of using stimulant medication than those who do not suffer from a mental illness. For this reason, it is essential to work with your healthcare professional to match the characteristics of the different extended release stimulant preparations to your specific requirements. It may be helpful to record the effects of the medication on your daily activities so that you and your healthcare provider can make any necessary adjustments.
Medicines such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and antidepressants may be prescribed "off-label" to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs target two neurotransmitters in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine, which can enhance concentration. These medications may be a viable 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. They tend to carry a lower risk of side effects such as agitation or insomnia, but all drugs have some risks. FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication is atomoxetine (Strattera), Intuniv, (guanfacine), Kapvay, (clonidine) (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 also help you to set realistic goals and persist toward them, enhance your ability to focus and manage the impulsive behavior, and build more harmonious relationships. BetterHelp is an online service, matches you with licensed, reputable psychotherapists who can assist you with ADHD and other disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Counseling
If you suffer from adult ADHD, you could benefit from counseling services to assist you in managing your symptoms and live an improved quality of life. These services could include psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and information about the disorder, and developing the skills needed to be more successful. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one common form of treatment that can be paired with medication to treat ADHD. CBT helps you to change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that cause problems in your everyday life. It can also improve your focus and memory and assist you in gaining better control over your emotions and impulses.
You may require family therapy or marriage counseling in the event that your ADHD symptoms impact your relationships. Your therapist can help you learn methods to improve your communication and problem-solving. Family members can learn how to assist you. CBT can help boost confidence in yourself and improve your organization skills, ensuring you feel more confident about your self-esteem. Talkspace is a great option if you are having trouble finding an psychotherapist. This online platform offers subscription-based mental health services that include therapy for ADHD and other ailments. You can talk to your therapist via video, text or audio sessions. The company offers a monthly subscription with unlimited messages and a guarantee of a response adhd overstimulation treatment from your therapist, five days a week.
Managing managing your ADHD requires patience and persistence. If you have a difficult recalling appointments or meeting deadlines, consider setting reminders on your computer or phone. If you're not able to manage your symptoms, talk to your doctor about taking medication or exploring alternative treatments.
It is crucial to find a therapist that recognizes the unique challenges you face when dealing with ADHD. Be sure to choose a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and who you are confident in. A good therapist should have a compassionate, nonjudgmental attitude and will listen to your concerns. Avoid a therapist that doesn't pay attention to you or doesn't maintain eye contact.
The National Association of Attention Deficit Disorders has a variety of sources for adults suffering from ADHD. The website offers educational materials and supports groups workshops, webinars, classes and a directory of professional providers who specialize in the condition.
Self-help
Many people with ADHD can make positive adjustments to their routines, learn how to use their strengths, and devise strategies to manage their symptoms. These skills can help them work more efficiently, maintain organization and better interact with other people. Some of these techniques can also decrease daily stress and increase their sense of self-worth. These self-help services are not instant fixes, but with time and practice, they can help reduce some of the most difficult aspects of ADHD.
Psychological counseling is a popular method of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. It can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids patients understand and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It can also address issues relating to other mental health conditions such as depression or substance misuse. Marital and family counseling can also assist family members cope with the challenges of living with ADHD.
CBT is a well-studied treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and can be used in combination with medication. It teaches patients to identify and challenge unhealthy thoughts, such as all-or-nothing thinking, focusing on mistakes, and downplaying achievements. These thoughts can lead to procrastination, impulsive behavior, and trouble with interpersonal relationships. CBT can help patients develop coping skills, such as goal setting, planning and organizational skills.
Other strategies to cope with adult ADHD include keeping a schedule and exercising. Being able to rest enough can improve focus and reduce anger. Meditation can help improve emotional regulation and control of impulses. Recent research showed that a cognitive behavioral approach combining mindfulness meditation training, CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy helped improve ADHD symptoms.
It is important to understand that ADHD can affect all aspects of your life, including your personal and professional relationships. It can lead to issues with money, work, school, and family and make it difficult to maintain a sense of self-worth. Additionally, it could result in chronic stress and burnout, anxiety, mood disorders and sleep issues. These issues can exacerbate your ADHD symptoms and affect your family, friends and relationships. To overcome these challenges, you can seek out the help of a specialist in ADHD.
Support groups
A support group is an excellent way to connect with others who suffer from ADHD. These groups provide a wealth knowledge and advice from those who have experienced ADHD for many years. They can also offer emotional assistance. Many support groups are run by counselors who are professional and specialize in treating ADHD. Others are run by volunteers. There are virtual and online support groups.
When selecting a support group it is important to choose one that's safe and reliable. Look for social media accounts that have been verified by an organization. It is recommended to use accounts on social media that are associated with larger organizations that you trust. It is also crucial to determine if the group is led by peers or professionally facilitated. Although peer-led groups are effective however, they may not have the resources or expertise needed to address complex issues and issues. A professional facilitator can offer direction, structure, and expertise that can enhance the overall quality of the group.
Some support groups offer a variety of activities and events, including meetings, workshops, webinars and coaching services. In addition to providing support, these groups can also provide useful information about treatments and medications for ADHD. A lot of these groups have an inventory of local ADHD experts. You may also choose a group based on your interests if seeking specific assistance. For instance there are groups that focus on parenting ADHD children or for adults suffering from neurodivergence or ADD/ADHD.
In addition to joining a support group, you can also speak to family members and friends about the diagnosis. You should also tell your co-workers and supervisors about your health condition. This will make them aware of your unique needs and may help them to support you at work or school. You may also request for them to accommodate your needs by allowing you to have more time to complete specific tasks. This could be a crucial step in improving your relationships with people closest to you. Always consult a qualified health professional for the most accurate information.