Treatment of Adult ADHD
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD suffer from mental health problems like anxiety and substance abuse disorders or depression. These conditions can impact the effectiveness of ADHD medication.
Psychological counseling can assist patients in learning to manage their symptoms and improve relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one type of therapy that can be used to help patients recognize and change their negative thoughts and behaviors.
Medication
Medication is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD. It can improve concentration and ease symptoms, but it's only part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes talk therapy and behavioral strategies. Talk therapy can help you learn more about ADHD and how you can manage the issues that can arise from your symptoms. For instance you may learn how to handle work-related difficulties because of your symptoms or how to improve your relationships. It can teach you to identify negative thinking patterns and alter them. Talk therapy can also teach you how to better manage your relationships and deal with other issues, such as addiction to drugs or depression.
Adults most commonly take stimulant drugs like amphetamines and methylphenidate for treating ADHD. These medications are available in various forms that include extended-release tablets as well as quick-release capsules. The medication works by increasing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in your brain. This includes dopamine and norepinephrine. The stimulant drugs can have side effects, such as diminished appetite and weight loss, as well as other health concerns, like headaches, sleep disorders and high blood pressure.
Non-stimulant medicines are also available to treat adults with ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an FDA-approved nonstimulant drug that works by increasing the activity of a different neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. It doesn't have the abuse potential of stimulant medications and may take longer to get started.
Some people notice significant improvement in their symptoms when they take ADHD medication. Others experience limited relief with many side effects. It takes time to find out which dosage and type of medication is appropriate for each individual. You will likely need to visit your GP frequently for regular tests and check-ups to see how the medication is working.
Talk therapy
Talk therapy, also known as behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. It can aid in managing your symptoms. The treatment is usually short term and you will collaborate with a mental health professional. This type of therapy can help you to understand how your thoughts, emotions and actions are connected to each one another. It can also help you develop techniques to manage symptoms and improve the quality of your life. It is essential to find a doctor who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
CBT is a tried and true method that has helped many adults suffering from ADHD. This therapy teaches how to replace unhealthy thought patterns such as procrastination, or thinking that everything is all-or-nothing with more positive ones. This kind of therapy also helps you organize your environment in ways that reduce problems caused by your ADHD.
Behavioral coaching is a second approach that focuses primarily on practical solutions for everyday challenges. This kind of therapy helps to develop strategies for organizing your home and work environments prioritizing tasks, and directing money. It can be conducted in person or via the phone. Many coaches have business backgrounds and are able to give advice on how to handle workplace issues.
Some people with ADHD might notice that their symptoms are more evident at certain moments in their lives. This could be due to major life changes, like the start of a new job or a childbirth. Some people say that their symptoms become less severe as they grow older.
The good news is, ADHD can be treated with the proper combination and therapy of medicine. The first step is to visit your family physician. The doctor will evaluate your health condition and suggest the best treatment plan.
Exercise
Exercise can be a great treatment for ADHD. Exercise can boost your mental and emotional well-being, in addition to the obvious physical benefits. Additionally, treating adults with adhd can boost the production of vital proteins that help regulate signaling processes in the brain. It also helps to blunt the amygdala's responsiveness to hair-triggers which means you are less likely to get angry in public or even lash out at the driver you are driving with a road rage episode.
It is crucial to select a workout based on your preferences and interests. This will keep you interested and active which is a challenge for those suffering from ADHD. Consider joining a team or a league if you are interested in team sports. If you don't like the gym environment it is possible to exercise in the outdoors or at your home. The noise in the gym can trigger sensory overload and leave you frustrated and uninterested in working out.
In addition to cardio exercise those with ADHD should include strength training into their routines. This will give a more balanced workout and can improve coordination, which is often impaired in people with ADHD. Additionally, strengthening exercises can also help people with ADHD focus better.
In addition to regular exercise, adults with ADHD should eat a balanced diet. Avoid alcohol with added sugar and fast food and eat meals or snacks at regular intervals. The addition of protein and complex carbs will help people suffering from ADHD maintain their energy levels and improve their focus. People suffering from ADHD should also get enough rest. Lack of sleep can cause impulsive behavior and a poor level of concentration. It's also recommended to try meditation and relaxation techniques that can help reduce anxiety and irritability.
Yoga
Many adults don't discover they suffer from ADHD until after they seek help for a different problem, such as marital or depression. They are unable to concentrate at work or school, and their relationships can be strained. They may have trouble sleeping well. Anxiety disorders or high levels of ADHD can be the result.
Adults with ADHD might find that yoga exercises are beneficial in reducing the symptoms. It is an ancient exercise that integrates self-awareness with physical activity, and helps to strengthen the mind-body connection. It assists people in focusing on breathing, and also creates a sense peace. It reduces the levels of hormone neurotransmitters epinephrine and dopamine that are linked to hyperactivity.
Studies have shown that yoga improves the ability of people with ADHD to control their emotions and focus on tasks. In one study, 32 people were randomly assigned six weeks of Bikram Yoga training or a control group that was on the list of waiters. They were required to complete a task that tested their working memory and researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess brain activity. Women who took part in the yoga program had better results than the control group.
If you're thinking of trying yoga to treat your ADHD, check with your doctor prior to starting. Make sure that the yoga instructor is certified and ask if they have any experience working with individuals with ADHD. Talk to your doctor to determine if a clinical study is right for you. Clinical trials are research studies that investigate new methods to prevent, detect or treat conditions and diseases. They usually involve both healthy volunteers and patients.
Management of stress
Using a range of techniques, stress management helps you to reset your body's alarm system and reduce the impact of negative emotions like anxiety, anger and resentment on your health, relationships and the quality of your life. In addition to calming methods that reduce breathing and heart rates, stress management could include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you break negative patterns of thinking or talk therapy for individuals (either in-person or via online counseling platforms such as BetterHelp).
Finding and tracking the causes of your stress is the first step towards managing your emotions and physical symptoms. It isn't always easy to identify the root of the problem, but a close review of your daily routine and habits can aid in determining the cause. For instance, if your stress is about a hectic work schedule and you're aware that it always causes stress, try changing the situation by making plans ahead or finding a way to manage your time. You can also accept what you can't manage and discover ways to cope with situations that you cannot alter.
Communication with teachers and coworkers about ADHD is another aspect of stress management. 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 adjustments to help you to do your job or studies. In addition, you can seek emotional support from family and friends. Counseling for family or marital relationships can aid you and your loved ones comprehend and help each other, improve communication and work together to overcome any obstacles in your relationship. It's important to note that these therapies aren't the same for everyone and you may need some trial and error to find the best combination for you.