How to Treat ADHD
Many people with ADHD are able to get relief from medication. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, increase and regulate the levels of certain brain chemicals.
Counseling can help you deal with the issues that ADHD causes at school, work and in relationships. Therapy can teach family members to help their loved one.
Medicines
Many children and adults with ADHD benefit from medication to improve their ability to focus and control impulses, as well as plan ahead. These psychostimulants appear to balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can also lessen the symptoms of ADHD in a short period 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 can reduce appetite and promote sleep. The stimulant medications can cause various negative side effects, such as loss of appetite and stomach upset, insomnia, and weight loss. Before beginning treatment, it's important to discuss these adverse effects with your physician.
For those who suffer from co-occurring ADHD and addiction disorders, the risk of using stimulant medication is greater than for those who don't suffer from a mental health issue. It is crucial to cooperate with your healthcare provider to determine the characteristics and needs of the different extended release stimulant preparations. You may find it helpful to chart your daily activities and the effects of your medication so that you can consult with your doctor to make any necessary adjustments.
Adults can be treated with antidepressants as well as Wellbutrin, a medication that contains bupropion. These drugs work by increasing concentration via two neurotransmitters that are found in the brain including norepinephrine (a stimulant) and dopamine (an antidepressant). They may be an appropriate treatment option if you've tried stimulants and discovered that they were not effective or uncomfortable, or in the case of a history of substance abuse.
Non-stimulant medicines are also available for treating ADHD for adults, but they haven't been around longer than stimulants. Although they have lower risks of adverse side effects such as agitation and insomnia but all drugs come with risk. FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications include atomoxetine (Strattera) Intuniv (guanfacine XR), Kapvay (clonidine XR) and Qelbree (viloxazine).
Therapy can teach you or your child strategies to manage the symptoms of ADHD such as how to manage stress, anger and frustration. Therapists can show you how to set realistic goals and stay on track in achieving them, improve your focus and control your impulsive behavior, as well as develop better interpersonal relationships. BetterHelp is an online service that, matches you with licensed, accredited therapy professionals who can assist with ADHD as well as other conditions like anxiety or depression.
Counseling
Counseling services can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms and live an enjoyable and fulfilling adult life. These services may include psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as information on the disorder, and developing the skills needed to be more successful. CBT is a popular treatment for ADHD that can be combined medications. CBT helps you change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that can cause problems in your day-to-day life. It can also help improve your memory, focus and emotions.
You may require family therapy or marriage counseling in the event that your ADHD symptoms affect your relationships. Your therapist can teach you methods to improve communication and problem-solving. Family members can learn to support you. CBT can help boost your self-esteem, and boost your organizational skills, making you feel more confident. If you are having difficulty finding a therapist, think about using a telehealth provider like Talkspace. The online platform provides subscription-based mental health care that includes therapy for ADHD and other conditions. You can communicate with your therapist through video, text or audio sessions. The company also offers an annual plan that includes unlimited messaging with a guarantee of response from your therapist 5 days a week.
Controlling your ADHD requires patience and persistence. If you have a hard recalling appointments or meeting deadlines, consider setting reminders on your computer or phone. If you're unable to manage your symptoms, speak with your physician about medications or other treatment options.
It is essential to find a therapist who understands your unique challenges associated with ADHD. Choose a therapist with years of experience treating adults with ADHD, and one you can trust. A good therapist should have a caring, non-judgmental approach and will listen to your concerns. Avoid add adult treatment that does not pay attention to you or doesn't maintain eye contact.
The National Association of Attention Deficit Disorders provides many resources for people suffering from ADHD. The website has educational materials, support groups, webinars, and classes. There is also a directory of professionals who specialize in this condition.
Self-help
Many people with ADHD can make positive changes to their daily routine Learn to make use of their strengths, and create strategies to manage their symptoms. These skills can help people to work more efficiently, stay organized, and interact with others better. Certain techniques can also reduce stress and boost their self-esteem. These self-help programs don't offer quick fixes, but they can help reduce some of the more challenging aspects of ADHD.
Psychological counseling is a common form of treatment for adults with ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to assist patients in understanding and modify harmful thoughts and behavior. It can also address issues relating to other mental health conditions like addiction to drugs or depression. Counseling for couples and families can assist loved ones in coping better with ADHD.
CBT is a well-studied and researched treatment for adults with ADHD and can be utilized in conjunction with medications. It teaches patients to recognize and confront negative thoughts, which can include all-or-nothing thinking, magnifying mistakes, and downplaying achievements. These behaviors can cause procrastination, impulsive behavior, and trouble with interpersonal relationships. CBT can teach patients strategies for coping, such as goals, planning, and the ability to organize.
Other strategies to manage adult ADHD include keeping a routine and working out. Being able to rest enough can increase focus and decrease anger. Meditation practice can enhance impulse control and emotional regulation. Recent research showed that a cognitive behavior approach combining mindfulness meditation training, CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy helped to reduce ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to keep in mind that ADHD can affect all aspects of your life including your personal and professional relationships. It can lead to problems with school, money, work, and family. It can be difficult to maintain your sense of self-worth. In addition, it can result in chronic stress and burnout as well as mood disorders, anxiety, and sleep problems. These problems can worsen 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 can be an excellent way to get acquainted with others who suffer from ADHD. They provide many sources of advice and information from those who have dealt with ADHD for a long time. They also provide emotional support. Many support groups run by professional counselors who specialize in treating ADHD. Others are run by volunteers. There are also virtual and online support groups.
It is crucial to choose a group that is safe and reliable. Look for a social media account that has been verified by the organization. It's best to use accounts that are linked to the larger organizations that you can trust. It's also important to determine if the group is led by peers or professionally-facilitated. While peer-led groups can be successful but they might not have the resources or expertise to solve complex problems and challenges. A professional facilitator offers structure, guidance and specialized expertise to enhance the effectiveness of a group.
Some support groups provide a variety of activities and events, including webinars, workshops, meetings, and coaching services. They provide support and valuable information about treatments and medications. A majority of these groups provide an extensive list of local ADHD experts. You may also find a group based on your interests if seeking support for a specific issue. There are groups for parents of ADHD children or adults who have ADD/ADHD.
It is also possible to talk with your family and friends about the diagnosis. It is also advisable to inform your supervisors and colleagues about your health condition. This will allow them to better comprehend your needs and will make it easier for you to be aided at school or at work. You may also ask them to accommodate your symptoms by allowing you more time to complete certain tasks. This can be an important step to improve your relationships with people closest to you. However, it is recommended to consult a licensed healthcare professional for the most accurate medical information.