How is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated in adults?

It is important to understand that this condition (ADHD) is experienced in various degrees, and in slightly different ways, by different individuals.   Some people are more hyper than others; while some are not hyperactive, but are easily distracted and are disorganized.

In this day and age when there seems to be a pill to cure just about anything, many people with this problem seek a prescription for a medication that might have seen advertised on TV.  Although there is benefit from medication in many cases, there are also side effects to medications that might be unpleasant.  Everyone is different, and each person must make an informed decision, in consultation with a trusted medical professional, before embarking on a plan of medical treatment.

However, in just about every instance of an adult with ADHD, there is a need for others in the immediate family to understand the particular "quirks" of their loved one, and to interact with him or her in ways that are helpful and supportive.  For instance, it is recommended to get the attention of the ADHD individual before beginning to speak about anything.  That will avoid the exasperation of feeling as if you are being ignored.  Little adjustments like this can improve interpersonal relationships and bring a healthier and more peaceful atmosphere into the home. 

Treatment of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should include restructuring, including developing routines and habits to help get life organized. Working with a coach can help in this regard. You can find a coach via the Internet, as ADHD coaching has become a bona fide service.

Treatment should also include attention to sleep, diet, exercise, and meditation or prayer. All of these have been proven to impact the symptoms of ADHD. Sufficient sleep is an amount of sleep that allows you to wake up without an alarm clock. Proper nutrition is key to brain health. The closer to following a vegan diet you can come, the better. A daily supplement of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids are also good for your brain. One can't stress the importance of physical exercise and its ability to confer both mental and emotional health benefits enough. Additionally, recent studies have shown that mindfulness training is an excellent treatment for ADHD in adults.

Finally, medication can help. Stimulant medications, like Ritalin or Adderall, when used properly, are safe and effective. We use the same medications for adults that we use for children. When the medications work, they work like a pair of eyeglasses, enhancing mental focus and clarity. Speak with your doctor to get all the information you need.

One treatment is to find the gifts of ADHD and build on your strengths. Once you gain confidence and motivation from discovering your strengths it becomes possible to patch up weaknesses. ADD Coaching is one treatment that can be helpful. Below is a list of strategies I use with clients. An ADD Coach will help you achieve specific goals.

Managing Attention Deficits

• Increase Attention by Decreasing Stress
• Increase Attention by Increasing Interest in a Task
• Increase Attention by Prioritizing
• Increase Attention by Saying No to Unreasonable Demands
• Increase Focus by Setting Goals
• Increase Focus by Creating a Mission Statement
• Increase Focus by Finding Sweet Spot
• Increase Focus by Creating a Not-To-Do List

Managing Impulsivity and Hyperactivity

• Decrease Impulsivity by Pausing
• Decrease Impulsivity by Increasing Detachment
• Decrease Impulsiveness by Asking “What Did You Mean By That?”
• Decrease Impulsivity by Managing Anger
• Decrease Impulsivity by Listing Consequences
• Decrease Impulsivity by Translating Complaints into Requests
• Decrease Impulsivity by Practicing Communication Skills
• Decrease Impulsivity by Increasing Positive Self-talk
• Decrease Hyperactivity by Increasing Self-Care
• Decrease Hyperactivity by Increasing Exercise and Relaxation
• Increase Persistence by Managing Emotions
• Increase Persistence by Increasing Awareness of Benefits
• Increase Persistence by Decreasing Self-Criticism
• Increase Persistence by Increasing Rewards
• Increase Task Completion by Predicting Obstacles
• Increase Task Completion by Identifying Unmet Needs
• Increase Task Completion by Asking for Support

Create Real World Success

• Increase Motivation by Decreasing Depletion
• Increase Motivation by Noticing Progress
• Increase Motivation by Focusing on Positive Feelings
• Increase Motivation by Asking “Why do I want to change?”
• Increase Confidence by Identifying Strengths
• Increase Confidence by Listing Past Successes
• Increase Time Management by Taking 10 minutes Each Morning
• Increase Time Management by Building New Habits
• Increase Time Management by Using Prompts and Reminders

The best treatments for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are medication and psychotherapy. If you have ADHD, talk to your doctor about medication options for ADHD. You may want to use stimulant drugs to treat your ADHD symptoms, or you may prefer to take antidepressant medication for ADHD. Keep trying until you find the best option for you.

Likewise, you can choose from a number of psychological approaches to treating ADHD. Behavioral therapy can be helpful. A great therapist can help you learn new ways to manage your life, stay organized, focus, and get along with others. If ADHD causes trouble with your spouse or children, consider family therapy. In this setting, all of you can discuss how your condition affects the household. Family therapy can open up a new, healthy way to communicate together.

There are numerous ways to treat adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the best course of treatment for ADHD varies from person to person. Some people benefit from meeting with a mental health professional for help with their relationships with family, friends and coworkers, as well as reducing impulsive behaviour. Some mental health professionals will treat ADHD using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Some patients benefit from ADHD coaching, which helps restore order and harmony to their lives. There are also ADHD support groups that provide patients with the opportunity to meet others experiencing similar problems.

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