ADHD In Adults (cont.)
Behavioral treatments for adult ADHD
Adult ADHD may be treated with one or more of the following:
- Individual cognitive and behavioral therapy to enhance self-esteem
- Relaxation training and stress management to reduce anxiety and stress
- Behavioral coaching to teach the person strategies for organizing home and work activities
- Job coaching or mentoring to support better working relationships and improve on-the-job performance
- Family education and therapy
In-depth assessment, treatment planning, medication management, individual
therapy, education and family support are all necessary to help the adult with
ADHD function in new ways and build his or her self-esteem. Because ADHD is
often associated with other conditions (such as specific learning disabilities,
anxiety and mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and chemical
dependency), in-depth assessment is the first step in developing a
comprehensive, customized treatment plan.
Psychosocial behavior management strategies
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from some basic organizational concepts
and behavior management strategies to help manage the condition. Here are ways
to train yourself to overcome these problems or make them more manageable:
- Take medications as directed. If you are taking any medications for ADHD or any other
condition, be sure and take them exactly as prescribed. Missing a dose or
taking two doses at once to catch up on missed doses can have negative
consequences for you and others. If you are noticing side effects or other
problems, speak to your health care provider as soon as possible.
- Organize yourself. Train yourself to become more organized. Make
lists of daily tasks (be reasonable!) and strive to complete them. Use a daily
planner, leave notes for yourself and set your alarm clock when you need to
remember an appointment or other activity.
- Control impulsive behavior. If you have a tendency to do things you
later regret, such as interrupting or getting angry at others, manage the
impulse by counting to 10 while breathing slowly instead of acting out. Usually
the impulse will pass as quickly as it appeared.
- Minimize distractions. Find ways to reduce the distractions
throughout the day. If you find yourself being distracted by loud music or the
television, turn it off or use earplugs. Move yourself to a quieter location or
ask others to help reduce distractions.
- Find constructive outlets for excess energy. People with ADHD
sometimes seem to have more nervous energy than others, and this hyperactivity
needs to have an outlet of some sort. A hobby or other pastime can be
helpful.
- Ask for help. We all need help from time to time and it is important
to not be afraid to ask for it when you need it. If you are having disruptive
thoughts or behaviors, ask a counselor if they have any techniques that might
help control them.
Living with adult ADHD
Although most people don't outgrow ADHD, they do learn to adapt. If the
difficulties associated with ADHD are managed appropriately throughout their
lives, adults with ADHD can learn to develop personal strengths and become
productive and successful.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital.
Edited by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD, on
October 1, 2005.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
Last Editorial Review: 12/14/2007
 |
 |
From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
|
Specialty RSS
