If you are unable to find the kind of help you are looking for when it comes to Adult ADHD…
Firstly, you are not alone.
The statistics have revealed that 15.5 million U.S. adults have ADHD, which is almost twice the numbers of people in 2018. ADHD has seen a significant increase in diagnosis and yet many people struggle to receive adequate help.
The problem is…
Adults with ADHD often do not respond to traditional treatment methods.
The behavioral management that works for children in an academic environment often does not have any effect when the distractions of adult life come into play.
Adult ADHD support needs to incorporate:
Work, responsibilities, adult relationships.
The good news…
Adult ADHD is finally receiving the attention it needs. As understanding improves, more and more innovative approaches to ADHD therapy for adults are being developed and put into practice.
From personalized care to new technology, let’s discuss why different approaches to therapy work better for ADHD adults.
Here is what you will learn in this article:
- the differences in treating adult ADHD
- why individualized therapy works
- how innovative new strategies are supporting adults with ADHD
- building a solid support system that works for you.
Adult ADHD Treatment Is Different
One of the key differences between adult ADHD and child ADHD is that in adulthood it manifests differently.
Hyperactivity becomes internal restlessness.
Attention deficits become difficult with project management at work.
By working with an experienced adult ADHD therapist who is aware of these differences, treatment can be tailored in order to fit your unique set of circumstances.
Adults with ADHD require a more customized approach to their individual situation.
The ADHD they are dealing with is different.
Adults are facing work responsibilities, relationships and financial commitments.
All of these factors make ADHD harder for an adult to navigate.
Medication Management: More than a Prescription
It is generally thought that medication is the “answer” to the problems associated with adult ADHD.
The reality is that while medication is a viable and effective approach to supporting adults with ADHD, it is not always the solution. Finding the right medication, the right dosage and monitoring the efficacy in day-to-day living is a skill.
ADHD medication treatment needs to be considered on an individualized basis.
Quality ADHD therapy services work with the patient to figure out which medications, if any, can assist them in their treatment process.
Combining medication with other ADHD management strategies often provides the best results.
Medication alone cannot account for all the symptoms of ADHD. Issues such as organization, time management, procrastination, etc., will all need to be addressed outside of the ADHD medication.
A key point to note about medication is 71.5% of adults taking stimulant medications reported difficulties in having their prescriptions filled in the past year.
Adult ADHD therapy needs to have strategies in place to overcome the challenge of accessing ADHD medication.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Rewiring Your Thinking
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) when applied to the specific nature of adult ADHD can be a very powerful tool.
A CBT treatment approach for adult ADHD can help to:
- address the negative self-talk that may have been internalized over the years of struggling with ADHD
- create workable organizational systems that compliment the way your brain works
- build useful coping mechanisms for some of the core challenges of ADHD
- manage time without becoming overwhelmed.
CBT that is ADHD specific provides real-world practical tools that can be used in day-to-day living.
The focus is on being action-oriented.
ADHD brain processes things differently.
CBT offers strategies that can be implemented to allow for more effective management of some of the key challenges associated with ADHD in adult life.
Apps and Digital Tools: Your Virtual Assistant
One of the most overlooked tools in the management of ADHD is digital technology.
Smartphones can be used to assist in day-to-day ADHD symptom management.
ADHD therapy services are starting to recognize the value of digital tools to help their patients stay on track between sessions.
These tools can be found in:
- apps that are specifically for the ADHD adult population (time tracking, task management, etc.)
- using the smart technology already on your phone to be more efficient
- online therapy sessions that work with your busy schedule
- virtual support groups.
The important thing to remember is to use the technology in a way that helps and not as a new form of distraction.
Select ADHD therapy tools that will assist you in managing ADHD in your life.
Therapists that are ADHD specific will also be able to identify the triggers and sources of ADHD so that you can use digital technology as an asset.
Personalized Environment: ADHD-Friendly Spaces
The majority of adults with ADHD have spent their lives trying to fit into a world that was designed for the neurotypical brain.
That takes its toll.
Innovative new therapy methods include an emphasis on designing an environment and creating systems that work for the adult brain that functions differently because of ADHD.
Environment examples are:
- creating workspaces that minimize distractions that cause ADHD to derail your concentration
- visual reminder systems that you actually see
- routines that work with your ADHD brain rather than frustrate
- incorporating physical activity and breaks into your day.
An ADHD therapist can work with you to determine what in your current environment can be tweaked to create a smoother running ADHD-friendly environment.
A lot of the small changes can make all the difference when it comes to living with ADHD.
ADHD Coaching
The difference between a therapist and a coach is in their approach and focus.
ADHD coaching works specifically on the building of life skills in a practical and functional way that can be applied to meeting your goals.
Therapy can touch on the emotional and psychological aspects of ADHD but is generally a deeper process.
Combining both therapy and coaching can often be the ideal solution.
Many adults with ADHD benefit from the individual work with a therapist but also require assistance with some of the more concrete life skills.
ADHD coaches tend to work in an action-based manner.
This is a good fit for ADHD adult brain processes.
Coaching works to build in techniques such as:
- Time management
- Project completion
- Career goal setting and strategies to reach these goals.
- Relationship management strategies.
ADHD coaching is goal-directed and often focuses on the building of life skills around practical areas of adult ADHD management.
Group Therapy and Support
One of the most powerful ways to get help with adult ADHD is to join a group that has been set up specifically to support adults with ADHD.
Connecting with other people who understand the challenges you face on a day-to-day basis is so valuable.
Adult ADHD group sessions help to reinforce the commonality of ADHD symptoms.
Group support is a way to:
- validate the ADHD brain
- reduce the feeling of isolation
- get practical advice that is actually workable for adults
- create accountability relationships with other ADHD adults
- practice skills and coping techniques in a safe environment.
Support groups and therapy groups can be a really good supplement to individual ADHD support.
It can be invaluable to have an ADHD-specific support group as part of your ADHD management approach.
Wrap Up
Adult ADHD therapy and support have come a long way from a one size fits all approach. Modern treatment methods for adults are finally being designed in a way that is aware of the different way an ADHD brain works.
Quality adult ADHD therapy takes a comprehensive view.
The most helpful therapy methods will combine a number of different approaches.
The best approach for any one individual is personalized care that takes all of the factors of their ADHD into account.
The approach needs to fit with the individuals goals, their lifestyle and the ADHD factors that are particular to them.
ADHD is different for every adult with the condition.
The search for appropriate help for adult ADHD can be disheartening.
Finding a therapist and/or ADHD support that is ADHD aware and can implement innovative strategies to assist you in your treatment process can make all the difference.
Help is available. The right help can change your life.