Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that affects how you process emotions, think, and respond to the environment. It typically develops in your childhood and can continue in your adulthood. Sometimes doctors may not diagnose ADHD until you become an adult. Common Kingwood ADHD symptoms include trouble focusing on tasks, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, talking excessively, making frequent mistakes, and difficulties organizing daily tasks. There are various treatments that can help manage ADHD symptoms, including:
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Medications
There are two types of medications that can help manage ADHD symptoms, which include:
Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants
Central nervous system stimulants are the most commonly used drugs to treat ADHD. They help increase the amounts of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. CNS stimulants produce a paradoxical calming effect, reducing hyperactivity and improving attention in most patients. These medications improve concentration and help ADHD patients focus better. Common CNS stimulants prescribed for ADHD patients include Desoxyn, Focalin, and amphetamine-based stimulants.
Non-stimulant medications
Your doctor can prescribe non-stimulant drugs if stimulants are ineffective or cause severe side effects. Certain non-stimulant medicines help increase levels of norepinephrine in your brain. Norepinephrine can help with attention and memory. These non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine and antidepressants like nortriptyline. Other stimulants like guanfacine and clonidine also help improve ADHD symptoms. These medications help certain brain chemicals involved with attention and memory work better.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy helps you pen about your feeling and cope with ADHD symptoms. ADHD can make you have issues with your peers and authority figures. Psychotherapy helps you handle your relationship with people better. During psychotherapy sessions, your provider can help you explore your behavior patterns and develop ways to make healthier choices in the future.
Behavior therapy
Behavior therapy teaches you to monitor your behaviors and change them appropriately. Your provider helps you learn how to behave in certain situations. The strategies usually involve direct feedback to help learn appropriate behaviors. For example, your therapist may involve a token reward system to encourage positive behaviors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term type of psychotherapy. It focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and replacing them with a new way of how you feel about yourself and ADHD symptoms. CBT can help you with life disorders you experience, like time management and procrastination. It can also help you manage irrational thought patterns that prevent you from staying on task.
Support groups
Support groups help people with similar experiences and concerns connect. You meet regularly with your group members to build relationships and support networks. It is easy to manage your ADHD if you learn that you are not the only person facing the condition. Support groups can also help you get ideas and strategies to cope with a loved one’s ADHD. Your doctor can help you find support groups within your region.
ADHD affects your behavior and how you think and respond to the environment. Your doctor can help you manage your ADHD symptoms through medications, psychotherapy, CBT, behavioral therapy, and support groups. Schedule an appointment at Kingwood Psychiatry for ADHD treatment to improve your behaviors and thinking.