ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH suggests that anyone who believes they may have ADHD consult their health care providers. A thorough examination will determine if the symptoms are caused by mental health problems, stress, or physical illness.
Medications are often the first treatment option for ADHD. Nonstimulants and stimulants are also available to treat the condition.
Medicines
ADHD symptoms can be a sign of a variety of mental disorders that affect adults and children. Some of them include mood disorders, anxiety disorders and adjustment disorder. Additionally chronic stress can trigger various symptoms that appear similar to ADHD. When looking at an adult with ADHD-like symptoms, it is important to consider these possibilities. Once a proper diagnosis has been established, medication is often recommended as a treatment option.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant drugs. These drugs can significantly improve symptoms associated with ADHD, but they are not the only treatment for people with this condition. The use of these medications should only be done after other treatments have been tested. They should not be used in place of the use of behavioral therapy.
There are two major classes of stimulant medication. Methylphenidate as well as dextro-amphetamine two most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been around for many years and have been extensively researched. They are available in many forms, including tablets, liquids and a skin patch. Adderall is the most popular brand. Stimulants boost the activity of neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are effective for a majority of people suffering from ADHD but they can cause adverse effects such as tachycardia and high blood pressure. They are contraindicated in certain medical conditions, such as Tourette syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medicines are also prescribed to certain individuals suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera (Strattera), and viloxazine are selective inhibitors of the norepinephrine-reuptake process. They do not have the same potential for abuse as stimulants. They don't perform as fast as stimulants, but they do provide significant improvements in ADHD symptoms for certain adults.
In addition to decreasing the severity of ADHD symptoms medications can also help reduce depression and anxiety. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from the comorbidity of ADHD and depression.
It is vital to continue seeing a doctor regularly to observe the bodily reactions to the medication and to ensure that the medication is working. Initial appointments should be scheduled every 30 days. After that appointments should be scheduled monthly until a stable dosage is achieved, and then every three months thereafter.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is a vital treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are often referred to by doctors to psychotherapists that specialize in treating the disorder. Psychotherapy may be more effective than medication when it comes to treating ADHD symptoms among adults, as per certain studies. To determine the most effective treatment, it's important to have a complete medical history. Many medical conditions, like seizures (petit mal) thyroid issues or lead poisoning, other nutritional deficiencies, as well as sleep apnea, may cause symptoms and signs that resemble those of ADHD. In addition, substance use disorders and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Most ADHD treatments involve medication and stimulant medications are among the most frequently used. Methylphenidate, which is the most frequently prescribed medication is a central nervous system stimulant and increases activity in the brain regions that regulate the flow of attention and impulses. It is available in tablets with immediate release that are small doses taken up to three times a day. Modified-release tablets allow for a slower release of the drug throughout the day. They aren't considered addictive and don't have the potential to lead to addiction, but they can cause adverse reactions, so it's important to consult your doctor prior to taking them and to let the GP be aware of any side effects if you experience any.
Psychotherapy is very helpful in treating a wide range of ADHD-related disorders, such as ineffective time management and organizational skills social phobias, impulsivity academic failures, and issues maintaining relationships. Certain studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than other types of psychotherapy for treating symptoms of ADHD for adults.
It's important to remember that every psychotherapy approach must include a component of education or training that will deal with the specific issues sufferers of ADHD face, such as problems with memory and learning, poor organisational skills and a tendency to lose things. There is a growing body of evidence that shows a link between certain physical conditions, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), as well as neurological disorders that are multifaceted, such as ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy is a CBT method that is very efficient in enhancing the functioning of people suffering from ADHD. It helps patients develop strategies for improving their organizational abilities, preparing for the future and resolving the distortions in their thinking that can cause negative feelings or self-defeating beliefs. Stevenson and colleagues have created a group-based CBT program for adults with ADHD which has been found to be extremely effective in improving their behavioural symptoms and cognitive functioning (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). Rostain and colleagues, evaluated the effectiveness of a combination treatment that included simultaneous medication and CBT for 43 adults suffering from ADHD. They reported improvements in both ADHD and anxiety or depression comorbidity (Rostain and coworkers 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Oft, the most effective treatment for ADHD is to make lifestyle modifications. For instance, getting enough sleep and a healthy diet can reduce symptoms. Regular exercise can aid in reducing hyperactivity, but it is essential to find an activity you like and are able to be committed to. Stress and anxiety can be reduced by practicing relaxation techniques.
Organizing your workspace will aid you in staying on track and keep track of deadlines. Consider setting aside a daily time to organize papers and supplies, and try using file folders and dividers to separate different kinds of documents. Be sure to label and color-code your folders so you can locate what you need quickly.
Adults with ADHD struggle with procrastination and organizational issues and this can hinder their ability to finish tasks in a timely manner. Consider putting reminders on your calendar and setting alarms on your phone to help keep track of deadlines.
Poor planning and organization skills can create issues at home, school and at work. The development of these skills is a crucial part of treating ADHD in adults. Many adults with ADHD struggle to remain focused at work. This can cause frustration and embarrassment.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD can aid in improving concentration and boost self-esteem. It is crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, since certain of them can interact with stimulants. The NIMH Fact Sheet on Medications for ADD/ADHD offers more details about the drugs used to treat this condition.
While there are no foods that cure ADHD, avoiding sugary and artificial additives can help reduce symptoms by improving the health of your brain. Consuming a balanced diet which is high in whole grains and lean proteins can reduce hyperactivity.
Insufficient sleep can cause irritation and lack of focus. Sleep deprivation can also increase the chance of developing depression and mood disorders. Therefore, it is important to establish a healthy sleeping routine and to practice relaxation techniques before going to going to bed.
The long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes can be a challenge for people suffering from ADHD. Consider rewarding your patients when accomplishing specific goals to encourage them to adhere to their treatment plan. For instance, giving them an Hershey Kiss after 10 trips to the gym can be an ideal incentive for certain people.
Accommodations
If a person is using accommodations to manage the issue and manage their situation, they modify their surroundings or employ tools to control symptoms. If you're small, you may need an aid step stool to reach the items on the shelves of the store. Also, a person suffering from ADHD may need to use accommodations to ensure they succeed in school or at work.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from counseling techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). psychological treatment for adhd in adults involves working with a therapist in order to alter negative behaviors and replace them with more positive ones. It can also help adults to improve their organizational skills and devise strategies to manage stress.
People with ADHD are often successful in their careers and personal relationships. They may have difficulty with daily tasks such as paying their bills and maintaining their home. A mental health expert or health professional can help adults determine whether they suffer from ADHD through an evaluation that includes psychological testing and an analysis of the person's prior behaviors and experiences.
The assessment will typically include an interaction with the patient, their parents, and other family members. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider might also request the patient to fill out a questionnaire or standardized ADHD symptoms rating scales. They may also conduct psychological tests to assess a person's reasoning and executive functioning as well as visual-spatial capabilities.
A thorough assessment could include a thorough examination of medical records and a determination of whether there are any underlying conditions that could be causing ADHD. These could include depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, or substance abuse. People with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other conditions, so a careful assessment is important.
In most cases, a person suffering from ADHD will be prescribed a stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. Stimulants are controlled substances, should be closely monitored by a physician. The side effects could include insomnia and addiction. Certain adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty keeping the medication on for a long time because they don't feel the symptoms getting better.