ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH suggests that people who believe they might be suffering from ADHD discuss the possibility with their health healthcare providers. A thorough assessment can help determine whether the symptoms are caused by stress, mental health issues, or physical illness.
ADHD is often treated by medication. Nonstimulants and stimulants are also available to treat the disorder.
Medicines
Many psychiatric disorders mimic ADHD symptoms in adults and children. These include anxiety disorders as well as mood disorders and adjustment disorders. Additionally chronic stress can lead to various symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. It is essential to consider these possibilities when evaluating an adult suffering from ADHD-like symptoms. Once a proper diagnosis has been made, medications are usually recommended as an option for treatment.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They can greatly improve ADHD-related symptoms, but are not the only option for those suffering from this condition. The use of medications should only be considered after other treatments are tried. They should not be used in place of behavioral therapy.
There are two major types of stimulant drugs. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate) and dextroamphetamine (also known as dextroamphetamine) are the two most frequently used drugs for treating ADHD in adults. Both have been in use for many years and have been extensively researched. The medications are available in different forms, including tablets and liquids. They can also be applied to the skin. Adderall is the most popular brand. Stimulant drugs work by stimulating the activity of neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are effective for most people with ADHD but can cause side effects like tachycardia or high blood pressure. They are contraindicated in certain medical conditions, like Tourette syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant drugs are also a possibility for people suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera (Strattera) and viloxazine are both selective inhibitors of the norepinephrine-reuptake process. They don't have the same abuse potential as stimulants. They don't work as quickly as stimulants, but they can make significant improvements in ADHD symptoms for certain adults.
In addition to lessening the severity of ADHD symptoms medications can also help reduce depression and anxiety. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from the comorbidity of ADHD and depression.
It is important to continue see ing a doctor regularly to check the body's reactions to the medication and ensure that it is working effectively. Initial appointments should be every 30 days. After that appointments should be made monthly until a stable dosage is reached and then every three months thereafter.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is an important treatment for adults with ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are often referred by doctors to psychotherapists that specialize in the disorder. There are studies that suggest that psychotherapy is more effective than medication to treat ADHD symptoms in adults. However, a thorough medical history is required to determine the most effective treatment options. Many medical conditions, including seizures (petit mal) thyroid issues or lead poisoning, other nutritional deficiencies, as well as sleep apnea can trigger ADHD-like signs and symptoms. Substance abuse disorders and certain medications can also cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Most ADHD treatments involve medication, and stimulant medications are among the most frequently used. Methylphenidate, which is the most commonly used medication is a central nervous system stimulant that works by increasing activity in brain regions that control the flow of attention and impulses. It is available in tablets that release immediately, which are small doses taken up to three times a day. Modified-release tablets provide slow release of the drug over the course of the day. They aren't considered addictive and aren't likely to cause dependence, but they could cause adverse reactions, so it's important to consult a doctor before starting or stopping them. Also, let your GP be aware if you have any.
Psychotherapy can be very useful in helping patients who suffer from a variety of problems related to their ADHD, including ineffective time management and ability to organize as well as impulsivity, social issues and academic failures, difficulty maintaining relationships, temper outbursts and even antisocial behavior. Certain studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than other types of psychotherapy for treating symptoms of ADHD in 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 those with ADHD face, such as problems with memory and learning in addition to poor organizational skills, and a tendency to lose things. There is also increasing evidence of a connection with certain physical conditions such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS), and neurodiverse mental disorders, including ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy Metacognitive therapy, a CBT technique, can be very helpful in improving the mood and functioning of adults with ADHD. It helps patients develop strategies to improve their organizational abilities, preparing for the future and resolving the distortions in their thinking that can result in negative emotions or self-defeating belief. Stevenson and colleagues have created an approach to group-based CBT for adults with ADHD which was found to be very efficient in reducing their behavioural symptoms and cognitive functioning (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). Rostain, along with colleagues, assessed the effectiveness of a combined treatment that included concurrent medication and CBT for 43 adults suffering from ADHD. They observed improvements in both ADHD and anxiety or depression comorbidity (Rostain and coworkers 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Often, the most effective treatments for ADHD involve lifestyle changes. For example, ensuring sufficient sleep and a healthy diet can dramatically improve symptoms. Regular exercise can also reduce hyperactivity, however, it is important to find the activity that you love and stick with. In addition, implementing relaxation techniques can ease stress and anxiety.
The organization of your workspace can keep you focused and on the right track with deadlines. Set aside a daily time to organize papers and supplies, and try using dividers and file folders to separate different kinds of documents. Make sure to label and color code your folders so you can find the items you require quickly.
Adults suffering from ADHD often struggle with procrastination and organization, which can hinder their ability to complete work tasks within the timeframe they need to. Set alarms on your phone and add reminders to your calendar.
Insufficient planning and organization skills can cause problems at school, work and at home. Developing these skills is a crucial aspect of treating ADHD in adults. Many people with ADHD have difficulty staying focused at work, which can affect their productivity and result in frustration or embarrassment.
Adults taking medication for ADHD can help improve self-esteem and concentration. It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, since certain medications may interact with stimulants. NIMH's Medications for ADD and ADHD Fact Sheet contains more details about the different kinds of drugs that treat these conditions.
Although there isn't any food product that can treat ADHD, abstaining from sugary and artificial additives will help to manage symptoms by promoting brain health. A well-balanced diet with a high proportion of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables can also help to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Inadequate sleep can lead to irritation and lack of concentration. Sleep deprivation also increases the risk of developing depression and mood disorders. Therefore, it is important to develop a good routine for sleep and to practice relaxation techniques before the bed.
People with ADHD may have difficulty to make permanent lifestyle adjustments. Consider rewarding your patients when reaching specific goals to motivate them to adhere to their treatment plan. Giving a Hershey Kiss to those who take 10 trips to the gym is a great way to motivate them.
Accommodations
When a person uses accommodation to help manage the issue and manage their situation, they modify their surroundings or employ tools to manage symptoms. If you are short or have a disability, you might require a step stool in order to reach the items on shelves of the shop. In the same way, someone with ADHD might require accommodations to help them succeed at school or work.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a range of counseling methods that include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working together with a therapist in order to change negative behavior and replace it with positive behavior. It can also help adults to improve their organizational skills and develop strategies for managing stress.
People with ADHD have a high probability of success in their careers and personal relationships. They may have difficulty with everyday tasks, such as paying their bills and maintaining a home. A health care provider or mental health professional can assist an adult in determining whether they have ADHD by conducting a thorough evaluation that includes psychological testing as well as an analysis of the individual's childhood behavior and experiences.
The assessment usually involves speaking with the person along with their parents and other family members. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider might also ask the patient to fill out a questionnaire, or standard 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 consist of a review of the person's medical records and a determination of if there are any underlying issues that could be causing ADHD. These include anxiety, depression or learning disabilities, or substance abuse. People with ADHD may also be suffering from other medical conditions. A thorough evaluation is essential.
In most cases, the person with ADHD will be prescribed a stimulant to alleviate their symptoms. These stimulants, which are controlled substances, must be monitored closely by a doctor. Some of the side effects include insomnia and addiction. Some adults with ADHD find it difficult to remain on the medication for long periods of time since they don't notice any improvement in their symptoms.