ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH suggests that people who believe they may have ADHD consult their healthcare providers. A thorough assessment can help determine if the symptoms are caused by stress, mental health issues or physical illness.
ADHD is often treated with medication. There are stimulants and nonstimulants available to treat the disorder.
Medications
Many mental illnesses mimic ADHD symptoms in children and adults. These include anxiety disorders as well as mood disorders and adjustment disorders. Chronic stress can also cause symptoms similar to ADHD. It is crucial to consider these possibilities when evaluating an adult suffering from symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. After a diagnosis is established, medication is often recommended as a treatment option.
The most common medication prescribed for ADHD is stimulant medications. They can help to aid in the improvement of ADHD symptoms however they aren't the only treatment options available to those suffering from this condition. Medications should be used only after other treatments have been tried and should not be used in place of or as a substitute for behavioral therapy.
There are two major types of stimulant medicines. Methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine are the two most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been in use for quite a while and have been extensively studied. They are available in a variety of forms including tablets, liquids and a skin patch. Adderall is the most popular brand. The stimulant medication works by stimulating the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are effective in treating the majority of people with ADHD however, they can also cause side effects like tachycardia or high blood pressure. They are contraindicated in certain medical conditions, like Tourette syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medications are also prescribed to certain individuals suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera (Strattera), and viloxazine are both selective inhibitors of norepinephrine reuptake. They do not have the same risk of abuse as stimulants. They don't perform as fast as stimulants, however they can provide significant improvements in ADHD symptoms for certain adults.
The medication can decrease anxiety and depression, as well as the severity of ADHD symptoms. This is especially helpful for those suffering from ADHD and depression.
It is essential to keep visiting a physician regularly to check the body's reactions to the medication and to ensure that it is working. Initial appointments should be every 30 days. After that, appointments should be monthly until a stable dosage is reached and then every three months.
Counseling
For adults who have ADHD, psychotherapy is a crucial treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often referred to by doctors to psychotherapists who specialize in treating the disorder. Psychotherapy is more effective than medication when it comes to treating ADHD symptoms in adults, according to certain studies. To determine the best treatment, it's important to conduct a thorough medical history. Many medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as seizures (petit mal), thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and other nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea and problems with vision and hearing. In addition, substance abuse disorders and certain medications may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Most ADHD treatments involve medication and stimulant medications are among the most frequently used. Methylphenidate is the most common medication, is a central nervous system stimulant that increases activity in the brain regions that regulate attention and impulses. It is available in tablets that release immediately that are small doses taken two to three times a day. Modified-release tablets allow for a slower release of the drug over the course of the day. The stimulants do not cause dependence and don't cause addiction. They aren't habit-forming. However, they may have side effects. Check with your doctor prior to taking them and let him know if any occur.
Psychotherapy can be very beneficial in treating a wide range of ADHD-related disorders, such as ineffective time management and organizational skills as well as impulsivity and social issues academic failures, and issues maintaining relationships. Certain studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than other types of psychotherapy in treating the symptoms of ADHD in adults.
It's important to remember that all psychotherapy approaches should include some aspect of education or training that will tackle the specific issues sufferers of ADHD face, such as learning and memory difficulties, poor organisational abilities and a tendency lose things. Additionally, there's growing research that demonstrates that there is a link between certain physical health issues, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and neurodiverse mental illnesses including ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy, a CBT technique can be extremely helpful in improving the functioning and mood of adults with ADHD. It assists patients in developing strategies to improve their organizational abilities, plan ahead and resolve thinking distortions that can lead to negative moods or self-defeating beliefs. Stevenson and colleagues have developed a group-based CBT program for adults with ADHD that was found to be highly effective in improving their behavioural symptoms and cognitive functioning (Stevenson et al 2002). Rostain and colleagues have also evaluated the effectiveness of a combination treatment that includes concurrent pharmacotherapy and CBT for 43 adults suffering from ADHD and found improvements in both ADHD symptoms as well as comorbid depression and anxiety (Rostain et al 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Most often, the most effective treatments for ADHD involve lifestyle modifications. For instance, getting enough sleep and a balanced diet can help reduce symptoms. Regular exercise can also reduce the amount of hyperactivity. However, it is important that you find an activity that you enjoy and keep up with. Stress and anxiety can be reduced by using relaxation techniques.
The organization of your workspace will aid you in staying on track and keep on top of deadlines. Set aside time each day to organize your documents and supplies. Use dividers and folders to separate documents. Be sure to label and color-code your folders so you can easily locate the items you require quickly.
Adults with ADHD struggle with procrastination, organization and apathy which can impact their ability to complete tasks within the timeframe they have set. Consider putting reminders on your calendar and set alarms on your phone to help keep track of deadlines.
Insufficient planning and organizational skills can lead to issues at home, school, and work. Adult ADHD treatment requires these skills be developed. Many adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty staying focused at work, which could affect their productivity and lead to frustration or embarrassment.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication that boosts self-esteem and concentration. However, it is important to disclose any other medications you're taking to your health care provider, as certain medications interact with stimulants. The NIMH Fact Sheet on Medications to Treat ADD/ADHD gives more details about the drugs used to treat this condition.
While there are no foods that can cure ADHD, avoiding sugary and artificial additives can help control symptoms by encouraging brain health. Consuming a balanced diet which is high in whole grains and lean proteins can help reduce hyperactivity.
Insufficient sleep can cause irritability and a lack of focus. Additionally sleep deprivation can increase the likelihood of developing depression and mood disorders. It is therefore essential to establish a regular routine for sleep and to practice relaxation techniques before the bed.
The long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes can be a challenge for those suffering from ADHD. To encourage your patients to stick to their treatment regimens you could offer them rewards for meeting specific goals. Offering an Hershey Kiss to those who make 10 gym trips can be a great way to encourage them to stick to their plans.
Accommodations
If a person is using accommodations to manage a problem they alter their surroundings or employ tools to manage symptoms. If you are short and need a step stool to access the items on the shelves of the store. Also, a person suffering from ADHD may require accommodations to help them succeed at school or work.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a range of counseling methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist in order to change negative behaviors and replace them with positive ones. adhd in adults treatment helps adults to improve their organizational skills and develop strategies to manage stress.
People suffering from ADHD have a high probability of success in their work and personal relationships. However, they can face difficulties with daily tasks, such as paying for bills and keeping their home. A health care professional or mental health specialist can assist an adult in determining whether they suffer from ADHD by conducting a thorough evaluation which includes psychological tests and an examination of the person's childhood behavior and experiences.
The evaluation usually includes talking with the person, their parents, and other family members. A health care specialist or mental health professional might also ask the person to complete standardized ADHD symptoms rating scales or an assessment questionnaire. They could also conduct psychological tests to assess the person's spatial and visual, reasoning and executive functioning abilities.
A comprehensive evaluation may also include a thorough examination of the person's medical records and a determination of if there are any underlying issues that could be causing ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and learning disabilities, as well as alcohol abuse. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other conditions therefore a thorough evaluation is important.
In the majority of cases, a stimulant medication is prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD. Stimulants are controlled substances, need to be closely monitored by a medical professional. The side effects could include insomnia and addiction. Some adults with ADHD have a difficult time staying on the medication long term, because they don't experience any symptoms getting better.