ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH suggests that anyone who believes they might be suffering from ADHD talk with their health care providers. A thorough examination will determine if the symptoms are caused by stress, mental health conditions or physical ailments.
ADHD is often treated with medication. There are stimulants and nonstimulants that can be used to treat this condition.
Medicines
Many mental illnesses mimic ADHD symptoms in children and adults. Some of them include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and adjustment disorders. Chronic stress can also cause symptoms similar to ADHD. When evaluating an adult who has ADHD-like symptoms, it is crucial to take into consideration these possible causes. Once a proper diagnosis has been made, medications are often suggested as an option to treat.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. They can help to improve ADHD symptoms, but they are not the only treatment available for patients suffering from this disorder. The use of medication should only be done after other treatments have been tried and should never be used as a substitute for therapy for behavior.
There are two primary types of stimulant medicines. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate) and dextroamphetamine (also known as dextroamphetamine) are the two most commonly used drugs for treating ADHD among adults. Both have been studied extensively and have been in use for a long time. They are available in many forms like tablets, liquids and even a skin patch. The most popular brand name is Adderall. Stimulant medications work by stimulating the activity of neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are effective for a majority of people with ADHD but can cause side effects like tachycardia or high blood pressure. They are also not recommended for certain medical conditions, like Tourette's syndrome or severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medicines are also a viable option for those suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine is also known 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 do not work in the same way as stimulants do, but do provide significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in adults.
In addition to reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms medications can also help reduce depression and anxiety. This is especially beneficial for individuals with co-occurring ADHD and depression.
It is vital to continue going to the doctor regularly to monitor bodily reactions to the medication and to make sure that it is working. Initial appointments should take place every 30 days. After this, appointments should be monthly until a stable dosage is reached, then every three months.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is an important treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Adults with ADHD are often referred by doctors to psychotherapists that specialize in treating the disorder. Psychotherapy is more effective than medications in treating ADHD symptoms in adults, as per some studies. However an extensive medical history must be conducted to determine the best treatment options. A variety of medical conditions can trigger ADHD-like symptoms, including seizures (petit mal), thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and other nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea and hearing and vision problems. Substance abuse disorders and certain medications can also cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Medications are a key component of most treatments for ADHD and stimulant drugs are the most commonly used. Methylphenidate, which is the most commonly used medication is a central nervous system stimulant and increases activity in the brain regions that regulate attention and impulses. It is available in tablets that release immediately, which are small doses that are taken between two and three times a day. Modified-release tablets offer a slower release of the drug over the course of the day. They aren't considered addictive and aren't likely to cause addiction, but they can produce side effects, which is why it is important to consult your doctor prior to taking them and let your GP know if you experience any.
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial in helping patients suffering from a variety of problems related to their ADHD problems, such as ineffective time management and organization skills and impulsivity, social problems, academic failures, trouble maintaining relationships, temper outbursts and even antisocial behavior. Certain studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than other types of psychotherapy in treating the symptoms of ADHD for adults.
It's worth pointing out that every psychotherapy method should include some aspect of education or training that will deal with the specific issues those with ADHD have to face, including memory and learning difficulties, poor organisational skills and a tendency to lose things. There is a growing body of evidence of a connection between certain physical conditions such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS) as well as neurodiverse mental disorders like ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy is a CBT method that is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of adults with ADHD. It helps patients develop strategies for improving their organizational skills, preparing ahead and resolving the distortions in their thinking that can result in negative emotions or self-defeating beliefs. Stevenson and colleagues have developed a program for group-based CBT 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 treatment with pharmacotherapy and CBT for 43 adults with ADHD. They reported improvements in both ADHD and comorbid depression or anxiety (Rostain and coworkers, 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Most often, the most effective treatments for ADHD require lifestyle changes. For instance, ensuring adequate sleep and a healthy diet can significantly improve symptoms. Regular exercise may also help reduce hyperactivity, but it is important to find the activity that you love and stick with. Stress and anxiety can be decreased by practicing relaxation techniques.
Organizing your workspace will help you stay focused and on track with deadlines. Set aside a daily time to organize papers and other supplies, and then try using dividers and file folders to separate different kinds of documents. adhd treatment for older adults and color code folders to make it easier to find the information you need.
Adults with ADHD struggle with procrastination and organizational issues, which can affect their ability to complete tasks in a timely manner. Set alarms on your phone and add reminders to your calendar.
Insufficient planning and organization skills can lead to problems at school, work and at home. The development of these skills is a crucial component of treating ADHD in adults. Many adults with ADHD have trouble staying focused at work, which can impact their productivity and lead to embarrassment or frustration.
Medications for adults with ADHD can aid in improving concentration and boost self-esteem. However, it is essential to disclose any other medications you're taking to your healthcare doctor, as some interact with stimulants. The NIMH Fact Sheet on Medications for ADD/ADHD provides more details about the drugs that treat this condition.
There aren't any food items that can cure ADHD the elimination of sugar and artificial additives can help reduce symptoms by promoting the health of your brain. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in whole grains and lean proteins, as well as vegetables and fruits can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Inadequate sleep can lead to anxiety and a lack of concentration. Additionally sleep deprivation increases the risk of depression and mood disorders. This is why it is essential to establish a regular routine for sleep and to practice relaxation strategies before going to bed.
Patients with ADHD may find it difficult to make long-term lifestyle changes. To motivate your patients to adhere to their treatment plans you could offer them rewards for achieving certain goals. For instance, giving them the reward of a Hershey Kiss after 10 trips to the gym could be an excellent incentive for certain individuals.
Accommodations
If someone is able to use accommodations to deal with the issue and manage their situation, they modify their environment or use tools to manage symptoms. For instance for those who are short, you may have to use a step stool to access shelves in stores. A person with ADHD might need to make accommodations to be successful in school or work.
Adults suffering from ADHD might also benefit from counseling techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist to alter negative behaviors and replace them with positive ones. It can also assist adults to improve their organizational skills, and develop strategies for managing stress.
People suffering from ADHD have a high probability of success in their professional and personal relationships. They may struggle with everyday tasks, such as paying their bills and maintaining a home. A mental health expert or health professional can assist adults in determining if they suffer from ADHD by conducting an evaluation that includes psychological testing and a review the person's past behaviour and experiences.
The typical evaluation involves talking with the person as well as their parents, and other family members. A health care provider or mental health professional might also ask the person to take a the standardized ADHD symptoms rating scales or an assessment questionnaire. They can also conduct psychological testing to assess a person's reasoning, executive functioning and visual-spatial capabilities.
A thorough evaluation could also include looking at the patient's medical history and determining if there are any underlying conditions that may cause ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, learning disability or substance abuse. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other medical conditions and a thorough assessment is important.
In most cases, a person suffering from ADHD will be prescribed a stimulant medication to treat their symptoms. Stimulants are a controlled substance therefore they must be monitored closely by a doctor. They can have adverse effects, including difficulty sleeping and addiction. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stay on the medication for long periods of time because they don't see any improvement in their symptoms.