Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD affects people in ways that impact their home, work and relationships. Treatments typically include medication, training in skills and psychological counseling.
Atomoxetine is also referred to as Strattera is the sole FDA approved non-stimulant medication to treat adult ADHD. Studies have proven that it is effective and has a low risk of abuse. Psychosocial interventions that focus on organizational skills and comorbid conditions have a solid evidence base including BPT, which is a form of behavioral parent education (BPT). It is difficult to give precise psychosocial guidelines.
Medication
For many people with ADHD, a combination of psychosocial treatment and medication is the best approach to manage their symptoms. Medication has been shown to be extremely effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD but it can take some time for someone to see results. If you are considering taking medication to help improve your ADHD symptoms, speak to your doctor to ensure that it is safe for you and does not interact with any other medications you're taking.
People with ADHD might have difficulty concentrating and focusing, controlling impulses and planning tasks within the timeframe. These difficulties can impact on school, work, and social relationships. They can make it difficult to take time out and take time to relax.
The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. Medications are able to reduce or eliminate the need for psychosocial interventions, and enhance the quality of life. Fortunately, medications are not addictive and they have low risk of misuse. Several studies have shown that those with ADHD benefit from stimulants. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, or Strattera, are available for those who are unable to tolerate stimulant side effects.
Treatment isn't the only solution. A thorough assessment will include a thorough description of ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on daily functioning. adhd treatment for older adults is important to determine if the patient has any co-morbid conditions such as anxiety or depression which could impact the response to medication and treatment.
A medical examination does not usually reveal any signs of the condition. The diagnosis is based upon clinical judgement, and an history of symptoms that started in childhood. In addition to a detailed interview, collateral information such as school records and health assessments can be helpful in making a diagnosis.
There are a variety of psychosocial treatments available for ADHD such as metacognition and cognitive remediation. These psychosocial treatments do not seem to be as effective as pharmacotherapy, and are unlikely to have the same level effectiveness. Patients are advised to begin with a low dose medication that is able to be combined with behavioral therapy.
Psychotherapy
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that talk therapy or psychotherapy can help improve their life. Certain studies suggest that certain kinds of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Relapse prevention therapy (RPT), can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. Talk therapy is a type of psychosocial treatment that involves one-on-one sessions with a professional counselor or therapist. Different modalities of therapy are available, and your choice of therapy should be based on your needs and goals.
A common approach to treating adult ADHD is to employ a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Studies have demonstrated that combining medication and psychotherapy is more effective than either one on its own. This method is also recommended by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you to cope with ADHD symptoms and manage them. It can also provide strategies to deal with difficulties in your relationships, work, and school life. Based on your goals and needs your therapist might suggest that you take part in individual, family, or group therapy.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that can help people suffering from ADHD improve their self-esteem and functioning. CBT helps you recognize negative thoughts and alter them, which can impact your emotions and behavior. CBT, for example, can teach you how to change "all-or-nothing" thinking which can make people with ADHD to believe that they must do everything perfectly or not at all.
During the course of a session the counselor will listen to you and ask questions to understand your thoughts and feelings. They will then provide you with tips based on their experiences and research. You may also be given assignments, such as journaling or trying a new activity. You must complete your homework since it will assist you in putting what have learned into action.
It is important to remember that seeking treatment does not mean that you're weak. It's a bold move to live the life you deserve. With the structure and support, as well as the skills that you acquire through psychotherapy, you can reach your highest goals and ambitions.
Education
Education can be a potent tool for adults suffering from ADHD. Classes can be taught to improve communication skills, learn how to organize tasks, and also to learn to talk and listen to other people. It is beneficial to teach patients how to recognize symptoms and how they impact their behavior. This can be done in a group or individual therapy.
Research has shown that many psychosocial interventions can significantly reduce problematic symptoms and improve performance in people with ADHD. Educational interventions can help improve academic performance and self-reporting of ADHD symptoms. Many behavioral and cognitive treatments have been proven to be effective. These include hypnotherapy and neurofeedback. Nevertheless, not all of them have been proven to be superior to alternatives. Further replication is needed to verify the results.
In a study it was discovered that an educational program which taught students how to identify their own inattention or impulsive behavior was more effective than waiting for an inventory to improve self-reported ADHD symptoms. Another study found that a daily behavioral report card helped improve academic performance for children with ADHD. It has been established that behavioral parent training can be effective in reducing negative parental behaviors and increasing positive family functioning. However, the effects of therapist-led versus self-directed training are still being explored.
Adolescents who suffer from ADHD are at risk for impaired driving outcomes, including accidents that cause injury or death. The intensive summer "bridge" programs have been proven to improve driving abilities in adolescents suffering from ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions that have been found to be useful include central executive training and working memory training.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty maintaining an enduring job or relationship. Poor organizational skills as well as inability to complete or finish tasks, and impulsive and inattentive behavior can make co-workers and family members frustrated. Psychotherapy that assists patients in improving their communication skills can help them manage these difficulties. This is also true for couples counseling that helps couples learn how to deal with each other's problems as they arise.
Counseling
Although medications are effective for a lot of people with ADHD however, it isn't always sufficient to treat all symptoms. The side effects of medications can be unpredictable, and they may affect some individuals in a different way. For this reason, counseling is a crucial element of the overall treatment plan. Counseling can assist people in learning to better manage their emotions, establish relationships, and increase self-esteem.
Numerous randomized controlled studies have proven the efficacy of psychosocial therapy for ADHD. In some studies, the academic functioning of both students and parents improved when a combination of medication and behavioral therapy was utilized. Additionally, research has found that using the use of a small dose of stimulant medication with behavioral therapy improves both academic performance and classroom behavior in comparison to a control.
In a recent research, high school counselors received training on how to implement two brief homework and organizational interventions for ADHD students. The two interventions were then compared with the initial course, which contained a low dose medication. The results suggest that a sequential multi-assignment, randomized trial may be a viable method of bridging the gap between research findings and practice in school-based interventions for ADHD.
It is recommended that schools implement ADHD interventions, which include behavior training and parental education, before trying medication. For adults and adolescents, the first treatment should consist of psychosocial interventions and pharmacotherapy. For adolescents and adults the first drug to be considered should be stimulants (methylphenidate dexamphetamine, dexamphetamine or lisdexam), unless they cannot take these medications due to other health issues. In these cases the use of atomoxetine or guanfacine could be considered.
A thorough medical examination must be conducted to rule out any other conditions that may affect your functioning and learning, including neurological disorders (such as epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome or cerebral palsy) as well as nutrition issues and substance use disorders (SUD), chronic illnesses like asthma, and comorbid psychological disorders. If the examination and history are not remarkable, a psychiatrist or psychologist may be able to diagnose ADHD by using established diagnostic criteria if they find nothing unusual.