ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH suggests that people who suspect they might have ADHD discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider. A thorough assessment will determine whether the symptoms are caused by stress, mental health issues or physical illness.
ADHD is often treated with medication. Stimulants and nonstimulants are available to treat the disorder.
Medications
ADHD symptoms could be a sign of a variety of mental disorders that affect adults and children. These include anxiety disorders as well as mood disorders and adjustment disorders. Additionally chronic stress can trigger a variety of symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. It is important to consider these possibilities when evaluating an adult who has symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. Once an appropriate diagnosis is made, medications are often suggested as a treatment option.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant medications. These medications can dramatically improve symptoms associated with ADHD, but they are not the only treatment for people with this condition. The use of medication should only be done after other treatments have been tried. They should never be used as a substitute for therapy for behavior.
There are two primary types of stimulant medicines. Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine are the two drugs most commonly used to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been around for many years and have been extensively researched. They are available in various forms like tablets, liquids and a skin patch. Adderall is the most popular brand. The stimulant medication works by stimulating the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are effective in treating the majority of patients with ADHD however they may cause adverse effects such as high blood pressure or tachycardia. They are also contraindicated for certain medical conditions such as Tourette's Syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medications are also prescribed to certain individuals suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine are norepinephrine selective Reuptake inhibitors that don't have the abuse potential of stimulants. They don't work as quickly as stimulants but they do offer significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in some adults.
In addition to reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms, medications can also reduce anxiety and depression. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD and depression.
It is important to see a doctor regularly in order to observe the body's reaction to the medication and to make sure it is working as it should. Initial appointments should occur every 30 days. After that, appointments must be scheduled every month until a stable dosage is reached, and then every 3 months thereafter.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is a vital treatment for adults with ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are often referred to by doctors to psychotherapists who specialize in treating this disorder. Psychotherapy is more effective than medications in treating ADHD symptoms among adults, based on certain studies. To determine the best treatment, it's essential to take a complete medical history. Many medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures (petit mal) thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and other nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea, and issues with vision and hearing. Substance abuse disorders and some medications can also cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
The majority of ADHD treatments involve medication, and stimulant medications are the most frequently used. Methylphenidate is a central nerve system stimulant that boosts activity in the brain areas that regulate attention and impulses. It is available in tablets with immediate release that are tiny doses taken two to three times per day. Modified-release tablets allow for an in-depth release of the drug throughout the day. The stimulants do not cause addiction and aren't a habit-forming drug. However, they could have side effects. Check with your doctor prior to taking them and let him know the occurrence of any.
Psychotherapy is extremely beneficial in treating a variety of ADHD-related problems, including poor time and organizational management social phobias, impulsivity academic failures, as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. Some studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than other types of psychotherapy in treating the symptoms of ADHD in adults.
It is important to remember that every psychotherapy must include an element of education or training that addresses the specific problems that ADHD sufferers have to face, such as problems with memory and learning as well as poor organisational skills and a tendency for things to be lost. In addition, there is increasing research that shows the connection between certain physical health issues like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and neurodiverse mental illness, including 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 to improve their organization skills, plan ahead and resolve thinking distortions that can cause self-defeating or negative moods. Stevenson and colleagues have developed an approach to group-based CBT for adults suffering from ADHD that was found to be highly effective in improving their behavioral symptoms and cognitive functioning (Stevenson et al 2002). Rostain and colleagues have also evaluated the efficacy of a combination treatment that combines pharmacotherapy and CBT in 43 people with ADHD and reported improvements in both ADHD symptoms as well as depression and anxiety (Rostain and colleagues, 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Often, the most effective treatments for ADHD are based on lifestyle changes. For instance, ensuring adequate sleep and a healthy diet can significantly improve symptoms. Regular exercise can also help reduce hyperactivity, but it is crucial to choose an activity you enjoy and will keep up with. Stress and anxiety can be reduced by engaging in relaxation techniques.
Organising your workspace can help you stay on task and keep track of deadlines. You should consider setting aside a regular time to organize papers and other supplies, and then try using dividers and file folders to organize different types of documents. Label and color code folders to help you find what you're looking for.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently struggle with organization and procrastination, which can affect their ability to complete tasks in a timely manner. Set alarms on your smartphone and add reminders to your calendar.
Poor organization and planning skills can lead to problems at school, work, and home. Developing these skills is a crucial aspect of treating ADHD in adults. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused at work, which can impact their productivity and result in embarrassment or anger.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a medication that improves concentration and self-esteem. It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you take, as certain medications may interact with stimulants. The NIMH Fact Sheet on Medications for ADD/ADHD offers more details about the drugs that treat this condition.
While there are no foods that can cure ADHD the elimination of sugar and artificial additives can help control symptoms by improving the health of your brain. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains and lean proteins can help to reduce hyperactivity.
Insufficient sleep causes anxiety, irritability, and difficulty maintaining attention throughout the day. In addition, sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of developing depression and mood disorders. This is why it is crucial to establish a good routine to sleep and implement relaxation techniques before getting to bed.
Patients with ADHD may find it difficult to make lasting lifestyle changes. To encourage your patients to adhere to their treatment plan, consider providing them with rewards for achieving certain goals. Offering an Hershey Kiss to those who make 10 gym trips could be a great method to inspire them.
Accommodations
If someone is able to use accommodations to deal with a problem, they make changes to their environment or use tools to manage symptoms. For example, if you're short, you may have to use a step stool in order to reach items on shelves in stores. Similarly, a person with ADHD may require accommodations to help them succeed at 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 in order to alter negative behaviors and replace them with more positive ones. It can also help adults improve their organizational skills, and develop strategies for managing stress.
People suffering from ADHD generally have success in their careers and in their relationships with family and friends. However, adhd treatment for adults medication experience problems with everyday tasks like paying bills or maintaining the house in good condition. A health care provider or mental health professional can assist an adult in determining if they have ADHD by conducting a thorough examination that includes psychological testing as well as an examination of the person's childhood behavior and experiences.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with the patient, their parents, and other family members. A health care specialist or mental health professional could also ask the person to take a the standardized ADHD symptom rating scales or an assessment questionnaire. They can also conduct psychological testing to determine a person's thinking and executive functioning as well as visual-spatial capabilities.
A thorough assessment could include an examination of the person's medical records and a determination of if there are any conditions that could trigger ADHD. These could include depression, anxiety or learning disabilities, or alcohol abuse. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from other medical conditions and a thorough assessment is essential.
In the majority of instances, the person suffering from ADHD will be prescribed a stimulant to help treat the symptoms. These stimulants are controlled substances, should be monitored closely by a medical professional. The side effects could include insomnia and addiction. Certain people with ADHD have difficulty staying on the medication for a long time because they don't experience any symptoms diminishing.