ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH recommends that those who suspect they have ADHD discuss their concerns with their healthcare providers. A thorough evaluation can determine whether the symptoms are due to stress, mental health issues or physical ailments.
Medications are often the first option for treating ADHD. Nonstimulants and stimulants are also available to treat the condition.
Medications
Many psychiatric disorders mimic ADHD symptoms for adults and children. Some of these include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and adjustment disorder. In addition chronic stress can lead to a variety of symptoms that resemble like ADHD. It is crucial to consider these possibilities when evaluating an adult who has ADHD-like symptoms. Once a diagnosis is made medication is usually prescribed as a treatment.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant medications. They can greatly improve symptoms associated with ADHD, but they are not the only option for those suffering from this condition. The use of medication should only be considered after other treatments have been tested. They should not be used in place of behavioral therapy.
There are two major classes of stimulant medications. Methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine are the two medications most frequently used to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been studied extensively and have been used for many years. They are available in a variety of forms such as liquids and tablets. They can also be applied to the skin. Adderall is the most popular brand. Stimulant medications work by stimulating the activity of neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are effective for a majority of people suffering from ADHD but they can cause adverse effects such as tachycardia and high blood pressure. They are also contraindicated for certain medical conditions, like Tourette's syndrome or severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medicines can also be prescribed for certain individuals suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine are norepinephrine selective Reuptake inhibitors that don't possess the abuse potential of stimulants. They do not work in the same way as stimulants do, but they do offer significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in adults.
In addition to reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms medication can also reduce depression and anxiety. This is especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD and depression.
It is essential to keep seeing a doctor regularly to check the body's reactions to the medication and to ensure that it is working effectively. Initial appointments should take place every 30 days. After that appointments should be made monthly until a stable dose is achieved, and then every three months thereafter.
Counseling
For adults who have ADHD psychotherapy is an essential treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often referred by doctors to psychotherapists that specialize in treating this disorder. Some studies suggest that psychotherapy is more effective than medication to treat ADHD symptoms in adults. To determine the most effective treatment, it's essential to conduct a thorough medical history. Many medical conditions can cause ADHD-like symptoms, including seizures (petit mal), thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and other nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea as well as hearing and vision problems. Alcohol abuse disorders and certain medications may 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 is a central nervous system stimulant that enhances the activity of brain areas that regulate the impulses and attention. It is available in both immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets that provide a longer release of the drug throughout the day. Stimulants aren't considered habit-forming and aren't likely to cause addiction, but they can produce side effects, which is why it is important to consult an GP prior to starting or stopping them. Also, let your GP be aware if you have any.
Psychotherapy is extremely beneficial in treating a wide range of ADHD-related disorders, such as ineffective time management and organizational skills, impulsivity and social problems, academic failures and difficulties maintaining relationships. Certain studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) could be more effective than other forms of psychotherapy to treat ADHD symptoms in adults.
It's important to note that every psychotherapy must include an element of education or training that addresses particular issues that ADHD sufferers face, including problems with memory and learning as well as poor organisational skills and the tendency to be lost. Additionally, there is increasing research that shows the connection between certain physical health issues like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and neurodiverse mental illnesses including ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy is a CBT technique that can be extremely efficient in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD. It helps patients develop strategies to improve their organizational skills, planning ahead and overcoming thinking distortions that can cause negative emotions or self-defeating belief. Stevenson and his colleagues created CBT programs that are group-based for adults suffering from ADHD. It has been found to be highly efficient in improving their cognitive functioning and behavioural symptoms (Stevenson and. and. 2002). Rostain and colleagues have also examined the effectiveness of a treatment that combines pharmacotherapy and CBT in 43 adults with ADHD and observed improvements in both ADHD symptoms and comorbid anxiety and depression (Rostain and colleagues, 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Most often the most effective treatment for ADHD is through lifestyle modifications. For instance, ensuring adequate sleep and healthy eating habits can greatly improve symptoms. Regular exercise can also help reduce hyperactivity. However, it is important that you find an activity that you enjoy and commit to. In addition, practicing relaxation techniques can ease anxiety and stress.
Organising your workspace can help you stay focused and keep the track of deadlines. You should consider setting aside time every day to organize your papers and other items. Use dividers and folders to organize documents. Make sure to label and color-code your folders to ensure you can find the items you require quickly.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with procrastination and organization and this can hinder their ability to finish tasks within the timeframe they have set. Set alarms on your smartphone and add reminders to your calendar.
Inadequate planning and organization skills can lead to issues at school, work as well as at home. Adult ADHD treatment requires that these skills be developed. Many adults suffering from ADHD have trouble staying focused at work, which can impact their productivity and result in frustration or embarrassment.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication that improves concentration and self-esteem. However, it is essential to disclose any other medications you're taking to your health care doctor, as some interact with stimulants. The NIMH's Medications for ADD and ADHD Fact Sheet contains more information about the types of drugs that treat these conditions.
While there are no foods that cure ADHD the elimination of sugar and artificial additives can help reduce symptoms by improving the health of your brain. A balanced diet that is rich in whole grains and lean proteins can help to reduce hyperactivity.
Inadequate sleep contributes to irritability, lack of focus and a struggle to maintain focus throughout the day. In addition sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of developing depression and mood disorders. For this reason, it is essential to establish a healthy sleep routine and practice relaxation strategies before going to bed.
Achieving long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes can be a challenge for people suffering from ADHD. To motivate your patients to stick to their treatment plans think about offering them rewards for achieving specific goals. For instance, offering the reward of a Hershey Kiss after 10 trips to the gym is an ideal incentive for certain people.
Accommodations
If someone needs accommodations to deal with a problem, they use tools or adjustments to their environment to help manage the symptoms. If you're short or have a disability, you might require a step stool to reach the items on shelves of the store. A person suffering from ADHD may need to make adjustments to be successful at school or work.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from a range of counseling techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist in order to change negative behaviors and replace them with more positive ones. It can also help adults improve their organizational skills, and develop strategies to manage stress.
People suffering from ADHD typically have satisfaction in their careers as well as in their relationships with family and friends. They may have difficulty with daily tasks such as paying their bills or maintaining a home. A health care professional or mental health specialist can help an adult determine if they have ADHD by conducting a thorough assessment, including psychological testing and an examination of the person's childhood behavior and experiences.
The assessment usually involves speaking with the person, their parents, and other family members. A health care provider or mental health professional may also ask the person to take a standardized ADHD ratings scales for symptoms or a questionnaire. They might also conduct psychological tests to assess a person's visual and spatial thinking, reasoning and executive functioning capabilities.
A comprehensive evaluation may also include an examination of the person's medical records and a determination of whether there are any underlying issues that could trigger ADHD. These include anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or alcohol abuse. People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from other medical conditions and a thorough assessment is important.
In adhd symptoms in adults treatment of instances, the person suffering from ADHD will be prescribed a stimulant medication to alleviate the symptoms. These stimulants, which are controlled substances, need to be closely monitored by a physician. Some of the side effects include insomnia and addiction. Certain people with ADHD are having a hard time staying on the medication for long periods of time, as they don't experience any symptoms diminishing.