ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH suggests that people who suspect they have ADHD consult their healthcare provider. A thorough evaluation can determine whether the symptoms are caused by stress, mental health conditions or physical ailments.
ADHD is often treated by medication. There are stimulants and nonstimulants available to treat this disorder.
Medicines
Many mental disorders are akin to ADHD symptoms in adults and children. Some of these include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and adjustment disorder. Additionally Read Alot more can trigger various symptoms that appear like ADHD. It is crucial to take into account these possibilities when evaluating an adult who has symptoms resembling those of ADHD. Once an appropriate diagnosis is made, medications are often recommended as an option for treatment.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant medications. They can help to improve ADHD symptoms, but they are not the only treatment options available to those suffering from this condition. The use of medications should only be done after other treatments are tested. They should never be used to replace therapy for behavioral issues.
There are two main classes of stimulant medications. 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 studied. They are available in various forms including tablets, liquids and a skin patch. The most popular brand name is Adderall. Stimulant medications boost the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are effective for most people suffering from ADHD however they can also cause side effects such as tachycardia and high blood pressure. They are not advised in certain medical conditions, such as Tourette syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medications can also be prescribed for some people with ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine are both selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors that do not possess the abuse potential of stimulants. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do provide significant improvements in ADHD symptoms for certain adults.
In addition to lessening the severity of ADHD symptoms medication can also reduce depression and anxiety. This is especially beneficial for people with ADHD and depression.
It is important to see a doctor regularly in order to monitor the body's reactions to the medication, and to make sure it is working as it should. Initial appointments should occur every 30 days. After this, appointments should be made every month until a steady dose is reached and then every 3 months.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is a crucial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Adults with ADHD are often referred by doctors to psychotherapists who specialize in treating this disorder. Psychotherapy could be more effective than medication when it comes to treating ADHD symptoms among adults, based on some studies. 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 issues with vision and hearing. Substance abuse disorders and some medications can also trigger ADHD-like symptoms.
Medications are a key component of most treatments for ADHD and stimulant medications are the most frequently used. Methylphenidate, which is the most commonly used medication, is a central nervous system stimulant and works by increasing activity in the brain regions that regulate attention and impulses. It is available in tablets with immediate release that are small doses taken two to three times per day. Modified-release tablets provide an in-depth release of the drug over the course of the day. Stimulants don't cause dependence and don't cause addiction. They aren't habit-forming. However, they can have side effects. Consult your doctor before taking the medication and inform him the occurrence of any.
Psychotherapy can be very useful in helping patients who suffer from various issues associated with their ADHD, including poor time management and ability to organize and impulsivity, social problems and academic failures, difficulty maintaining relationships, temper flares and even antisocial behaviour. 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 is important to remember that every psychotherapy should include an element of education or training that addresses particular issues that ADHD sufferers face, including issues with memory and learning, poor organisational abilities and a tendency for things to get lost. In addition, there is increasing research that shows that there is a link between certain physical health conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and neurodiverse mental illnesses including ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy Metacognitive therapy, a CBT technique can be extremely beneficial in improving the mood and functioning of people with ADHD. It assists patients in developing strategies for improving their organizational skills, planning ahead and resolving the distortions in their thinking that can lead to negative emotions or self-defeating beliefs. Stevenson and colleagues have created an approach to group-based CBT for adults suffering from ADHD which has been found to be extremely effective in improving their behavioural symptoms and cognitive performance (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). Rostain, along with colleagues, evaluated the effectiveness of a combined treatment that included simultaneous pharmacotherapy and CBT for 43 adults suffering from ADHD. They found improvements in both ADHD and anxiety or depression comorbidity (Rostain and coworkers 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Most often, the most effective treatment for ADHD is to make lifestyle adjustments. For instance, ensuring adequate sleep and healthy diets can significantly improve symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce the amount of hyperactivity. However it is crucial to find a sport you love and commit to. Stress and anxiety can be decreased by practicing relaxation techniques.
The organization of your workspace will help you stay on task and keep the track of deadlines. Set aside time each day to organize your documents and supplies. Use dividers and folders to separate documents. Label and color-code your folders to aid in finding what you're looking for.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently struggle with procrastination and organization, which can interfere with their ability to finish work tasks in a timely manner. Set alarms on your phone and add reminders to your calendar.
Poor planning and organizational skills can lead to problems at school, work, and home. Adult ADHD treatment requires that these skills be developed. Many adults with ADHD struggle to stay focused at work, which can impact their productivity and result in frustration or embarrassment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from medications that improves concentration and self-esteem. However, it is important to inform any other medications you are taking to your healthcare doctor, as some interact with stimulants. The NIMH's Medications for ADD and ADHD Fact Sheet contains more information about the types of drugs used to treat these conditions.
While there is no food that can cure ADHD, eliminating sugary and artificial ingredients will help to manage symptoms by improving brain health. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains and protein sources can help to reduce hyperactivity.
Inadequate sleep contributes to stress, anxiety, lack of focus and a struggle to maintain focus throughout the day. Sleep deprivation can also increase the risk of developing depression and mood disorders. For this reason, it is crucial to establish a healthy routine for sleep and to practice relaxation techniques before bed.
Making long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes can be a challenge for those suffering from ADHD. Consider rewarding your patients when accomplishing specific goals to encourage them to adhere to their treatment plan. Offering an Hershey Kiss to those who make 10 gym trips can be a great way to inspire them.
Accommodations
If a person needs accommodations to deal with an issue, they utilize tools or modifications to their environment to manage the symptoms. For example, if you're short, you may have to utilize a step stool to reach the shelves of the store. Someone with ADHD may need to make accommodations to succeed at school or work.
Adults with ADHD might also benefit from counseling techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist to modify negative behavior and replace them with more positive ones. It can also teach adults to improve their organizational skills and develop strategies for managing stress.
People suffering from ADHD are often successful in their careers and personal relationships. They may experience difficulties with everyday tasks, such as paying their bills or maintaining their home. A health care professional or mental health specialist can assist an adult to determine whether they suffer from ADHD by conducting a thorough evaluation, including psychological testing and an examination of the person's childhood behavior and experiences.
The evaluation usually includes talking with the person along with their parents and other family members. A mental health professional or health care provider may also ask the patient to fill out a questionnaire, or standard ADHD symptoms rating scales. They may also conduct psychological tests to assess a person's reasoning and executive functioning as well as visual-spatial abilities.
A thorough evaluation could also include looking at the patient's medical history and determining whether there are any underlying conditions that could trigger ADHD like depression, anxiety, a learning disability or substance abuse. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other medical conditions. A thorough assessment is essential.
In most instances, a stimulant medicine will be prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD. These stimulants are controlled substances and must be closely monitored by a doctor. Side effects can include insomnia and addiction. Certain people with ADHD have a difficult time keeping the medication on for long periods of time, as they don't notice their symptoms improving.