ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH recommends that individuals who suspect they might have ADHD speak with their healthcare provider. A thorough assessment will determine whether the symptoms are caused by stress, other mental health issues or physical illness.
Medications are often the first line of treatment for ADHD. Nonstimulants and stimulants are also available to treat the disorder.
Medicines
Many mental disorders are akin to ADHD symptoms in 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 look a lot like ADHD. It is crucial to take into account these possibilities when evaluating an adult suffering from symptoms resembling those of ADHD. After a diagnosis is made, medications are usually recommended as a treatment option.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant medication. These drugs can significantly improve ADHD-related symptoms, but are not the only option for those suffering from this condition. These medications should only be used after other treatments have been tried and should not be used in place of or as a substitute for behavioral therapy.
There are two major types of stimulant medications. Methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine are the two most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been around for a long time and have been extensively researched. They are available in a variety of forms including tablets, liquids and even a skin patch. Adderall is the most well-known brand. The stimulant drugs boost the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are beneficial for the majority of people with ADHD but can cause side effects like tachycardia or high blood pressure. They are also contraindicated for certain medical conditions, like Tourette's syndrome or severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant drugs are also a possibility for some people with ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine are 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 decreasing the severity of ADHD symptoms, medications can also reduce depression and anxiety. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with co-occurring ADHD and depression.
It is essential to visit your doctor regularly to monitor the body's reactions to the medication, and to ensure it is working correctly. Initial appointments should be every 30 days. After that, appointments are to be made monthly until a stable dose is reached and then every 3 months thereafter.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is a crucial treatment for adults with ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are often referred by doctors to psychotherapists that specialize in treating the disorder. Psychotherapy could be more effective than medication when it comes to treating ADHD symptoms in adults, according to some studies. To determine the most effective treatment, it's essential to conduct a thorough medical history. Numerous medical conditions can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as seizures (petit mal), thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, other nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea as well as hearing and vision problems. Alcohol abuse disorders and certain medications can also cause ADHD-like symptoms.
Most ADHD treatments include medication, and stimulant medications are among the most commonly used. Methylphenidate is a central nerve system stimulant that increases the activity of brain areas 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 throughout the day. They aren't considered addictive and have no potential to cause dependence, but they could cause adverse reactions, so it is important to consult an GP prior to starting or stopping them. Also, let your GP be aware if you have any.
Psychotherapy can be extremely effective in helping patients suffering from many issues related to their ADHD problems, such as ineffective time management and organization skills as well as impulsivity, social issues, academic failures, trouble 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 in adults.
It is crucial to note that every psychotherapy should have an element of education or training that addresses the particular issues that ADHD sufferers face, which include learning and memory issues, poor organisational abilities and the tendency to be lost. Additionally, there's increasing evidence that suggests the connection between certain physical health issues like Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and neurodiverse mental illnesses including ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy, a CBT technique can be extremely helpful in improving the mood and functioning of people suffering from ADHD. It assists patients in developing strategies to improve their organization skills, plan ahead and overcome thinking distortions that can lead to self-defeating or negative moods. Stevenson and colleagues have created a group-based CBT program for adults suffering from ADHD that was found to be highly effective in improving their behavioral symptoms and cognitive performance (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). Rostain and colleagues have also examined the efficacy of a combination treatment that combines pharmacotherapy and CBT in 43 adults with ADHD and found improvements in both ADHD symptoms as well as depression and anxiety (Rostain and colleagues 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Most often, the most effective treatment for ADHD involves lifestyle adjustments. For instance, ensuring adequate sleep and healthy diets can greatly improve symptoms. Regular exercise can also help reduce the amount of hyperactivity. However it is crucial that you find an activity that you will enjoy and stick to. Stress and anxiety can be decreased by practicing relaxation techniques.
The organization of your workspace can help you stay on task and keep 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. Label and color-code your folders to ensure you can find what you need quickly.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often struggle with organization and procrastination, which can interfere with their ability to complete tasks within the timeframe they need to. Read the Full Article on your smartphone and add reminders to your calendar.
Poor planning and organization skills can cause problems at school, home or at work. Learning these skills is an essential aspect of treating ADHD in adults. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to remain focused at work. This can lead to embarrassment and frustration.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medications that boosts self-esteem and concentration. It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, 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 is no food or drink that can cure ADHD, eliminating sugary and artificial ingredients will help manage symptoms through increasing brain health. Eating a balanced diet that is high in whole grains and protein sources can help to reduce hyperactivity.
Insufficient sleep can cause anxiety, irritability and trouble keeping focus throughout the day. Additionally, sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of developing depression and mood disorders. It is therefore essential to establish a regular routine for sleep and to practice relaxation techniques before going to bed.
Making sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes can be difficult for people suffering from ADHD. Consider rewarding your patients when reaching specific goals to motivate them to adhere to their treatment plan. Giving a Hershey Kiss to those who take 10 trips to the gym could be a great method to inspire them.
Accommodations
When a person uses accommodation to help manage a problem, they make changes to their surroundings or employ tools to manage symptoms. For example If you're short, you might need to utilize a step stool to reach items on shelves in a store. Also, a person suffering from ADHD might require accommodations to ensure they succeed in school or at work.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a variety of counseling techniques that include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist in order to change negative behavior and replace it with more positive behavior. It can also assist adults to improve their organizational skills, and devise strategies to manage stress.
People with ADHD have a high probability of success in their careers and personal relationships. However, they can face difficulties with daily tasks, like paying bills or keeping 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 behaviors and experiences.
The assessment usually involves speaking with the person along with their parents and other family members. A health care provider or mental health professional may also request that the person take a standard ADHD ratings scales for symptoms or a questionnaire. They may also conduct psychological testing to assess a person's reasoning, executive functioning and visual-spatial capabilities.
A thorough assessment can include examining the person's medical history and determining whether there are any underlying issues that could cause ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, a substance abuse disorder or learning disability. People with ADHD are more likely to have other health issues therefore a thorough evaluation is essential.
In the majority of instances, the person suffering from ADHD will be prescribed a stimulant medication to help treat the symptoms. They are a controlled substance therefore they must be closely monitored by a medical professional. They can have adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping and addiction. Some people with ADHD struggle to stay on the medication for long periods because they don't see any improvement in their symptoms.