ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH recommends individuals who think they may have ADHD discuss the possibility with their health care providers. A thorough assessment can help determine if the symptoms are due to stress, other mental health issues, or physical illnesses.
Medicines are usually the first line of treatment for ADHD. There are stimulants and nonstimulants available to treat this condition.
Medicines
ADHD symptoms may be a symptom of numerous mental disorders that affect children and adults. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and adjustment disorders. In addition chronic stress can lead to a variety of symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. It is important to consider these possibilities when evaluating an adult who has symptoms resembling those of ADHD. After a proper diagnosis medications are often prescribed to treat.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant medication. They can greatly ameliorate symptoms of ADHD, but are not the only treatment for people with this condition. The use of medication should only be done after other treatments have been tested. They should never be used to replace therapy for behavioral issues.
There are two major types of stimulant medications. Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine are the two drugs most commonly used to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been thoroughly studied and have been around for many years. These medications 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. The stimulant drugs enhance the activity of neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are effective in treating people with ADHD however, they can also trigger side effects, such as tachycardia or high blood pressure. They are also not recommended for certain medical conditions, such as Tourette's Syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medicines are also a viable option for people suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera (Strattera), and viloxazine are both selective inhibitors of the norepinephrine-reuptake process. They do not have the same risk of abuse as stimulants. They do not perform as quickly as stimulants but do provide significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in adults.
The medication can decrease anxiety and depression as well as the severity of ADHD symptoms. This is especially beneficial for people who have the comorbidity of ADHD and depression.
It is crucial to visit a doctor regularly in order to monitor the body's reactions to the medication and to ensure that it is working correctly. Initial appointments should occur every 30 days. After that, appointments are to be made every month until a stable dose is achieved, and then every 3 months thereafter.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is a vital treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. GPs are often able to refer people suffering from ADHD to psychotherapists that specialize in the disorder. Certain studies suggest that psychotherapy is more effective than medications for treating ADHD symptoms in adults. To determine the best treatment, it's essential to take a complete medical history. Numerous medical conditions, like seizures (petit mal), thyroid problems, lead poisoning, and other nutritional deficiencies, as well as sleep apnea can trigger ADHD-like signs and symptoms. Alcohol abuse disorders and certain medications can also cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
The use of medications is a crucial component of the majority of treatments for ADHD and stimulant drugs are the most frequently used. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication is a central nervous system stimulant. It works by increasing activity in the brain regions that regulate the flow of attention and impulses. It is available in both immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) and modified-release tablets that provide a longer release of the drug throughout the day. The stimulants do not cause dependence and don't cause addiction. They aren't habit-forming. However, they can have side effects. Consult your doctor before taking them and let him know if any occur.
Psychotherapy can be very 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 issues maintaining relationships. Some studies suggest cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) could be more effective than other types of psychotherapy for treating ADHD symptoms for adults.
It's worth pointing out that all psychotherapy approaches must include a component of education or training that will tackle the specific issues those with ADHD have to face, including problems with memory and learning as well as poor organisational skills, and a tendency to lose things. Additionally, there's growing research that demonstrates that there is a link between certain physical health issues like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and neurodiverse mental illness, including ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy Metacognitive therapy, a CBT technique, can be very helpful in improving the mood and functioning of people with ADHD. It assists patients in developing strategies to improve their organizational abilities, plan ahead and overcome thinking distortions that can cause negative moods or self-defeating beliefs. Stevenson and colleagues have developed a group-based CBT program for adults with ADHD which has been found to be extremely effective in improving their behavioural symptoms and cognitive functioning (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). Rostain, along with colleagues, evaluated the effectiveness of a combination treatment that included simultaneous treatment with pharmacotherapy and CBT for 43 adults with ADHD. They reported improvements in both ADHD and anxiety or depression comorbidity (Rostain and coworkers 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Oft the most effective treatment for ADHD is through lifestyle changes. For instance, ensuring adequate sleep and healthy eating habits can greatly improve symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce hyperactivity. However, it is important to choose an activity you love and commit to. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques can ease stress and anxiety.
Organizing your workspace will help you stay focused and keep on top of deadlines. You should consider setting aside a regular time to organize papers and other materials, and consider using dividers and file folders to separate different types of documents. Label and color code folders to aid in finding what you're looking for.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with procrastination and organizational issues which can impact their ability to finish tasks within the timeframe they have set. Set alarms on your phone and add reminders to your calendar.
Insufficient planning and organizational skills can lead to problems at home, school or at work. Adult ADHD treatment requires that these skills be developed. Many people with ADHD have difficulty staying focused at work, which could affect their productivity and cause embarrassment or anger.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication that improves concentration and self-esteem. It is vital to report any other medications you're taking to your healthcare provider, as some interact with stimulants. NIMH's Medications for ADD and ADHD Fact Sheet contains more details about the different kinds of drugs that treat these conditions.
Although there aren't any foods that can cure ADHD but avoiding sugary and artificial additives can help manage symptoms by improving brain health. Consuming a balanced diet which is rich in whole grains and protein sources can reduce hyperactivity.
Insufficient sleep can cause irritability, lack of focus, and difficulty maintaining attention throughout the day. Sleep deprivation also increases the chance of developing depression and mood disorders. It is therefore important to develop a good routine for sleep and to practice relaxation techniques before going to the bed.
Patients with ADHD may have difficulty to make permanent lifestyle changes. You could consider rewarding your patients for accomplishing specific goals to encourage them to stick to their treatment plan. Offering the reward of a Hershey Kiss to those who make 10 gym trips can be a great way to motivate them.
Accommodations
When a person uses accommodations to help with the issue, they employ tools or modifications to their environment to manage the symptoms. If you're short, you may need a step stool to access the items on the shelves of a store. Also, adhd treatment in adults suffering from ADHD may need to use accommodations to help them succeed at work or school.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from counseling techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist in order to alter negative behavior and replace it with more positive behaviors. It can also help adults to improve their organizational skills as well as develop strategies for managing stress.
People suffering from ADHD are often successful in their work and personal relationships. However, they may face difficulties with daily tasks, such as paying bills and maintaining a home. A mental health professional or health care provider can assist adults in determining whether they suffer from ADHD through an evaluation that includes psychological tests and an analysis of the person's prior behaviors and experiences.
The assessment will typically include an interview with the patient as well as their parents and other family members. A health care specialist or mental health professional could also ask the person to complete standard ADHD symptom rating scales or an assessment questionnaire. They may also conduct psychological tests to determine a person's thinking, executive functioning and visual-spatial capabilities.
A thorough evaluation could also include examining the person's medical history and determining if there are any underlying issues that could cause ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, learning disability or substance abuse. People who suffer from ADHD may also be suffering from other medical conditions. A thorough assessment is essential.
In the majority of instances, a stimulant medicine is prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD. They are a controlled substance, so they need to be monitored closely by a medical professional. Some of the side effects include insomnia and addiction. Certain people with ADHD are having a hard time keeping the medication on long term, because they don't notice their symptoms getting better.