ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH recommends that individuals who believe they may have ADHD discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider. A thorough evaluation will determine if the symptoms could be due to mental health issues, stress, or physical illness.
The first treatment option for ADHD. There are stimulants and nonstimulants that can be used to treat this condition.
Medicines
Many mental disorders are akin to ADHD symptoms in adults and children. Some of them include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorder. In psychological treatment for adhd in adults , chronic stress can cause many symptoms that look a lot like ADHD. When evaluating an adult who has symptoms resembling those of ADHD, it is essential to look into these possibilities. After a proper diagnosis medication is usually prescribed as a treatment.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant medications. These medications can dramatically ameliorate symptoms of ADHD, but are not the only treatment for those suffering from this condition. The use of medication should only be done after other treatments have been tried. They should not be used in lieu for behavioral therapy.
There are two main types of stimulant drugs. Methylphenidate as well as dextro-amphetamine two most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been thoroughly studied and have been around for a long time. These medications are available in various forms including liquids and tablets. They can also be applied to the skin. The most popular brand name is Adderall. Stimulant drugs work by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are effective in treating the majority of people with ADHD however, they can cause adverse effects such as tachycardia or high blood pressure. They are contraindicated in certain medical conditions, including Tourette syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medications are also a viable option for some people with ADHD. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera (Strattera), and viloxazine are selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They don't have the same potential for abuse as stimulants. They do not work in the same way as stimulants do, however they can provide significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in some adults.
In addition to decreasing the severity of ADHD symptoms, medications can also reduce anxiety and depression. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with co-occurring ADHD and depression.
It is vital to continue visiting a physician regularly to check the body's reactions to the medication and to ensure that the medication is working. Initial appointments should occur every 30 days. After this, appointments should be monthly until a stable dosage is achieved, and then every three months thereafter.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is an important treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Adults with ADHD are often referred by doctors to psychotherapists who specialize in the disorder. Psychotherapy could be more effective than medication in treating ADHD symptoms among adults, as per some studies. To determine the best treatment, it's essential to conduct a thorough medical history. A variety of medical conditions, such as seizures (petit mal), thyroid problems, lead poisoning, and other nutritional deficiencies, and sleep apnea, may cause symptoms and signs that resemble those of ADHD. Alcohol abuse disorders and certain medications may also cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The use of medications is a crucial component of most treatments for ADHD, and stimulant medicines are the most frequently used. Methylphenidate is a central nerve system stimulant that increases the activity of brain regions that control the impulses and attention. It is available in both immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets that allow for a longer release the drug throughout the day. Stimulants don't cause addiction and aren't a habit-forming drug. However, they can have adverse effects. Talk to your doctor before taking the medication and inform him if any occur.
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial in helping patients who suffer from various issues associated with their ADHD issues, such as poor time management and organization skills and impulsivity, social problems and academic issues, difficulties maintaining relationships, temper flares and even antisocial behavior. Some studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) could be more effective than other types of psychotherapy for treating ADHD symptoms for adults.
It is important to note that every psychotherapy method must include a component of training or education to address the specific problems that people with ADHD face, such as learning and memory difficulties, poor organisational skills, and a tendency to lose things. Additionally, there is growing research that demonstrates that there is a link between certain physical health issues, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and neurodiverse mental illnesses, including ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy is a CBT technique that can be very effective in improving the functioning of adults with ADHD. It assists patients in developing strategies to improve their organization abilities, plan ahead and overcome thinking distortions which can cause self-defeating or negative moods. Stevenson and colleagues have created an approach to group-based CBT for adults suffering from ADHD that was found to be very effective in improving their behavioral symptoms and cognitive functioning (Stevenson et al 2002). Rostain along with colleagues, assessed the efficacy of a combination 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
Oft, the most effective treatment for ADHD is through lifestyle changes. For instance, getting enough sleep and a healthy diet can help reduce symptoms. Regular exercise may also help reduce hyperactivity, but it is essential to find the activity that you like and are able to keep up with. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques can reduce anxiety and stress.
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 supplies, and try using file folders and dividers to organize different kinds of documents. Be sure to label and color code your folders so you can easily locate the items you require quickly.
Adults with ADHD struggle with procrastination, organization and apathy, which can affect their ability to complete tasks on time. Try putting reminders in your calendar, and set alarms on your phone to help meet deadlines.
Insufficient planning and organizational skills can cause problems at school, home or at work. Developing these skills is an essential component of treating ADHD in adults. Many people with ADHD struggle to remain focused at work. This can cause embarrassment and frustration.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medications that improves self-esteem and concentration. It is vital to disclose any other medications you are taking to your healthcare provider, as certain medications interact with stimulants. The NIMH Fact Sheet on Medications for ADD/ADHD offers more details about the drugs used to treat this condition.
There isn't a single food that can cure ADHD, abstaining from sugary and artificial additives can help control 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 can lead to irritation and lack of focus. Sleep deprivation also increases the chance of developing depression and mood disorders. Therefore, it is important to establish a healthy sleeping routine and to practice relaxation techniques before going to the bed.
People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty to make permanent lifestyle changes. To motivate your patients to adhere to their treatment plans think about offering them rewards for achieving certain goals. For example, offering a Hershey Kiss after 10 trips to the gym could be an excellent incentive for certain people.
Accommodations
If a person needs accommodations to deal with the issue, they employ tools or changes in their environment to control the symptoms. For instance for those who are short, you may have to use a step stool to reach the shelves of the store. Someone with ADHD might need to make adjustments to be successful at school or work.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from counseling techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist to modify negative behavior and replace them with positive ones. It can also help adults to improve their organizational skills and devise strategies for managing stress.
People suffering from ADHD generally have success in their work and in personal relationships. They may struggle with everyday tasks, such as paying their bills and maintaining their home. A health care professional or mental health specialist can assist an adult to determine whether they have ADHD by conducting a thorough evaluation that includes psychological testing as well as an analysis of the individual'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 might also ask the person to take a the standardized ADHD symptom rating scales or a questionnaire. They could also conduct psychological tests to assess the person's spatial and mental reasoning, executive functioning and reasoning abilities.
A thorough evaluation could also include looking at the patient's medical history and determining whether there are any underlying conditions that may cause ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, learning disability, or addiction to drugs. People with ADHD may also be suffering from other medical conditions. A thorough evaluation is therefore important.
In most cases, a stimulant medication will be prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD. These stimulants, which are controlled substances, need to be monitored closely by a doctor. Some of the side effects include insomnia and addiction. Some adults with ADHD have a difficult time staying on the medication for a long time because they don't experience any symptoms getting better.