ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH recommends individuals who think they might be suffering from ADHD talk with their health healthcare providers. A thorough evaluation can determine whether the symptoms are due to stress, mental health conditions or physical ailments.
Medicines are usually the first line of treatment 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 children and adults. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and adjustment disorders. Additionally, chronic stress can cause many symptoms that appear similar to ADHD. When looking at an adult with ADHD-like symptoms, it is important to consider these possibilities. Once a proper diagnosis has been made, medications are usually recommended as an option to treat.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. They can help to improve ADHD symptoms however they aren't the only treatment option for people with this condition. The use of these medications should only be done after other treatments are tried. They should not be used in place of behavioral therapy.
There are two main kinds of stimulant drugs. Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine are the two most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been in use for quite a while and have been extensively researched. They are available in various forms such as liquids and tablets. They can also be applied to the skin. The most well-known brand is Adderall. Stimulant drugs work by stimulating the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are effective in treating people suffering from ADHD however, they can also trigger side effects, such as high blood pressure or tachycardia. They are also not recommended for certain medical conditions, such as Tourette's Syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medicines are also a possibility for people suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine are selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors that do not possess the abuse potential of stimulants. They do not work as quickly as stimulants but they do offer significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in some adults.
In addition to reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms medications can also help reduce depression and anxiety. This can be particularly helpful for those suffering from comorbid ADHD and depression.
It is essential to keep going to the doctor regularly to observe the bodily reactions to the medication and to make sure that it is working effectively. Initial appointments should be scheduled every 30 days. After this, appointments should be scheduled monthly until a stable dosage is reached, and then every 3 months.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD therapy is a very important treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often referred by doctors to psychotherapists who specialize in treating this disorder. Certain studies suggest that psychotherapy is more effective than medications for treating ADHD symptoms in adults. However it is important to have a thorough medical history must be conducted to help determine the best treatment options. Many medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures (petit mal) thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, other nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea and issues with vision and hearing. Substance abuse disorders and certain medications can also cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Medicines are a major component of the majority of treatments for ADHD, and stimulant medicines are the most commonly used. Methylphenidate, which is the most common medication is a central nervous system stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain regions that control 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. Stimulants don't cause dependence and don't cause addiction. They aren't habit-forming. However, they may have side effects. Check with your doctor prior to taking them and let him know if any occur.
Psychotherapy can be very beneficial in treating a variety of ADHD-related disorders, such as poor time and organizational management, impulsivity and social problems, academic failures and difficulties maintaining relationships. Certain studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than other types of psychotherapy when it comes to treating symptoms of ADHD in adults.
It's important to remember that every psychotherapy approach should include some aspect of education or training that will address the specific problems that people with ADHD face, such as memory and learning difficulties, poor organisational skills and a tendency to lose things. There is also growing evidence that shows a link with certain physical conditions such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS), and neurodiverse mental disorders, including ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy is a CBT technique that can be extremely efficient in enhancing the functioning of people suffering from ADHD. It assists patients in developing strategies to improve their organization skills, develop a plan of action and overcome thinking distortions that can cause negative moods or self-defeating beliefs. Stevenson and his colleagues developed CBT programs that are group-based for adults with ADHD. It has been found to be highly efficient in improving their cognitive functioning and behavior-related symptoms (Stevenson et. al. 2002). Rostain and colleagues have also examined the efficacy of a combination treatment involving concurrent pharmacotherapy with CBT for 43 adults suffering from ADHD and found improvements in both ADHD symptoms as well as comorbid anxiety and depression (Rostain et al 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Oft the most effective treatment for ADHD is to make lifestyle changes. For example, ensuring adequate sleep and a balanced diet can help reduce symptoms. Regular exercise can also aid in reducing hyperactivity, but it is essential to find the activity that you love and stick with. In addition, implementing relaxation techniques can reduce stress and anxiety.
Organizing your workspace will help you stay focused and on the right track with deadlines. You should consider setting aside time every day to organize your papers and other items. Use dividers and folders to organize your documents. Label and color-code folders to make it easier to find what you're looking for.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently struggle with organization and procrastination which can hinder their ability to complete work tasks in a timely manner. Set alarms on your smartphone and add reminders to your calendar.
Insufficient planning and organizational skills can create issues at home, school or at work. Adult ADHD treatment requires these skills be developed. Many people with ADHD struggle to remain focused at work. This can cause frustration and embarrassment.
Medications for adults with ADHD can aid in improving self-esteem and concentration. However, it is essential to disclose any other medications you're taking to your health care doctor, as some interact with stimulants. NIMH's Medications for ADD and ADHD Fact Sheet provides more details about the different kinds of medications that treat these conditions.
Although there aren't any foods that cure ADHD, avoiding sugary and artificial additives can help reduce symptoms by encouraging brain health. A balanced diet that is high in whole grains and protein sources can reduce hyperactivity.
Insufficient sleep causes anxiety, irritability and a struggle to maintain focus throughout the day. Sleep deprivation can also increase the chance of developing depression and mood disorders. Therefore, it is important to establish a healthy routine for sleeping and to practice relaxation techniques prior to going to going to bed.
People with ADHD may find it difficult to make permanent lifestyle adjustments. To encourage your patients to adhere to their treatment regimens, consider providing them with rewards for achieving specific goals. Offering adhd symptoms and treatment in adults of a Hershey Kiss to those who take 10 trips to the gym can be a great way to inspire them.
Accommodations
If a person is using accommodation to help manage a problem they alter their surroundings or employ tools to deal with symptoms. If you're short and need an aid step stool to access the items on the shelves of the store. A person with ADHD may require adjustments to be successful at school or at work.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a range 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 help adults improve their organizational skills, and devise strategies to manage stress.
People with ADHD often find satisfaction in their careers as well as in relationships with their loved ones. However, they can face challenges with everyday tasks, such as paying bills and maintaining the house in good condition. A health care professional or mental health specialist can assist an adult to determine if they have ADHD by conducting a thorough examination which includes psychological tests and an analysis of the individual'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 standardized ADHD symptoms rating scales. They can also conduct psychological testing to evaluate a person's ability to think, executive functioning and visual-spatial abilities.
A thorough evaluation could consist of a review of medical records and a determination of whether there are any conditions that could be causing ADHD. These could include depression, anxiety and learning disabilities, as well as addiction to drugs. People with ADHD may also be suffering from other ailments. A thorough assessment is essential.
In most instances, the person suffering from ADHD will be prescribed a stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. Stimulants, which are controlled substances, need to be monitored closely by a doctor. Side effects can include insomnia and addiction. Certain adults suffering from ADHD have a difficult time taking the medication for long periods of time, as they don't experience any symptoms improving.