ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH recommends that those who believe they may have ADHD discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider. A thorough assessment will determine if symptoms are due to mental health problems, stress, or physical illness.
ADHD is usually treated by medication. There are stimulants and nonstimulants that can be used to treat this disorder.
Medicines
ADHD symptoms can be a symptom of numerous psychiatric disorders in both children and adults. These include anxiety disorders as well as mood disorders and adjustment disorders. Additionally chronic stress can lead to many symptoms that resemble like ADHD. When looking at an adult with ADHD-like symptoms, it is important to consider these possibilities. Once a diagnosis is made medication is usually prescribed as a treatment.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant medications. These drugs can aid in the improvement of ADHD symptoms, but they are not the only treatment options available to patients suffering from this condition. These medications should only be used after other treatments have been tried and shouldn't be used in place of or as a substitute for therapy for behavior.
There are two main classes of stimulant medication. Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine are the two drugs most commonly used to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been thoroughly studied and have been used for a long time. They are available in different forms such as liquids and tablets. They can also be applied to the skin. The most popular brand name is Adderall. The stimulant medication works by stimulating the activity of neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are effective for most people suffering from ADHD but they can cause adverse effects like tachycardia or high blood pressure. They are also not suitable for certain medical conditions such as Tourette's Syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medications are also available for certain people suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine are norepinephrine selective Reuptake inhibitors, which do not have the potential for abuse as stimulants. They do not perform as quickly as stimulants but they do offer significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in adults.
The medication can help reduce anxiety and depression as well as the severity of ADHD symptoms. This is especially beneficial for people who have co-occurring ADHD and depression.
It is essential to visit an appointment with a doctor on a regular basis to monitor your body's response to the medication, and to make sure it is working properly. Initial appointments should be every 30 days. After this, appointments should be scheduled every month until a steady dosage is reached and then every 3 months.
Counseling
For adults who have ADHD therapy is a very important treatment. GPs are often able to send people suffering from ADHD to psychotherapists who specialise 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 important to take a complete medical history. A variety of medical conditions, such as seizures (petit mal) thyroid issues or lead poisoning, other nutritional deficiencies, as well as sleep apnea, may cause symptoms and signs reminiscent of ADHD. Alcohol abuse disorders and certain medications can also cause ADHD-like symptoms.
Medicines are a major component of the majority of treatments for ADHD and stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed. Methylphenidate is a central nerve system stimulant that increases activity in the brain areas that regulate the impulses and attention. It is available in both immediate-release tablets (small doses taken up to three times daily) and modified-release tablets which offer a longer release of the drug throughout the day. The stimulants do not cause addiction and are not habit-forming. However, adult adhd diagnosis and treatment could have side effects. Consult your doctor before taking them and let him know if any occur.
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial in helping patients with various issues related to their ADHD, including poor time management and organizational skills and impulsivity, social problems, academic failures, trouble maintaining relationships, temper tantrums and even antisocial behavior. Some studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than other types of psychotherapy for treating symptoms of ADHD in adults.
It's important to remember that every psychotherapy method should include some aspect of education or training that will tackle the specific issues people with ADHD confront, such as learning and memory difficulties in addition to poor organizational skills, and a tendency to lose things. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that suggests a connection between some physical health issues like Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and neurodiverse mental illness, including ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy is a CBT method that is very effective in improving the performance of adults suffering from ADHD. It assists patients in developing strategies to improve their organizational skills, develop a plan of action and resolve thinking distortions which can cause negative moods or self-defeating beliefs. Stevenson and his co-workers developed an individualized CBT program based on group discussions for adults suffering from ADHD. It has been found to be highly efficient in improving their cognitive functioning and behavioral symptoms (Stevenson and. al. 2002). Rostain and colleagues have also examined the effectiveness of a treatment involving concurrent pharmacotherapy with CBT in 43 adults with ADHD and observed improvements in both ADHD symptoms and comorbid anxiety and depression (Rostain and colleagues, 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Most often the most effective treatment for ADHD involves lifestyle changes. For example, ensuring adequate sleep and a balanced diet can help reduce symptoms. Regular exercise may also help reduce hyperactivity, but it is crucial to choose a physical activity that you love and be committed to. Stress and anxiety can be reduced by practicing relaxation techniques.
The organization of your workspace will aid you in staying on track and keep on top of deadlines. Set aside time each day for organizing papers and equipment. Use folders and dividers to organize your documents. Label and color code folders to help you find what you are looking for.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have trouble with organization and procrastination, which can affect their ability to complete work tasks in a timely manner. Set alarms on your smartphone and add reminders to your calendar.
Poor planning and organization skills can cause problems at home, school, and work. Developing these skills is a crucial part of treating ADHD in adults. Many adults with ADHD struggle to stay focused at work. This can lead to frustration and embarrassment.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD can aid in improving your concentration and boost self-esteem. It is crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications that you take, as certain of them can interact with stimulants. The NIMH Fact Sheet on Medications for ADD/ADHD provides more details on the medications used to treat this condition.
There isn't a single food that can cure ADHD, avoiding artificial and sugary additives can help control symptoms by increasing brain health. A balanced diet that is rich in whole grains and lean proteins, as well as fruits and vegetables can also help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Insufficient sleep can cause anxiety, irritability, and difficulty maintaining attention throughout the day. In adult adhd diagnosis and treatment can increase the chance of developing depression and mood disorders. Therefore, it is important to develop a good sleeping routine and to practice relaxation techniques prior to going to the bed.
Achieving long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes can be challenging for people with ADHD. Consider rewarding your patients when achieving specific goals to encourage them to stick to their treatment plan. For example, offering a Hershey Kiss after 10 trips to the gym is an ideal incentive for certain people.
Accommodations
If someone needs accommodations to manage a problem, they use tools or adjustments to their environment to manage the symptoms. If you're small and need a step stool in order to access the items on the shelves of the store. Also, a person suffering from ADHD might require accommodations to help them succeed at work or school.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from a variety of counseling techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist in order to modify negative behavior and replace them with more positive ones. It can also help adults improve their organizational skills, and develop strategies to manage stress.
People suffering from ADHD generally have satisfaction in their careers as well as in relationships with their loved ones. They may have difficulty with daily tasks such as paying their bills and maintaining their home. A health care professional or mental health specialist can help an adult determine whether they have ADHD by conducting a thorough evaluation, including psychological testing and a review of the person's childhood behavior and experiences.
The examination will usually involve an interview with the patient parents, the patient, and other family members. A mental health specialist or health care professional might also request the patient to complete a questionnaire or standard ADHD symptoms rating scales. They may also conduct psychological tests to determine a person's thinking executive functioning, visual-spatial and executive abilities.
A comprehensive evaluation may also include a thorough examination of the person's medical records and a determination of whether there are any underlying conditions that could trigger ADHD. These could include anxiety, depression and learning disabilities, as well as substance abuse. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other ailments. A thorough assessment is therefore important.
In the majority of instances, a stimulant medicine will be prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD. Stimulants are controlled substances, must be closely monitored by a physician. The side effects could include insomnia and addiction. Some adults with ADHD find it difficult to remain on the medication for long periods because they don't see any improvement in their symptoms.