ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH suggests that people who believe they may have ADHD discuss the possibility with their health care providers. A thorough evaluation will determine if the symptoms could be caused by mental health issues, stress or physical illnesses.
ADHD is often treated with medication. There are stimulants and nonstimulants available to treat this condition.
Medicines
ADHD symptoms may be a sign of a variety of mental disorders that affect adults and children. Some of these include mood disorders, anxiety disorders and adjustment disorders. Stress can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. It is important that these possibilities are considered when evaluating an adult with symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. After a diagnosis is made, medications are often recommended as an option for treatment.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms however they are not the only treatment available for patients suffering from this disorder. The use of medication should only be done after other treatments have been tried. They shouldn't be used in place of or as a substitute for therapy for behavior.
There are two major types of stimulant medicines. Methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine are the two medications most frequently used to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been thoroughly studied and have been in use for many years. The medications 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 drugs enhance the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are effective for most people suffering from ADHD but they can cause adverse effects such as tachycardia and high blood pressure. They are contraindicated in certain medical conditions, like Tourette syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant drugs are also prescribed to certain people suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine are both selective norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors that don't possess the abuse potential of stimulants. They do not perform as quickly as stimulants however they can provide significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in some adults.
The medications can reduce anxiety and depression, as well as the severity of ADHD symptoms. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with co-occurring ADHD and depression.
It is important to continue visiting a physician regularly to monitor bodily reactions to the medication and ensure that the medication is working. Initial appointments should occur every 30 days. After that, appointments must be made every month until a stable dose is achieved and then every 3 months thereafter.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is an important treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are often referred by doctors to psychotherapists that specialize in treating the disorder. Psychotherapy may be more effective than medications in treating ADHD symptoms in adults, as per some studies. However, a thorough medical history is required to determine the best treatment options. adhd in adult women treatment , including seizures (petit mal) thyroid problems, lead poisoning, and other nutritional deficiencies, as well as sleep apnea, can cause symptoms and signs that resemble those of ADHD. Alcohol abuse disorders and certain medications may also cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Medications are a key component of the majority of treatments for ADHD, and stimulant medicines are the most frequently used. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that boosts the activity of brain regions that control attention and impulses. It is available as immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times a 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 could cause side effects. Talk to your doctor before taking them and let him know if any occur.
Psychotherapy can be extremely effective in helping patients suffering from various issues that are related to their ADHD, including ineffective time management and organization skills, impulsivity, social problems and academic failures, difficulty maintaining relationships, temper flares and even antisocial behavior. Certain studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than other forms of psychotherapy in treating the symptoms of ADHD in adults.
It is crucial to note that every psychotherapy should include an element of education or training that addresses specific issues ADHD sufferers face, which include issues with memory and learning as well as poor organisational skills and a tendency for things to be lost. There is also increasing evidence that shows a link with certain physical conditions, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), as well as neurological disorders that are multifaceted, such as ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy, a CBT technique, can be very helpful in improving the mood and functioning of people suffering from ADHD. It assists patients in developing strategies to improve their organization abilities, plan ahead and resolve thinking distortions which can cause self-defeating or negative moods. Stevenson and colleagues have developed a group-based CBT program for adults suffering from ADHD which has been found to be extremely effective in improving their behavioural symptoms and cognitive performance (Stevenson et al 2002). Rostain and colleagues have also evaluated the effectiveness of a combination treatment that includes concurrent pharmacotherapy and CBT in 43 people with ADHD and found improvements in both ADHD symptoms and comorbid depression and anxiety (Rostain et al 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
The most effective treatments for ADHD require lifestyle adjustments. For instance, getting enough sleep and a healthy diet can improve symptoms. Regular exercise may also aid in reducing hyperactivity, but it is essential to find the activity that you enjoy and will be committed to. Stress and anxiety can be lowered by practicing relaxation techniques.
The organization of your workspace will aid you in staying on track and keep track of deadlines. Set aside time each day to organize your papers and other items. Use folders and dividers to organize documents. Be sure to label and color code your folders so you can find the items you require quickly.
Adults with ADHD frequently struggle with procrastination and organization, which can interfere with their ability to complete work tasks within the timeframe they need to. Set alarms on your phone and add reminders to your calendar.
Insufficient planning and organizational skills can create problems at school, home and 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 taking medication for ADHD can aid in improving concentration and boost self-esteem. However, it is important to report any other medications you're taking to your healthcare provider, as certain medications interact with stimulants. The NIMH Fact Sheet on Medications for ADD/ADHD provides more details on the medications used to treat this condition.
While there is no food product that can treat ADHD, avoiding artificial and sugary additives can help control symptoms by improving brain health. Eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in whole grains and lean proteins, as well as vegetables and fruits can help to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Insufficient sleep can cause irritability and a lack of concentration. Additionally, sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of developing depression and mood disorders. Therefore, it is essential to establish a healthy routine to sleep and implement relaxation strategies before going to bed.
Patients with ADHD may have difficulty to make lasting lifestyle adjustments. To encourage your patients to stick to their treatment regimens you could offer them rewards for achieving certain goals. Giving the reward of a Hershey Kiss to those who make 10 gym trips could be a great method to encourage them to stick to their plans.
Accommodations
If a person needs accommodations to manage a problem, they use tools or modifications to their environment to control the symptoms. If you're short and need a step stool to reach the items on shelves of the shop. Someone with ADHD may 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 in order to change negative behavior and replace it with positive behaviors. It can also teach adults to improve their organizational skills and develop strategies for managing stress.
People with ADHD generally have success in their work and in their relationships with family and friends. They may experience difficulties in everyday tasks like paying their bills or maintaining a home. A mental health specialist or health care professional can assist adults in determining if they suffer from ADHD through an evaluation which includes psychological testing as well as an examination of the person's previous behaviors and experiences.
The examination will usually involve an interaction with the patient, their parents, and other family members. A health care practitioner or mental health professional might also ask the person to complete standard ADHD ratings scales for symptoms or a questionnaire. They could also conduct psychological tests to assess a person's visual and spatial reasoning, executive functioning and reasoning capabilities.
A thorough evaluation could also include examining a person's medical history and determining if there are any underlying issues that could trigger ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, a learning disability or substance abuse. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other health issues and a thorough assessment is essential.
In most instances, a stimulant medicine will be prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD. These stimulants are controlled substances and must be closely monitored by a physician. Some of the side effects include insomnia and addiction. Certain adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty taking the medication long term, because they don't notice their symptoms diminishing.