ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH recommends that individuals who suspect they have ADHD speak with their healthcare provider. A thorough examination will determine if the symptoms are caused by mental health problems, stress or physical illnesses.
ADHD is usually treated by medication. Stimulants and nonstimulants are available to treat the disorder.
Medicines
Many mental illnesses mimic ADHD symptoms in adults and children. Some of them include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and adjustment disorder. Chronic stress can also cause symptoms similar to ADHD. It is important that these possibilities are considered when evaluating an adult suffering from symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. Once a diagnosis is made, medication is often prescribed to treat.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. These medications can dramatically improve ADHD-related symptoms, but are not the only treatment for people with this condition. The use of medication should only be done after other treatments have been tried and should never be used in place of or as a substitute for behavioral therapy.
There are two major types of stimulant medications. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate) and dextroamphetamine (also called dextroamphetamine) are the two most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD among adults. Both have been extensively studied and have been used for many years. They are available in many forms including tablets, liquids and even a skin patch. The most well-known brand name is Adderall. Stimulant medications work by stimulating the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are beneficial for the majority of people suffering from ADHD but can cause side effects like tachycardia or high blood pressure. They are also contraindicated 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 selective inhibitors of the norepinephrine-reuptake process. They don't have the same risk of abuse as stimulants. They do not perform as quickly as stimulants however they can provide significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in adults.
In addition to reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms medications can also help reduce anxiety and depression. This is especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD and depression.
It is important to continue seeing a doctor regularly to check the body's reactions to the medication and to make sure that the medication is working. Initial appointments should be every 30 days. After this appointments should be scheduled monthly until a stable dosage is reached and then every three months thereafter.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is an important treatment for adults with ADHD. GPs are often able to refer people suffering from ADHD to psychotherapists that specialize in the disorder. Psychotherapy could be more effective than medication in treating ADHD symptoms in adults, according to some studies. To determine the most effective treatment, it's essential to take a complete medical history. A variety of medical conditions can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as seizures (petit mal) thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, other nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea as well as issues with vision and hearing. Additionally, substance use disorders and certain medications can also contribute to ADHD-like symptoms.
Most ADHD treatments include medication, and stimulant drugs are the most frequently used. Methylphenidate is the most common medication, is a central nervous system stimulant that increases activity in brain areas that control attention and impulses. It is available in tablets with immediate release that are tiny doses taken two to three times a day. Modified-release tablets offer a slower release of the drug throughout the day. Stimulants aren't considered habit-forming and aren't likely to cause addiction, but they can produce side effects, which is why it is essential to talk with a doctor before starting them and to let the GP be aware of any side effects if you experience any.
Psychotherapy can be extremely effective in helping patients suffering from many issues that are related to their ADHD issues, such as poor time management and organizational skills as well as impulsivity, social issues and academic failures, difficulty maintaining relationships, temper flares and even antisocial behavior. Some studies suggest cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) may be more effective than other forms of psychotherapy to treat ADHD symptoms 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 have to face, including learning and memory difficulties as well as poor organisational abilities and a tendency lose things. There is also growing evidence of a connection between certain physical conditions, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and neurological disorders that are multifaceted, such as ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy, a CBT technique can be extremely beneficial in improving the functioning and mood of people with ADHD. It assists patients in developing strategies to improve their organization skills, plan ahead and overcome thinking distortions that can cause self-defeating or negative moods. Stevenson and his colleagues created an individualized CBT program based on group discussions for adults with ADHD. It has been found to be highly effective in improving their cognitive functioning as well as behavioral symptoms (Stevenson and. and. 2002). Rostain and colleagues have also examined the effectiveness of a treatment that combines pharmacotherapy and CBT in 43 adults with ADHD and found improvements in both ADHD symptoms as well as anxiety and depression (Rostain and colleagues 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Most often the most effective treatment for ADHD is through lifestyle modifications. For instance, getting enough sleep and a balanced diet can reduce symptoms. Regular exercise can also help reduce hyperactivity. However, it is important to choose an activity that you enjoy and commit to. Stress and anxiety can be lowered by engaging in relaxation techniques.
The organization of your workspace can help you stay focused and keep on top of deadlines. Set aside a daily time to organize papers and other supplies, and then try using file folders and dividers to organize different kinds of documents. Label and color code folders to aid in finding what you are looking for.
Adults with ADHD often struggle with procrastination and organization, which can interfere with their ability to complete work tasks on time. Set alarms on your phone and add reminders to your calendar.
Poor planning and organization skills can create problems at school, home or at work. Developing these skills is a crucial part of treating ADHD in adults. Many people with ADHD struggle to remain focused at work. This can lead to frustration and embarrassment.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medications that improves concentration and self-esteem. However, it is important to inform any other medications you are taking to your health care provider, as certain medications interact with stimulants. The NIMH Fact Sheet on Medications to Treat ADD/ADHD gives more details on the medications that treat this condition.
While there is no food product that can treat ADHD, abstaining from sugary and artificial additives will help manage symptoms through promoting brain health. A balanced diet that is that is rich in whole grains and proteins, fruits and vegetables can also help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Inadequate sleep can lead to irritability and a lack of concentration. Additionally, sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of developing depression and mood disorders. Therefore, it is important to develop a good routine for sleep and to practice relaxation techniques before going to the bed.
Making sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD. To motivate your patients to stick to their treatment plan you could offer them rewards for meeting specific goals. Giving an Hershey Kiss to those who make 10 gym trips can be a great way to motivate them.
Accommodations
When a person uses accommodation to help manage the issue they alter their surroundings or employ tools to manage symptoms. For instance, if you're short, you may have to use a step stool in order to access shelves in a store. Someone with ADHD may require accommodations to succeed at school or work.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from counseling techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). treatment for adhd in adults involves working with a therapist to alter negative behaviors and replace them with more positive ones. It can also assist adults to improve their organizational skills and develop strategies to manage stress.
People suffering from ADHD often find satisfaction in their careers as well as in relationships with their loved ones. However, they can face problems with everyday tasks such as paying for bills and keeping the house in good condition. A mental health expert or health professional can help adults determine if they suffer from ADHD by conducting an evaluation which includes psychological testing as well as an analysis of the person's prior behaviour and experiences.
The typical evaluation involves talking with the person along with their parents, and other family members. A health care specialist or mental health professional may also request that the person take a standard ADHD symptoms rating scales or an assessment questionnaire. treatment for adhd in adults may also conduct psychological tests to determine a person's thinking and executive functioning as well as visual-spatial abilities.
A thorough evaluation could include a thorough examination of the person's medical records and a determination of whether there are any conditions which could cause ADHD. These could include depression, anxiety or learning disabilities, or alcohol abuse. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have other health issues, so a careful assessment is important.
In most instances, a stimulant drug is prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD. Stimulants are a controlled substance therefore they must be closely monitored by a doctor. They can have adverse effects, like insomnia and addiction. Some people who suffer from ADHD find it difficult to remain on the medication for a long time as they don't experience any improvement in their symptoms.