ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH suggests that people who believe they might have ADHD consult their health care providers. A thorough assessment will determine if symptoms are due to mental health problems, stress or physical illnesses.
ADHD is often treated with medication. There are stimulants and nonstimulants available to treat the condition.
Medicines
Many mental disorders are akin to ADHD symptoms in children and adults. Some of these include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and adjustment disorder. In addition chronic stress can trigger many symptoms that appear similar to ADHD. When looking at an adult with ADHD-like symptoms, it is important to consider these possibilities. After a proper diagnosis medication is usually prescribed to treat.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. These medications can help aid in the improvement of ADHD symptoms however they are not the only treatment available for patients suffering from this disorder. The use of medications should only be used after other treatments have been tested. They should never be used in place of behavioral therapy.
There are two major types of stimulant medicines. Methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine are the two most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been extensively studied and have been used for a long time. These medications are available in a variety of forms including liquids and tablets. They can also be applied to the skin. The most well-known brand name is Adderall. Stimulant medications increase the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are effective in treating the majority of people suffering from ADHD however they may cause adverse effects such as high blood pressure or tachycardia. They are not advised in certain medical conditions, such as Tourette syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medications can also be prescribed for some people with ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine are norepinephrine selective reuptake inhibitors that do not have the potential for abuse as stimulants. They don't perform as fast as stimulants, but they do provide significant improvements in ADHD symptoms for certain adults.
In addition to reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms medications can also help reduce depression and anxiety. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD and depression.
It is essential to keep 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 this, appointments should be scheduled every month until a steady dose is achieved, and then every 3 months.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is a crucial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. The GP is often able to refer adults with ADHD to psychotherapists who specialise in the disorder. Some studies suggest that psychotherapy is more effective than medication for treating ADHD symptoms in adults. To determine the most effective treatment, it is important to take a complete medical history. Many medical conditions, such as seizures (petit mal) thyroid issues, lead poisoning, and other nutritional deficiencies, and sleep apnea, may cause symptoms and signs reminiscent of ADHD. Substance abuse disorders and certain medications may also cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Medications are a key element of many treatments for ADHD and stimulant drugs are the most commonly used. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that boosts the activity of brain regions that control the flow of attention and impulses. It is available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to three times daily) 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 may have side effects. Consult your doctor before taking them and let him know whether any side effects occur.
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial in helping patients with many issues related to their ADHD problems, such as ineffective time management and organizational skills as well as impulsivity, social issues and academic failures, difficulty maintaining relationships, temper tantrums and even antisocial behaviour. Some studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) may be more effective than other forms of psychotherapy in treating ADHD symptoms in adults.
It is important to note that every psychotherapy method should include some aspect of education or training to deal with the specific issues people with ADHD face, such as problems with memory and learning in addition to poor organizational abilities and a tendency lose things. There is a growing body of evidence of a connection with certain physical conditions such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS) and neurological disorders that are multifaceted, such as ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy, a CBT technique can be extremely helpful in improving the functioning and mood of adults with ADHD. It helps patients develop strategies to improve their organization skills, develop a plan of action and resolve thinking distortions that can cause negative moods or self-defeating thoughts. Stevenson and his colleagues created a group-based CBT program for adults with ADHD. It was found to be extremely effective in improving their cognitive functioning as well as behavioral symptoms (Stevenson and. al. 2002). Rostain and colleagues have also assessed the efficacy of a combination treatment involving concurrent pharmacotherapy with CBT for 43 adults suffering from ADHD and reported improvements in both ADHD symptoms as well as comorbid anxiety and depression (Rostain et al 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Most often, the most effective treatment for ADHD is to make lifestyle adjustments. For example, ensuring adequate sleep and a healthy diet can improve symptoms. Regular exercise can also help reduce the amount of hyperactivity. However it is crucial that you find an activity that you enjoy and commit to. Stress and anxiety can be lowered by using relaxation techniques.
Organising your workspace can aid in staying focused and on the right track with deadlines. Set aside time each day for organizing papers and equipment. Use dividers and folders to organize your documents. Be sure to label and color-code your folders to ensure 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 in a timely manner. Set alarms on your phone and add reminders to your calendar.
Inadequate planning and organization skills can lead to problems at work, school as well as at home. Developing these skills is a crucial part of treating ADHD in adults. Many adults with ADHD struggle to remain focused at work. This can cause frustration and embarrassment.
Adults taking medication for ADHD can aid in improving your self-esteem and concentration. However, it is essential to disclose any other medications you are taking to your healthcare provider, as some interact with stimulants. The NIMH's Medications to Treat ADD and ADHD Fact Sheet contains more details on the kinds of drugs used to treat these conditions.
While there are Internet Page that can cure ADHD but avoiding sugary and artificial additives can help reduce symptoms by encouraging the health of your brain. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains and protein sources can help to reduce hyperactivity.
Insufficient sleep causes anxiety, irritability and a struggle to maintain focus throughout the day. Sleep deprivation can also increase the risk for depression and mood disorders. Therefore, it is important to establish a good routine for sleep and to practice relaxation strategies before getting to bed.
People suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to make long-term lifestyle adjustments. To encourage your patients to adhere to their treatment plan you could offer them rewards for achieving specific goals. Offering the reward of a Hershey Kiss to those who complete 10 gym visits is a great way to encourage them to stick to their plans.
Accommodations
If a person is using accommodations to deal with an issue and manage their situation, they modify their surroundings or employ tools to manage symptoms. If you're small, you may need an aid step stool to reach the items on shelves of a shop. Also, a person suffering from ADHD may need to use accommodations to ensure they succeed at work or school.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a variety of counseling techniques such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist to alter negative behavior and replace it with more positive behavior. It can also assist adults to improve their organizational skills, and develop strategies for managing stress.
People with ADHD typically have success in their careers and in their relationships with family and friends. However, they can face difficulties with daily tasks, such as paying bills and keeping their home. A health care professional or mental health specialist can assist an adult to determine if they have ADHD by conducting a thorough evaluation, including psychological testing and an examination of the person's childhood behavior and experiences.
The evaluation usually includes talking with the person along with their parents, and other family members. A health care practitioner or mental health professional could also request that the person take a standard ADHD symptoms rating scales or an assessment questionnaire. They may also conduct psychological tests to evaluate a person's ability to think and executive functioning as well as visual-spatial capabilities.
A thorough assessment can include looking at the patient's medical history and determining whether there are any underlying issues that could cause ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, a learning disability, or addiction to drugs. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from other medical conditions, so a careful assessment is crucial.
In most cases, a stimulant medication is prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD. These stimulants are controlled substances and must be closely monitored by a medical professional. Some of the side effects include insomnia and addiction. Certain adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty keeping the medication on for long periods of time, as they don't feel the symptoms getting better.