ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH suggests that anyone who believes they may have ADHD consult their health healthcare providers. A thorough assessment will determine if the symptoms are due to stress, other mental health conditions or physical ailments.
Medicines are usually the first treatment option for ADHD. There are stimulants and nonstimulants that can be used to treat this disorder.
Medications
ADHD symptoms may be a symptom of numerous mental disorders that affect adults and children. Some of them include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and adjustment disorder. Chronic stress can also result in symptoms similar to ADHD. It is essential to take into account these possibilities when evaluating an adult with symptoms resembling those of ADHD. After a proper diagnosis medication is usually prescribed as a treatment.
The most common medication prescribed for ADHD is stimulant drugs. They can greatly improve ADHD-related symptoms, but are not the only option for those suffering from this condition. The use of medication should only be done after other treatments have been tried and should not be used in lieu for behavioral therapy.
There are two main types of stimulant drugs. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate) and dextroamphetamine (also called dextroamphetamine) are the two most frequently used drugs for treating ADHD among adults. Both have been thoroughly studied and have been in use for many years. They are available in many forms, including tablets, liquids and even a skin patch. The most popular brand name is Adderall. had me going by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are effective for a majority of people with ADHD however they can also cause side effects like tachycardia or high blood pressure. They are contraindicated in certain medical conditions, such as Tourette syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant drugs can also be prescribed for certain people suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine are both selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors that do not have the abuse potential of stimulants. They don't work as quickly as stimulants, however they do provide significant improvements in ADHD symptoms for some adults.
The medication can help reduce anxiety and depression, as well as the severity of ADHD symptoms. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and depression.
It is essential to keep visiting a physician regularly to observe the bodily reactions to the medication and ensure that the medication is working. Initial appointments should be scheduled every 30 days. After that, appointments are to be made every month until a steady dosage is reached and then every 3 months thereafter.
Counseling
For adults suffering from ADHD, psychotherapy is an essential treatment. The GP is often able to send people suffering from ADHD to psychotherapists that specialize in the disorder. Certain studies suggest that psychotherapy is more effective than medication to treat ADHD symptoms in adults. However, a thorough medical history should be taken to help determine the best treatment options. Many medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as seizures (petit mal), thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, other nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea and issues with vision and hearing. Alcohol abuse disorders and certain medications can also trigger symptoms similar to ADHD.
Most ADHD treatments involve medication and stimulant medications are the most frequently used. Methylphenidate is a central nerve system stimulant that enhances the activity of brain areas that regulate the impulses and attention. It is available in both immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) and modified-release tablets which provide a longer release of the drug throughout the day. They aren't considered addictive and have no potential to lead to addiction, however they may cause adverse reactions, so it's important to consult a doctor before starting them and to let the GP know if you experience any.
Psychotherapy can be extremely effective in helping patients who suffer from a variety of problems associated with their ADHD, including ineffective time management and ability to organize as well as impulsivity, social issues and academic issues, difficulties maintaining relationships, temper flares and even antisocial behavior. Some 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 note that every psychotherapy must include an element of education or training that addresses specific problems that ADHD sufferers have to face, such as problems with memory and learning as well as poor organisational skills and the tendency to be lost. There is a growing body of evidence of a connection between certain physical ailments, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), as well as neurodiverse mental disorders like ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy, a CBT technique can be extremely helpful in improving the mood and functioning of people suffering from ADHD. It assists patients in developing strategies to improve their organization skills, preparing ahead and resolving thinking distortions which can cause negative feelings or self-defeating beliefs. Stevenson and colleagues have developed an approach to group-based CBT for adults suffering from ADHD that was found to be very effective in improving their behavioral symptoms and cognitive functioning (Stevenson and colleagues 2002). Rostain, along with colleagues, assessed the efficacy of a combined treatment that included simultaneous pharmacotherapy and CBT for 43 adults with ADHD. They reported improvements in both ADHD and anxiety or depression that are comorbid (Rostain and coworkers, 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Most often the most effective treatment for ADHD is to make lifestyle adjustments. For instance, ensuring that you get enough sleep and a healthy diet can improve symptoms. Regular exercise can also help reduce hyperactivity. However, it is important to choose an activity you love and commit to. Stress and anxiety can be reduced by practicing relaxation techniques.
The organization of your workspace will help you stay on task and keep the track of deadlines. You should consider setting aside time every day for organizing papers and items. Use folders and dividers to separate documents. Label and color-code folders to aid in finding the information you need.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with procrastination and organization which can impact their ability to finish tasks on time. Set alarms on your smartphone and add reminders to your calendar.
Insufficient planning and organizational skills can create problems at school, home and at work. Developing these skills is a crucial part of treating ADHD in adults. Many adults with ADHD struggle to stay focused at work, which could affect their productivity and result in embarrassment or anger.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a medication that boosts self-esteem and concentration. However, it is important to inform any other medications you're taking to your healthcare doctor, as some interact with stimulants. The NIMH Fact Sheet on Medications to Treat ADD/ADHD gives more details about the drugs that treat this condition.
Although there isn't any food that can cure ADHD, eliminating sugary and artificial ingredients will help to manage symptoms by improving brain health. Consuming a balanced diet which is rich in whole grains and lean proteins can help reduce hyperactivity.
Inadequate sleep can lead to irritation and lack of focus. Additionally sleep deprivation can increase the chance of developing depression and mood disorders. Therefore, it is important to establish a healthy sleeping routine and to practice relaxation techniques before bed.
Making long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes can be difficult for people with ADHD. To motivate your patients to stick to their treatment plans you could offer them rewards for meeting specific goals. For instance, giving them the reward of a Hershey Kiss after 10 trips to the gym can be an ideal incentive for certain individuals.
Accommodations
If a person needs accommodations to manage the issue, they employ tools or adjustments to their environment to control the symptoms. For example for those who are small, you may need to use a step stool in order to access shelves in a store. A person with ADHD may require adjustments to be successful at school or work.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from counseling techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist in order to alter negative behaviors and replace them with positive ones. It can also help adults improve their organizational skills, and develop strategies to manage stress.
People with ADHD have a high probability of success in their professional and personal relationships. They may experience difficulties with daily tasks such as paying their bills or maintaining a home. A health care provider or mental health professional can help an adult determine whether they have ADHD by conducting a thorough assessment that includes psychological testing as well as a review of the person's childhood behavior and experiences.
The evaluation usually includes talking with the person, their parents, and other family members. A health care practitioner or mental health professional may also ask the person to take a the standardized ADHD symptom rating scales or a questionnaire. They can also conduct psychological testing to evaluate a person's ability to think, executive functioning and visual-spatial capabilities.
A comprehensive evaluation may also consist of a review of medical records and a determination of whether there are any conditions that could trigger ADHD. These include anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or addiction to drugs. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other health issues, so a careful assessment is crucial.
In most instances, a stimulant medicine is prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD. They are a controlled substance and must be monitored closely by a physician. They can have side effects, such as trouble sleeping and addiction. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are having a hard time staying on the medication for a long time because they don't feel the symptoms diminishing.