ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH recommends that individuals who suspect they might have ADHD discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider. A thorough assessment will determine whether the symptoms are due to stress, other mental health issues or physical illnesses.
ADHD is often treated by medication. There are stimulants and nonstimulants available to treat the condition.
Medicines
Many psychiatric disorders mimic ADHD symptoms in adults and children. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and adjustment disorders. In addition chronic stress can trigger many symptoms that look a lot like ADHD. When evaluating an adult who has symptoms that resemble those of ADHD, it's important to consider these possibilities. Following a thorough diagnosis medications are often prescribed to treat.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. These medications can dramatically improve symptoms associated with ADHD, but they aren't the only treatment for people with this condition. The use of these medications should only be done after other treatments have been evaluated. They should never be used in place of the use of behavioral therapy.
There are two main classes of stimulant medication. Methylphenidate (also known as methylphenidate) and dextroamphetamine (also known as dextroamphetamine) are the two most frequently prescribed drugs for treating ADHD among adults. Both have been around for many years and have been extensively researched. These medications are available in different forms, including tablets and liquids. They can also be applied to the skin. Adderall is the most popular brand. Stimulants boost the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are beneficial for the majority of people suffering from ADHD but they can cause adverse effects such as tachycardia and high blood pressure. They are also not suitable for some medical conditions such as Tourette's Syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medications are also available for certain people suffering from ADHD. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera (Strattera), and viloxazine are both selective inhibitors of the norepinephrine-reuptake process. They don't have the same risk of abuse as stimulants. They don't work as quickly as stimulants, however they do provide significant improvements in ADHD symptoms for certain adults.
In addition to reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms, medications can also reduce anxiety and depression. This is especially beneficial for people with ADHD and depression.
It is crucial to visit a doctor regularly in order to monitor your body's response to the medication, and to make sure it is working correctly. Initial appointments should be every 30 days. After this appointments should be scheduled monthly until a stable dosage is reached, after that, every three months.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is an important treatment for adults with ADHD. The GP is often able to refer adults with ADHD to psychotherapists that specialize 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's important to have a complete medical history. Many medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as seizures (petit mal), thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, other nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea, and hearing and vision problems. In addition, substance use issues and certain medications can contribute to the symptoms of ADHD.
Medicines are a major component of the majority of treatments for ADHD and stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that increases the activity of brain regions that control the impulses and attention. had me going is available in tablets that release immediately, which are small doses taken up to three times a day. Modified-release tablets offer a slower release of the drug over the course of the day. They don't trigger addiction and aren't a habit-forming drug. However, they can cause side effects. Talk to your doctor before taking the medication and inform him if any occur.
Psychotherapy can be extremely effective in helping patients suffering from many issues associated with their ADHD problems, such as poor time management and organization skills and impulsivity, social problems and academic failures, difficulty maintaining relationships, temper flares and even antisocial behavior. Some studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) may be more effective than other types of psychotherapy in treating ADHD symptoms in adults.
It is important to note that every psychotherapy approach must include a component of education or training to tackle the specific issues those with ADHD confront, such as learning and memory difficulties, poor organisational skills, and a tendency to lose things. There is also increasing evidence of a connection between certain physical ailments, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and neurological disorders that are multifaceted, such as ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy is a CBT technique that can be highly efficient in improving the functioning of adults with ADHD. It assists patients in developing strategies to improve their organization abilities, plan ahead and overcome thinking distortions that can lead to negative moods or self-defeating thoughts. 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 as well as behavioral symptoms (Stevenson et. al. 2002). Rostain along with colleagues, assessed the effectiveness of a treatment that included simultaneous treatment with pharmacotherapy and CBT for 43 adults with ADHD. They found improvements in both ADHD and comorbid depression or anxiety (Rostain and coworkers 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
The most effective treatment options for ADHD are based on lifestyle modifications. For instance, ensuring adequate sleep and a healthy diet can greatly improve symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce the amount of hyperactivity. However, it is important to choose an activity that you will enjoy and keep up with. In addition, practicing relaxation techniques can ease anxiety and stress.
The organization of your workspace can help you stay on task and keep track of deadlines. You should consider setting aside a regular time to organize papers and supplies, and try using file folders and dividers to organize different kinds of documents. Label and color-code your folders to help you find the information you need.
Adults with ADHD often have trouble with organization and procrastination, which can affect their ability to complete tasks on time. Set alarms on your phone and add reminders to your calendar.
Inadequate planning and organization skills can lead to problems at work, school, and home. Learning these skills is an essential component of treating ADHD in adults. Many adults with ADHD struggle to remain focused at work. This can lead to frustration and embarrassment.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication that improves self-esteem and concentration. It is vital to report any other medications you are 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 used to treat this condition.
Although there isn't any food that can cure ADHD, avoiding artificial and sugary additives will help to manage symptoms by increasing brain health. A balanced diet that is rich in whole grains and proteins, fruits and vegetables can also help to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Inadequate sleep can lead to anxiety and a lack of concentration. Additionally sleep deprivation increases the risk of depression and mood disorders. It is therefore essential to establish a regular sleeping routine and to practice relaxation techniques before the bed.
People suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to make long-term lifestyle adjustments. To encourage your patients to stick to their treatment plan think about offering them rewards for achieving certain goals. For instance, giving them an Hershey Kiss after 10 trips to the gym is a great incentive for some individuals.
Accommodations
If a person is using accommodations to deal with a problem they alter their environment or use tools to manage symptoms. For example, if you're short, you might need to use a step stool in order to reach items on shelves in the store. A person suffering from ADHD may need to make accommodations to succeed at work or school.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a variety of counseling methods that include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist to modify negative behavior and replace them with positive ones. It can also help adults improve their organizational skills, and develop strategies for managing stress.
People with ADHD tend to be successful in their professional and personal relationships. 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 assist an adult in determining if they have ADHD by conducting a thorough assessment that includes psychological testing as well as an analysis of the individual's childhood behavior and experiences.
The examination will usually involve a discussion with the patient parents, the patient, and other family members. A health care practitioner or mental health professional could also ask the person to take a standard ADHD symptom rating scales or an assessment questionnaire. They can also conduct psychological tests to determine a person's thinking, executive functioning and visual-spatial abilities.
A comprehensive evaluation may also include an examination of the person's medical records and a determination of whether there are any underlying issues which could cause ADHD. These could include depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, or addiction to drugs. People suffering from ADHD may also be suffering from other conditions. A thorough evaluation is therefore important.
In the majority of instances, a stimulant drug is prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD. Stimulants, which are controlled substances, must be closely monitored by a physician. They can have adverse effects, including insomnia and addiction. Some people with ADHD find it difficult to take the medication for long periods since they don't notice any improvement in their symptoms.