ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH suggests that people who believe they might be suffering from ADHD talk with their health care providers. A thorough assessment can help determine if the symptoms are caused by stress, mental health conditions or physical illnesses.
ADHD is often treated with medication. There are stimulants and nonstimulants available to treat this disorder.
Medicines
Many psychiatric disorders mimic ADHD symptoms for adults and children. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and adjustment disorders. In addition chronic stress can trigger various symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. When looking at an adult with symptoms resembling those of ADHD, it is important to consider these possibilities. After a diagnosis is made, medications are often recommended as an option for treatment.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. They can help to enhance ADHD symptoms, but they are not the only treatment available for those suffering from this condition. The use of medication should only be done after other treatments have been tried. I Am Psychiatry should not be used in place of or as a substitute for behavioral therapy.
There are two primary kinds of stimulant drugs. Methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine are the two drugs most commonly used to treat ADHD in adults. Both have been extensively studied and have been in use for many years. They are available in various forms like tablets, liquids, and a skin patch. The most well-known brand name is Adderall. Stimulant medications boost the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are effective in treating most people with ADHD however they may cause adverse effects such as high blood pressure or tachycardia. They are contraindicated in certain medical conditions, such as Tourette syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant medications 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 do not have the same potential for abuse as stimulants. They don't perform as fast as stimulants, but they can make significant improvements in ADHD symptoms for certain adults.
The medications can reduce anxiety and depression in addition to the severity of ADHD symptoms. This is especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD and depression.
It is important to see your doctor regularly to observe the body's reaction to the medication and to ensure it is working correctly. Initial appointments should be scheduled 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 a crucial treatment for adults with ADHD. The GP is often able to refer people suffering from ADHD to psychotherapists who specialise in the disorder. Psychotherapy could be more effective than medications in treating ADHD symptoms in adults, based on some studies. To determine the best treatment, it's important to take a complete medical history. Numerous medical conditions, including seizures (petit mal) thyroid problems, lead poisoning, and other nutritional deficiencies, as well as sleep apnea can trigger ADHD-like signs and symptoms. Substance abuse disorders and some medications may also cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Medicines are a major component of the majority of treatments for ADHD and stimulant drugs are the most commonly used. Methylphenidate, which is the most commonly used medication is a central nervous system stimulant that is effective by increasing the activity of brain areas that control attention and impulses. It is available in both immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken between 2 and three times daily) and modified-release tablets which provide a longer release of the drug throughout the day. The stimulants do not cause addiction and are not habit-forming. However, they could have side effects. Consult your doctor before taking them and let him know if any occur.
Psychotherapy can be very useful in helping patients with many issues related to their ADHD problems, such as poor time management and organization skills and impulsivity, social problems, academic failures, trouble maintaining relationships, temper outbursts and even antisocial behaviour. Certain studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) could be more effective than other forms of psychotherapy in treating ADHD symptoms for adults.
It's important to note that every psychotherapy should include an element of education or training that addresses particular issues that ADHD sufferers have to face, such as learning and memory issues in addition to poor organizational skills and the tendency to be lost. Additionally, there is growing research that demonstrates a connection between some physical health issues like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and neurodiverse mental illnesses including ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy 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 organizational skills, develop a plan of action and correct thinking errors that can lead to negative moods or self-defeating beliefs. Stevenson and colleagues have developed a group-based CBT program for adults suffering from ADHD that has been found to be extremely efficient in reducing their behavioural symptoms and cognitive performance (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). Rostain and colleagues have also assessed the effectiveness of a treatment involving concurrent pharmacotherapy with CBT in 43 people with ADHD and observed improvements in both ADHD symptoms as well as anxiety and depression (Rostain et al 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Most often, the most effective treatment for ADHD involves lifestyle modifications. For instance, getting enough sleep and a healthy diet can help reduce symptoms. Regular exercise can also aid in reducing hyperactivity, but it is essential to find an activity you like and are able to be committed to. Stress and anxiety can be reduced by engaging in relaxation techniques.
Organizing your workspace will help you stay on task and keep on top of deadlines. You should consider setting aside time every day to organize your documents and items. Use dividers and folders to organize your documents. Label and color code folders to aid in finding what you are looking for.
Adults with ADHD struggle with procrastination and organizational issues and this can hinder their ability to complete tasks within the timeframe they have set. Consider putting reminders on your calendar and set alarms on your phone to help meet deadlines.
Inadequate planning and organization skills can lead to problems at school, work as well as at home. Adult ADHD treatment requires these skills be developed. Many adults with ADHD struggle to remain focused at work. This can cause frustration and embarrassment.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD can help improve self-esteem and concentration. It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, as certain medications may interact with stimulants. The NIMH Fact Sheet on Medications for ADD/ADHD provides more details about the drugs that treat this condition.
While there is no food or drink that can cure ADHD, avoiding artificial and sugary additives will help to manage symptoms by promoting brain health. A balanced diet that is rich in whole grains and lean proteins, as well as fruits and vegetables can also help to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Inadequate sleep can lead to irritation and lack of concentration. Sleep deprivation also increases the risk for depression and mood disorders. This is why it is crucial to establish a good routine for sleep and to practice relaxation strategies before getting to bed.
Achieving sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes can be challenging for those suffering from ADHD. Consider rewarding your patients for reaching specific goals to motivate them to adhere to their treatment plan. For instance, offering the reward of a Hershey Kiss after 10 trips to the gym is 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. If you're small or have a disability, you might require a step stool in order to reach the items on shelves of a shop. In the same way, someone with ADHD may need to use accommodations to aid them in their success at school or work.
Adults with ADHD might also benefit from counseling techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working with a therapist in order 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 with ADHD typically have success in their work and in personal relationships. They may have difficulty with everyday tasks, such as paying their bills or maintaining their home. A mental health professional or health care provider can help adults determine if they suffer from ADHD by conducting an evaluation that includes psychological testing and a review the person's past behaviors and experiences.
The evaluation will usually include a discussion with the patient, their parents, and other family members. A mental health specialist or health care professional might also request that the patient complete a questionnaire or standard ADHD symptoms rating scales. They may also conduct psychological tests to assess a person's reasoning, executive functioning and visual-spatial abilities.
A thorough evaluation could also include looking at the patient's medical history and determining whether there are any conditions that may cause ADHD like anxiety, depression, substance abuse disorder or learning disability. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other conditions. A thorough assessment is therefore important.
In the majority of cases, a person suffering from ADHD will be prescribed a stimulant medication to help treat their symptoms. These stimulants are controlled substances and must be monitored closely by a medical professional. They can cause side effects, such as insomnia and addiction. Certain adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty staying on the medication for a long time because they don't feel the symptoms diminishing.