ADHD Treatment For Adults
NIMH recommends that individuals who suspect they have ADHD speak with their healthcare providers. A thorough assessment will determine whether the symptoms are due to stress, other mental health issues or physical illness.
ADHD is usually treated with medication. There are alternative adhd treatment for adults and nonstimulants available to treat the disorder.
Medicines
ADHD symptoms may be a symptom of numerous mental health disorders, both in adults and children. Some of them include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and adjustment disorder. In addition, chronic stress can cause various symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. It is essential to take into account these possibilities when evaluating an adult suffering from symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. After a diagnosis is made, medications are often recommended as an option to treat.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. These drugs can significantly improve ADHD-related symptoms, but are not the only treatment for those suffering from this condition. The use of medication should only be done after other treatments have been tested. They should not be used in place of therapy for behavioral issues.
There are two main types of stimulant medications. Methylphenidate (also known as methylphenidate) and dextroamphetamine (also called dextroamphetamine) are the two most frequently prescribed drugs for treating ADHD in adults. Both have been around for a long time and have been extensively studied. They are available in various forms like tablets, liquids and even a skin patch. Adderall is the most popular brand. Stimulant medications work by stimulating the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are effective in treating people with ADHD however, they can also trigger side effects, such as high blood pressure or tachycardia. They are contraindicated in certain medical conditions, such as Tourette syndrome and severe anorexia.
Nonstimulant drugs are also available for some people with ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine are both selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors that do not have the potential for abuse as stimulants. They do not work as quickly as stimulants but do provide significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in some adults.
The medication can help reduce anxiety and depression, as well as the severity of ADHD symptoms. This is especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD and depression.
It is vital to continue seeing a doctor regularly to monitor bodily reactions to the medication and ensure that it is working. Initial appointments should be scheduled every 30 days. After this, appointments should be made every month until a stable dosage is reached, and then every 3 months.
Counseling
For adults who have ADHD, psychotherapy is a very important treatment. Adults with ADHD are often referred by GPs to psychotherapists who specialize in the disorder. Psychotherapy is more effective than medication in treating ADHD symptoms among adults, according to some studies. However, a thorough medical history is required to help determine the best treatment options. A variety of medical conditions, such as seizures (petit mal), thyroid problems or lead poisoning, other nutritional deficiencies, and sleep apnea, may cause symptoms and signs that resemble those of ADHD. Substance abuse disorders and some medications may also cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Most ADHD treatments involve medication and stimulant medications are among the most common. Methylphenidate is a central nerve system stimulant that boosts activity in brain regions that control the impulses and attention. It is available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to three times daily) and modified-release tablets that offer a longer release of the drug throughout the day. Stimulants don't cause dependence and don't cause addiction. They aren't habit-forming. However, they may have adverse effects. Talk to your doctor before taking the medication and inform him the occurrence of any.
Psychotherapy is extremely beneficial in treating a wide range of ADHD-related disorders, such as poor time and organizational management, impulsivity and social problems academic failures, as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. Certain studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than other forms of psychotherapy in treating the symptoms of ADHD in adults.
It is important to remember that every psychotherapy must include an element of education or training that addresses specific problems that ADHD sufferers face, including issues with memory and learning, poor organisational abilities and the tendency for things to be lost. Additionally, there's increasing evidence that suggests that there is a link between certain physical health conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and neurodiverse mental illness, including ADHD and Tourettes.
Metacognitive therapy is a CBT technique can be extremely helpful in improving the mood and functioning of adults with ADHD. It helps patients develop strategies to improve their organizational skills, develop a plan of action and correct thinking errors which can cause negative moods or self-defeating thoughts. Stevenson and his co-workers developed a group-based CBT program for adults suffering from ADHD. It was found to be extremely efficient in improving their cognitive functioning as well as behavioural symptoms (Stevenson et. al. 2002). Rostain along with colleagues, evaluated the effectiveness of a treatment that included simultaneous medication and CBT for 43 adults with ADHD. They found improvements in both ADHD and comorbid depression or anxiety (Rostain and coworkers, 2006).
Lifestyle Changes
Oft, the most effective treatment for ADHD is to make lifestyle modifications. For example, ensuring adequate sleep and a balanced 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 stick with. Stress and anxiety can be decreased by using relaxation techniques.
Organizing your workspace can help you stay focused and keep the track of deadlines. You should consider setting aside time every day to organize your documents and equipment. Use dividers and folders to organize documents. Label and color code folders to help you find what you're looking for.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble with procrastination and organization, which can interfere with their ability to finish work tasks in a timely manner. Set alarms on your smartphone and add reminders to your calendar.
Inadequate planning and organizational skills can cause problems at work, school as well as at home. Learning 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.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD can help improve concentration and boost self-esteem. However, it is essential to disclose any other medications you are taking to your health care provider, as certain medications interact with stimulants. The NIMH Fact Sheet on Medications for ADD/ADHD offers more information about the medications used to treat this condition.
There aren't any food items that cure ADHD, avoiding sugary and artificial additives can help reduce symptoms by promoting the health of your brain. A well-balanced diet with a high proportion of whole grains and lean proteins, as well as vegetables and fruits can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Insufficient sleep causes anxiety, irritability, and difficulty maintaining attention throughout the day. 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 bed.
Achieving sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes can be a challenge for people suffering from ADHD. To motivate your patients to stick to their treatment regimens, consider providing them with rewards for meeting specific goals. Giving a Hershey Kiss to those who make 10 gym trips could be a great method to encourage them to stick to their plans.
Accommodations
When a person uses accommodations to deal with an issue, they utilize tools or adjustments to their environment to manage the symptoms. For instance If you're small, you may need to utilize a step stool to reach the shelves of a store. Also, a person suffering from ADHD may need to use accommodations to help them succeed in school or at work.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from a variety of counseling techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves working together with a therapist in order to change negative behavior and replace it with more positive behavior. It can also help adults to improve their organizational skills and devise strategies for managing stress.
People suffering from ADHD have a high probability of success in their careers and personal relationships. They may struggle with daily tasks such as paying their bills or maintaining their home. A mental health expert or health professional can help adults determine if they suffer from ADHD through an evaluation that includes psychological tests and a review the person's past behavior and experiences.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with the patient, their parents, and other family members. A mental health professional or health care provider may also ask the patient to fill out a questionnaire, or standard ADHD symptoms rating scales. They could also conduct psychological tests to evaluate a person's visual and spatial, reasoning and executive functioning capabilities.
A thorough assessment can include looking at the patient's medical history and determining whether there are any conditions that could trigger ADHD like anxiety, depression, learning disability or substance abuse. People with ADHD may also be suffering from other ailments. A thorough evaluation is therefore important.
In most cases, a person suffering from ADHD will be prescribed a stimulant drug to alleviate the symptoms. Stimulants are controlled substances, should be monitored closely by a medical professional. They can cause side effects, such as insomnia and addiction. Some adults with ADHD struggle to take the medication for long periods of time as they don't experience any improvement in their symptoms.