Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD can impact a person's work, family life and relationships. The most common treatments are medication, skill training and psychological counseling.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera, is the only FDA approved non-stimulant medication to treat adult ADHD. Studies have proven that it is effective and has low abuse potential. Psychosocial interventions that address the comorbidities and organizational skills have a strong evidence base including BPT, which is a form of behavioral parent education (BPT). It is difficult to give precise psychosocial guidelines.
adhd symptoms adults treatment with ADHD discover that a combination of psychosocial therapy and medication is the best to manage their symptoms. The use of medication has been proven to be very effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD, but it can take some time for people to see the results. If you're considering using medication to treat your ADHD symptoms, speak to your doctor to make sure that it is safe for you and will not interfere with other medications you're taking.
People with ADHD might have difficulty concentrating and focusing, controlling impulses as well as planning and completing tasks on time. These difficulties can impact on work, school and social relationships. They can make it difficult to take pleasure in leisure activities and relax.
The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. The use of medications can reduce or eliminate the requirement for psychosocial interventions and enhance the quality of life. Fortunately, they don't cause addiction and have a low chance of being misused. Several studies have shown that people suffering from ADHD benefit from the use of stimulants. People who are unable to tolerate the negative effects of stimulant medication can choose non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera).
The medication isn't the only option. A thorough evaluation should include a detailed history of symptoms and a description of the impact of ADHD symptoms on the person's daily life. It is crucial to determine if the patient is suffering from any co-morbid conditions such as anxiety or depression that may affect the response to medication or treatment.
A medical exam does not usually reveal any signs of the disorder. The diagnosis is based on clinical judgement, and an history of symptoms that began in childhood. A thorough interview can be useful in conjunction with collateral information, such as school records or health assessments.
Many psychosocial treatments for ADHD are available, including cognitive remediation, metacognition and working memory training. However, they do not appear to be superior to the pharmacotherapy method, and are not likely to achieve the same level of effectiveness as a dosed medication. Patients are advised to start with a low-dose medication that is able to be combined with behavioral therapy.
Psychotherapy
Many people with ADHD find that psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, helps them improve their lives. Some studies suggest that certain kinds of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Relapse prevention therapy (RPT) can alleviate symptoms of ADHD. Talk therapy is a form of psychosocial treatment which involves individual sessions with a trained counselor or therapist. Different modalities of therapy are available and your choice of therapist should be based on your needs and goals.
Combining psychotherapy and medication is a common way to treat adult ADHD. Studies have proven that combining therapy and medication is more effective than one alone. The National Institute of Mental Health also recommends this method.
Talk therapy, or psychotherapy can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms and develop strategies for coping. It can provide strategies to deal with issues in your relationships, work, and school life. Depending on your goals and needs your therapist might suggest that you attend individual or group therapy.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps adults suffering from ADHD to boost their self-esteem and performance. CBT works by teaching you how to recognize and alter negative thoughts that can influence your mood and behavior. For example, CBT can teach you to alter your "all or nothing" thinking that can cause people with ADHD to believe that they must do everything perfectly or not at all.
In a therapy session, your counselor listens to your story and asks questions to gain a better understanding of your thoughts and emotions. They will then provide you with tips based on their experiences and research. You might also be provided with homework, such as journaling or trying a different activity. It's important to do homework because it will allow you to apply what you've learned.
It is important to keep in mind that seeking treatment does not necessarily mean you're weak. It's a bold move to live the life you deserve. You can accomplish your goals and ambitions by utilizing psychotherapy.
Education
Education can be a beneficial method for adults suffering from ADHD. Classes can be taught to improve communication skills, learn to manage tasks, and to learn to talk and listen to other people. It can be helpful to teach patients to recognize signs and how they impact their behavior. This can be done in a group or individual therapy.
Research has shown that a variety of psychosocial treatments can reduce problematic symptoms in ADHD individuals and improve their performance. Educational interventions can help improve academic performance and self-reporting of ADHD symptoms. A variety of behavioral and cognitive therapies have been proven to be effective, such as hypnotherapy, metacognitive training, neurofeedback and cognitive remediation. However none of them have been proved to be superior to control methods and the results require further replication.
In an investigation it was discovered that a school program that taught students how to identify their own inattention or impulsive behavior was more effective than relying on a list to improve self-reported ADHD symptoms. Another study showed that a daily report card enhanced academic performance for children with ADHD. Behavioral parent training has been proven to be effective in reducing negative parenting behaviors and enhancing positive family functioning, but the effect of self-directed as opposed to therapist-led training for parents requires more research.
Adolescents suffering from ADHD are at high risk for impaired driving, such as accidents that cause injury or death. Intense summer "bridge" programs have been proven to enhance driving skills in adolescents with ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions have been found to be helpful, including central executive training and training for working memory.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty maintaining stability in their jobs or relationships. Inability to manage their time and inability to finish or finish tasks as well as impulsive and indifferent behavior can leave coworkers and family members unhappy. Psychotherapy that assists patients in improving their communication skills can help them manage these issues. This is also true for couples counseling, which helps couples learn how to deal with each other's problems as they arise.
Counseling
While medication is effective for many people with ADHD it does not always reduce the symptoms in all cases. The effects of medication can be unpredictable and trigger adverse effects that affect some people in various ways. For this reason, counseling is a crucial element of the overall treatment plan. Counseling can help individuals find better ways to manage their emotions, improve their relationships, build self-esteem and learn strategies to deal with the unique challenges of living with ADHD.
Numerous randomized controlled studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of psychosocial treatment for ADHD. In certain studies, the academic functioning of both parents and students improved when a combination medication and behavioral therapy was utilized. Studies have also proven that a low dose stimulant medication coupled with behavioral therapy can improve the behavior of students in class as well as the performance on homework when compared with a comparably group.
In a recent research, high school counselors received instruction on how to implement two short homework and organizational interventions for ADHD students. The interventions were compared with an initial course of low dose medication. The results suggest that a sequential multi-assignment, randomized trial may be a successful method to bridge the gap between research findings and actual implementation of school-based interventions for ADHD.
It is recommended that schools implement ADHD interventions that include behavior management and parental education, before trying medications. For adults and adolescents, the first treatment should consist of psychosocial and pharmacotherapy. The first medications for adults and adolescents must be stimulants such as methylphenidate or dexamphetamine, unless any other health issues prevent them from taking these drugs. In these cases either atomoxetine, or guanfacine may be considered.
A thorough medical exam should be conducted to determine if there are any other conditions that may interfere with learning and functioning, such as neurological disorders (such epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome, or cerebral palsy) or nutritional issues as well as substance abuse disorder (SUD), chronic diseases like asthma, and comorbid mental disorders. If the examination and history aren't extraordinary A psychologist or psychiatrist may be able to diagnose ADHD with established diagnostic criteria if they discover no unusual findings.