Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD affects people in ways that impact their work, home and relationships. The most common treatments are medication, skill-training and psychological counseling.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the only FDA-approved, non-stimulant medication for adult ADHD. Studies have proven that it is effective and has a low risk of abuse. Psychosocial interventions that focus on the comorbidities and organizational skills have a solid scientific basis particularly the behavioral parent training (BPT). However, precision in psychosocial guidelines is difficult to achieve.
Medication
For many people with ADHD the combination of medication and psychosocial treatment is the best way to manage their symptoms. The use of medication has been proven to be very effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD however, it may take a few months for a person to see the results. If you're thinking of using medication to treat your ADHD symptoms, consult your doctor to ensure that it is suitable for you and does not interact with any other medications you're taking.
People with ADHD might have difficulty focus and concentration, regulating impulses, planning and completing tasks in time. These issues can impact school, work and social interactions. These issues can make it hard to relax and take advantage of leisure activities.
The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. The use of medications can reduce or eliminate the need for psychosocial interventions and can improve the quality of life. Fortunately, they don't cause addiction and have an extremely low chance of being misused. Several studies have shown that people with ADHD benefit from the use of stimulants. doctors that treat adhd in adults -stimulant medicines like atomoxetine, or Strattera are available for people who are unable to take stimulants' adverse effects.
Medication is not the solution. A thorough assessment should include a history of symptoms and a description of the effects of ADHD symptoms on a person's daily functioning. It is essential to determine if the person suffers from any co-morbid disorders such as anxiety or depression which could impact the response to medication and treatment.
A medical examination does typically not reveal any indications of the disorder. However, a diagnosis is based on a clinical judgment, and the history of symptoms that started in childhood. untreated adhd in adults test detailed interview can be beneficial when paired with additional information, like school records or health assessments.
There are many psychosocial treatments available for ADHD that include cognitive remediation and metacognition. However, they do not seem to be more effective than the pharmacotherapy method, and are not likely to achieve the same level of efficacy as a properly dosed medication. Complex regimens are often not followed, and patients are advised to begin with a small dose of medication that is easily combined with therapy for behavioral issues.
Psychotherapy
Many people with ADHD discover that psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help to improve their lives. Some studies suggest that certain forms of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Relapse prevention therapy (RPT), can help reduce symptoms of ADHD. Talk therapy is a kind of psychosocial treatment that involves one-on-one sessions with a professional counselor or therapist. There are many kinds of therapy that can be used, and the therapist you choose will depend on your goals and needs.
A typical approach to treating adult ADHD is to employ a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Studies have proven that combining psychotherapy and medication is more effective than one alone. The National Institute of Mental Health also recommends this approach.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms and learn strategies for coping. It can teach you how to handle problems at work, school and personal life. Your therapist may suggest that you attend group, individual, or family therapy depending on your goals and requirements.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people suffering from ADHD improve their functioning and self-esteem. CBT helps you learn how to recognize and alter negative thoughts, which can influence your mood and behavior. CBT can, for instance, can teach you how to alter your "all-or-nothing" thinking that can cause people with ADHD to believe that they must do everything perfect or not at all.
In a therapy session your therapist listens to you and asks questions to help you understand your thoughts and feelings. The therapist will then give you suggestions based on their experience and research. You might also be provided with homework, like journaling or trying a new activity. You must complete your homework since it will help you put what you have learned into action.
It is important to remember that seeking treatment isn't an indication of weakness. It's a bold move to live the life you deserve. You can reach your goals and dreams with the help of psychotherapy.
Education
Education can be an effective tool for adults suffering from ADHD. Classes can be taught to improve communication skills, to learn to manage tasks, and to learn to talk and listen to others. It is beneficial to concentrate on teaching patients how to recognize symptoms and how they affect their behavior. This can be accomplished in individual sessions or in group therapy.
Research has shown that a variety of psychosocial treatments can reduce problematic symptoms in ADHD people and improve their functioning. These include educational interventions, which can improve academic achievement and self-report of ADHD symptoms. Many cognitive and behavioral treatments have been proven to be effective. These include hypnotherapy as well as neurofeedback. Nevertheless they are not all have been proven to be superior to alternatives. Further research is required to confirm the results.
In an investigation, it was found that an educational program which taught students how to identify their own inattention or impulsive behavior was more effective than waiting on an inventory to improve self-reported ADHD symptoms. A daily behavior report card was discovered to improve academic performance of children suffering from ADHD in a different study. Behavioral parent training has been shown to be effective in decreasing negative parenting behavior and promoting positive family functioning, but the effect of self-directed as opposed to therapist-led training for parents requires further exploration.
Adolescents with ADHD are at risk of impaired driving outcomes, such as crashes that result in injuries or even death. Intense summer "bridge" programs have been proven to improve driving abilities in adolescents suffering from ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions have also been found to be helpful such as central executive training and training for working memory.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have trouble keeping stability in their jobs or relationships. Inability to organize their lives and inability to finish or follow through on tasks as well as impulsive and indifferent behavior can cause coworkers and family members unhappy. Psychotherapy that helps patients improve their communication skills can help them deal with these difficulties. Couples counseling can help partners resolve issues that arise.
Counseling
While medication is beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD it does not always reduce the symptoms in all cases. The effects of medication are not always predictable, and they can affect certain people differently. Counseling is therefore an essential part of the treatment plan. Counseling can assist people in learning to manage their emotions, develop relationships, and improve self-esteem.
Multiple randomized controlled studies have proven the effectiveness of psychosocial therapy for ADHD. In certain studies, academic performance of both the parents and students improved when a combination medication and behavioral therapy was used. Additionally, research has found that using the use of a small dose of stimulant medication in combination with behavioral therapy improves both the behavior of students in class and their homework performance in comparison to a control.
In a recent study, high school counselors were instructed to implement two brief homework and organization strategies for students suffering from ADHD. The interventions were compared with an initial course of medication that was low dose. The results indicate that a sequential, multiple assignment trial that is randomized could be a viable way to overcome the gap between research and practice in school-based intervention for ADHD.
Before attempting to take medication it is recommended that schools implement ADHD intervention which includes behavior education and education for parents. A combination of psychosocial and pharmacotherapy interventions should be the first option for treating adults and adolescents. For adults and adolescents the first drug to be considered should be stimulants (methylphenidate, dexamphetamine or lisdexamfetamine), unless they cannot take these medications due to other health conditions. In such cases the use of atomoxetine or guanfacine could be considered.
A thorough medical exam should be performed to rule out any other disorders that may interfere with learning and functioning, including neurological disorders (such epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome or cerebral palsy) or nutritional issues and substance abuse disorders (SUD) chronic illnesses like asthma, and other comorbid mental disorders. If the history and exam are unremarkable, a diagnosis of ADHD is made by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist based on established diagnostic criteria.