Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD affects people in ways that impact their work, home life and relationships. The most common treatments include medication, skills training and psychological counseling.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is the only FDA approved non-stimulant medication that is approved to treat adult ADHD. Research shows that it is effective and has low potential for abuse. Psychosocial interventions that target organizational skills and comorbid conditions have a strong evidence base, notably the behavioral parent training (BPT). It is difficult to give specific psychosocial guidelines.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD are able to determine that a mix of psychosocial therapy and medication is best to treat their symptoms. It can take time for someone to see any improvement in their ADHD symptoms. Consult your physician when you're thinking of taking medication to improve your ADHD symptoms. Make sure it's safe for you, and doesn't interfere with other medications you are taking.
adhd treatment for adult women suffering from ADHD may have trouble concentrating and focusing, controlling impulses as well as planning and completing tasks in time. These issues can affect work, school and social relationships. These difficulties can also make it hard to relax and take advantage of leisure activities.
The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. Medications are able to reduce or eliminate the requirement for psychosocial interventions and enhance the quality of living. It is good to know that medications aren't addicting and carry a the lowest risk of misuse. A number of studies have demonstrated that people suffering from ADHD benefit from stimulants. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine, also known as Strattera are available for those who are unable to tolerate stimulant adverse effects.
Treatment isn't the only solution. A thorough assessment should include a detailed history of symptoms and a discussion of the impact of ADHD symptoms on the person's daily life. It is also important to determine if the person suffers from any other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, that could affect the response to therapy and medication.
A medical exam does generally not reveal any symptoms of the condition. The diagnosis is based upon clinical judgement, and a history of symptoms that started in the early years of childhood. In addition to a detailed interview, additional information such as medical records from schools and child health assessments can aid in diagnosing the condition.
There are a myriad of psychosocial therapies available for ADHD, including metacognition and cognitive rehabilitation. These psychosocial treatments don't seem to be as effective as pharmacotherapy, and are unlikely have the same level effectiveness. Patients are advised to begin with a low-dose medication that can be paired with behavioral therapy.
Psychotherapy
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, helps to improve their lives. Certain studies suggest that certain types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and relapse prevention therapy (RPT), can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. Talk therapy is a form of psychosocial treatment that involves one-on-one sessions between a professional counselor or therapist. Different kinds of talk therapy are available, and your choice of therapy should be based on your needs and goals.
Combining psychotherapy and medication is a popular method to treat adult ADHD. Studies have shown that combining therapy and medication is more effective than one by itself. This approach is also recommended by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Psychotherapy, also known as psychotherapy, can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms and help you develop how to cope. It can also teach you strategies to cope with difficulties in your relationships, work, and school life. Based on your goals and needs, your therapist may recommend that you take part in individual or group therapy.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of psychotherapy that can assist people with ADHD to boost their self-esteem and functioning. CBT works by teaching you how to recognize and alter negative thoughts, which can influence your behavior and emotions. CBT can, for instance can help you learn to overcome "all-or-nothing" thinking that can cause people with ADHD believe they must do everything perfect or not at all.
In an appointment your therapist will listen to your and ask questions to better understand your thoughts and feelings. The therapist will then offer advice based on their knowledge and experience. You may also be given assignments, such as journaling or trying a new activity. You must complete your homework because it will aid you in putting what you have learned into action.
It's important to keep in mind that seeking treatment is not an indication of weakness. In fact, it's an empowering step towards living the life you deserve. You can achieve your goals and ambitions 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, learn to organize tasks and to learn how to talk and listen to others. Therapy that focuses on helping the patient to recognize their symptoms and how they affect behavior could also be beneficial. This can be done in individual sessions or through group therapy.
Research has demonstrated that various psychosocial interventions can significantly reduce symptoms that cause problems and improve functioning in individuals with ADHD. These include educational programs, which can improve academic achievement and self-report of ADHD symptoms. A variety of behavioral and cognitive therapies have been shown to be effective, including hypnotherapy, neurofeedback, metacognitive training, and cognitive remediation. Nevertheless they are not all have been proven to be superior over the controls. Further research is required to verify the results.
In one study, an educational program that taught students to identify their own inattention and impulsive behaviors was discovered to be more effective than a waitlist control for improving self-report of ADHD symptoms. A daily report card on behavior was found to improve academic performance for children with ADHD in a different study. It has been established that behavioral parent training is effective in reducing negative parental behaviors and promoting positive family function. However, the effects of therapist-led versus self-directed training need further exploration.
Adolescents with ADHD are at high risk of impaired driving outcomes, such as crashes that result in injuries or even death. The intense summer "bridge" program has been proven to improve the driving abilities of adolescents with ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions proven to be effective include central executive training and working memory training.
Adults with ADHD often have trouble maintaining a stable job or relationships. Inability to finish tasks or follow through poor organizational skills, uncontrollable or inattentive behavior can make it difficult for co-workers, colleagues and family members. Psychotherapy that teaches patients how to improve their communication skills can help them overcome these issues. Couples counseling can help partners manage issues that arise.
Counseling
While medication is effective for many people with ADHD however, it is not always able to alleviate all symptoms. Medications can be unpredictable and trigger side effects that impact some people in various ways. Counseling is therefore an important element of the treatment plan. Counseling can help patients discover better ways to manage their emotions, improve relationships and self-esteem, as well as learn strategies to face the unique challenges that come with living with ADHD.
Multiple randomized controlled studies have proven the effectiveness of psychosocial treatment for ADHD. In certain studies, academic performance of both the parents and students improved when a combination medication and behavioral therapy was used. Studies have also shown that medications that are low doses of stimulant combined with a behavioral therapy program improved the behavior of students in class as well as the performance on homework when compared to a comparison group.
In adhd treatment for adult women , high school counselors received instruction on how to implement two brief homework and organization interventions with ADHD students. The interventions were compared to an initial course of low dose medication. The results suggest that a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial could be an effective way to bridge the gap between research and practice in school-based interventions for ADHD.
It is recommended that schools implement ADHD interventions, which include behavior training and education for parents, prior to taking medication. A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions should be the first option for treatment for adults and adolescents. The first medication for adolescents and adults should be stimulants such as dexamphetamine or methylphenidate, unless any other health issues prevent them from taking these drugs. In these instances, atomoxetine or guanfacine can be considered.
A thorough medical exam must be performed to determine the presence of any other disorder that may interfere with learning and performance, for example neurological disorders (such Tourette's Syndrome, epilepsy or cerebral palsy) or nutritional issues, substance abuse disorder (SUD), chronic diseases like asthma, and comorbid mental disorders. If the history and examination aren't extraordinary A psychologist or psychiatrist may be able to diagnose ADHD by using established diagnostic criteria if they discover no unusual findings.