Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD can impact a person's work, family life and relationships. Treatments typically include medication, skills training and psychological counseling.
effects of untreated adhd in adults (Strattera) is the only FDA-approved non-stimulant medication for adult ADHD. Research has proven that it is safe and has low abuse potential. Psychosocial interventions that address the comorbidities and organizational skills have a solid scientific basis particularly BPT, which is a form of behavioral parent education (BPT). It is difficult to give specific psychosocial guidelines.
Medication
For many people suffering from ADHD it is believed that a combination of psychosocial treatment and medication is the best way to manage their symptoms. It can take a while for someone to see any improvements in their ADHD symptoms. Consult your doctor when you're thinking of using medication to treat your ADHD symptoms. Be sure that the medication is safe for you and that it doesn't interact with other medications you take.
People with ADHD may have trouble concentrating and focusing, controlling impulses and planning tasks on time. These issues can impact school, work and social interactions. These problems can also make it hard to relax and take advantage of leisure activities.
Medicines are the most effective evidence-based treatment for ADHD. They can reduce or eliminate the need for psychosocial interventions and enhance the quality of life. Fortunately, adhd treatment for young adults do not create addiction and carry a low risk of abuse. Several studies have shown that those with ADHD benefit from stimulants. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine, or Strattera, are available for those who are unable to tolerate stimulant adverse effects.
The medication is just one part of the answer. A thorough assessment will include a detailed description of ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on everyday functioning. It should also address whether the person has any other conditions that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety, which may impact the response to treatment and medications.
A medical examination will not usually reveal any signs of the disorder. However, a diagnosis is based on a clinical judgment and a history of symptoms that began in the early years of childhood. In addition to a thorough interview, collateral information such as medical records from schools and child health assessments can be useful in diagnosing the condition.
There are a myriad of psychosocial therapies available for ADHD that include metacognition and cognitive rehabilitation. However, they do not seem to be superior to the pharmacotherapy method, and are not likely to have the same level of effectiveness as a dosed medication. The more complex regimens are usually not followed and patients are advised to begin with a lower dosage of medication that can be easily mixed with the use of behavioral therapy.
Psychotherapy
Many people with ADHD discover that psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, helps them improve their lives. Certain studies suggest that talk therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or relapse prevention treatment (RPT) can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Talk therapy is a form of psychosocial treatment which involves one-on-one sessions between a professional counselor or therapist. Different modalities of therapy are available, and your choice of therapist should be based on your specific needs and goals.
Combining medication and psychotherapy is a common method to treat adult ADHD. Studies have shown that combining therapy and medication is more effective than one on its own. The National Institute of Mental Health also recommends this approach.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and help you develop how to cope. It can teach you how to deal with problems at work, school and personal life. Based on your goals and needs, your therapist may recommend that you take part in individual, family, or group therapy.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of psychotherapy which can help adults suffering from ADHD to boost their self-esteem and functioning. CBT teaches you how to recognize negative thoughts and alter them, which can affect your emotions and behavior. CBT for instance, can teach you how to alter your "all-or-nothing" thinking which can make people with ADHD to believe that they must do everything perfectly or else not do anything at all.
During an appointment your counselor will listen to you and ask questions to help you understand your thoughts and emotions. The therapist will then offer you suggestions based on their knowledge and experience. You might also be assigned assignments, such as journaling or trying a different activity. It's important to do the homework as it will allow you to practice what you've learned.
It's important to keep in mind that seeking treatment doesn't mean that you're weak. In fact, it's an empowering step toward living the life you've always wanted. With the structure, support, and skills that you acquire through psychotherapy, you can reach your highest goals and dreams.
Education
Education can be an effective tool for adults with ADHD. Education may include classes that teach organization skills, how to prepare for tasks, and methods to improve the way one talks and listens to other people. Therapy that focuses on teaching the patient to identify their symptoms and how they affect their behavior can also be helpful. This can be done in a group or individual therapy.
Research has demonstrated that a variety of psychosocial interventions can dramatically reduce symptoms that cause problems and improve performance in people with ADHD. These include educational programs, which can improve academic achievement and self-reporting of ADHD symptoms. A variety of behavioral and cognitive treatments have been proven to be effective. They include hypnotherapy and neurofeedback. However, not all of them have been proven to be superior over the controls. Further replication is needed to verify the results.
In a study it was discovered that an educational program which taught students how to identify their own inattention or impulsive behavior was more effective than waiting for a list to improve self-reported ADHD symptoms. A daily behavior report card was found to improve academic performance of children suffering from ADHD in a separate study. It has been established that training for parents to be a behavioral one is effective in reducing negative parental behaviors and increasing positive family functioning. However, the effects of therapist-led versus self-directed training require further investigation.
Adolescents who suffer from ADHD are at high risk for impaired driving outcomes, including crashes that cause injuries or even death. The intensive summer "bridge" program has been proven to improve driving skills in adolescents suffering from ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions that have been found to be useful include central executive training and working memory training.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain stable jobs or relationships. Inability to organize their lives and inability to finish or follow through on tasks, and impulsive and inattentive behavior can make co-workers and family members unhappy. Psychotherapy that teaches patients how to improve their communication skills can help them deal with these challenges. The same is true for couples counseling that assists partners in dealing with each other's problems as they occur.
Counseling
While medication is effective for a large number of people suffering from ADHD but it is not always sufficient to treat the severity of symptoms. Medicines can be unpredictably effective and can cause side effects that impact some people in different ways. Counseling is therefore a crucial component of the treatment plan. Counseling can assist people in learning to manage their emotions, develop relationships, and boost self-esteem.
Multiple studies that have been randomized controlled have demonstrated the effectiveness of psychosocial treatment for ADHD. A few studies showed that when the combination of medication and behavioral therapy is used, both parents and students' ratings of academic performance improves. Additionally, research has shown that the use of an extremely low dose of stimulant medication with behavioral therapy improves both academic performance and classroom behavior in comparison to a control.
In a recent research, high school counselors received instruction on how to implement two brief homework and organization interventions with ADHD students. The two interventions were compared to an initial course of medication that was low dose. The results suggest that a sequential multi-assignment randomized trial may be an effective method to bridge the gap between research and practice in school-based intervention for ADHD.
It is recommended that schools implement ADHD interventions that include behavior management and parental education, before taking medication. A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions should be the primary option for treating adults and adolescents. For adolescents and adults, the first medication should be stimulants (methylphenidate dexamphetamine, dexamphetamine or lisdexam) in the event that they are unable to take such medications due to other health conditions. In these situations, atomoxetine and guanfacine are options.
A thorough medical examination should be conducted to determine the presence of any other disorder that could affect 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 are unremarkable and the diagnosis is not clear, ADHD is made by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist using an established diagnostic criteria.