Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD can impact a person's work, family life and relationships. Standard treatments involve medication, skills training and psychological counseling.
Atomoxetine is also referred to as Strattera, is the only FDA approved non-stimulant medication to treat adult ADHD. It is safe and effective, based on research. Psychosocial interventions addressing the comorbid disorder and organizational skills have a solid evidence base including behavioral parent training (BPT). However, the precision of psychosocial guidelines is difficult to achieve.
Medication
For many people suffering from ADHD the combination of psychosocial treatment and medication is the best way to manage their symptoms. adhd treatment adults can take a while before someone can see any improvements in their ADHD symptoms. Consult your doctor in the event that you're considering taking medication to help improve your ADHD symptoms. Be sure that the medication is safe for you and doesn't interfere with other medications you are taking.
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty with focusing and concentrating, controlling impulses, making plans and completing tasks in a timely manner. These issues can have a negative impact on work, school, and social relationships. They can make it difficult to take pleasure in leisure activities and relax.
Medications are the most effective treatment based on research-based evidence for ADHD. The use of medications can reduce or eliminate the need for psychosocial interventions, and improve the quality of living. It is good to know that medications aren't addictive and they have low risk of abuse. People with ADHD may benefit from stimulants, based on several studies. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, also known as Strattera are available to those who cannot tolerate stimulant side effects.
Medication is not the solution. A thorough evaluation should include a history of symptoms as well as a description of the effects of ADHD symptoms on a person's daily functioning. It is important to determine if the individual has any co-morbid conditions like anxiety or depression that may affect the response to medication or treatment.
A medical examination will typically not reveal any indications of the condition. Instead, a diagnosis is based on clinical judgment and an history of symptoms that began in childhood. A thorough interview may be beneficial when paired with other information, like medical records from schools or child health assessments.
There are many psychosocial treatments available for ADHD that include metacognition and cognitive remediation. However, they do not seem to be more effective than pharmacotherapy, and are unlikely to be as effective of effectiveness as a well-dosed medication. Complex regimens are not always adhered to, and patients are advised to begin with a low dose of medication that is easily mixed with behavioral therapy.
Psychotherapy
Many people with ADHD discover that therapy or psychotherapy can help enhance their lives. Some studies suggest that certain types of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and relapse prevention therapy (RPT) can help to reduce symptoms of ADHD. Talk therapy is a form of psychosocial treatment that involves sessions with a trained counselor or therapist. There are different types of therapy that can be used, and the therapist you choose should be based upon your goals and requirements.
A common approach to treating adult ADHD is to use a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Studies have proven that combining medication and psychotherapy is more effective than either one by itself. This method is also recommended by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms and help you develop strategies for coping. It can also provide strategies to deal with difficulties in your relationships, work and school. Based on your needs and goals, your therapist may recommend that you take part in individual or group therapy.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of psychotherapy which can help adults suffering from ADHD to improve their self-esteem as well as functioning. CBT will help you recognize negative thoughts and modify them, which may affect your emotions and behavior. CBT for instance can help you learn to change "all-or-nothing" thinking that can cause people with ADHD believe they must do everything perfect or not at all.
In a therapy session, your therapy therapist listens to you and asks questions to help you understand your thoughts and emotions. The therapist will then offer advice based on their research and experience. You might also be assigned homework, such as journaling or trying a new activity. You should do your homework as it will help you put what you have learned into action.
It is important to remember that seeking treatment does not mean you are weak. It's a courageous choice to live the life you've always wanted. With the structure and support that you acquire through psychotherapy, you can reach your highest goals and ambitions.
Education
Education can be a powerful tool to help adults with ADHD. Education can include classes to teach organizational skills, how to prepare for work, and ways to improve the way someone speaks and listens to other people. It is beneficial to focus on teaching patients to recognize signs and how they affect their behavior. This can be done in a private session or group therapy.
Research has proven that a variety of psychosocial interventions can reduce problematic symptoms in ADHD individuals and improve their functioning. Educational interventions can improve academic performance and self-reporting of ADHD symptoms. Different behavioral and cognitive therapies have been proven to be effective, such as hypnotherapy, neurofeedback, metacognitive learning, and cognitive remediation. Nevertheless they are not all have been proven to be superior over alternatives. Further replication is needed to confirm the results.
In a study it was discovered that a school program that taught students how to identify their own impulsive or inattentive behavior was more effective than relying on a list to improve self-reported ADHD symptoms. A daily report card for behavior was found to boost academic performance of children suffering from ADHD in a different study. The training of parents on behavior has been proven effective in decreasing negative parenting behavior and promoting positive family functioning, however the effects of self-directed training for parents versus therapist-led parenting needs further investigation.
Adolescents who have ADHD are at a higher risk of impaired driving outcomes like crashes that result in injuries or even death. The intensive summer "bridge" programs have been proven to improve driving skills among adolescents with ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions have been proven to be beneficial including central executive training and training for working memory.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble maintaining stability in their jobs or relationships. Inability to finish tasks or follow through poor organizational skills, inattention or impulsive behavior can strain the patience of colleagues, family members and coworkers. members. Psychotherapy that helps patients improve their communication skills can help them manage these issues. The same can be said for couples counseling that helps couples learn how to deal with each other's issues when they occur.
Counseling
While medication is beneficial for a lot of people with ADHD it does not always eliminate all symptoms. The effects of medication are not always predictable, and they may affect some people differently. This is why counseling is a crucial element of the overall treatment plan. Counseling can help patients discover better methods to manage their emotions, improve their relationships build self-esteem and develop strategies to face the unique challenges that come with living with ADHD.
The effectiveness of psychosocial therapies for ADHD has been proven through multiple randomized controlled trials. A few studies showed that when the combination of therapy and medication is used, both parents and students' ratings of academic performance improves. Studies have also shown that medications that are low doses of stimulant combined with a behavioral therapy program improved both classroom behavior as well as homework performance when compared to a control group.
In a recent study high school counselors received training on how to implement two brief homework and organizational interventions for ADHD students. The two interventions were then compared with an initial course of low dose medication. The results indicate that a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial may be an effective method to bridge the gap between research and practice in school-based intervention for ADHD.
Before taking any medication it is recommended that schools implement ADHD intervention that includes behavior management and education for parents. A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial 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) in the event that they are unable to take such drugs due to health issues. In these cases the use of atomoxetine or guanfacine could be considered.
A thorough medical exam should be performed to determine if there are any other conditions that might affect learning and functioning, including neurological disorders (such Tourette's Syndrome, epilepsy, or cerebral palsy), nutritional problems and substance abuse disorders (SUD) chronic illnesses such as asthma, and comorbid mental disorders. If the examination and history are not significant, a diagnosis of ADHD is made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist using an established diagnostic criteria.