Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD affects people in ways that affect their work, home and relationships. The most common treatments are medications, skill training and psychological counseling.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is the only FDA approved non-stimulant medication to treat adult ADHD. Research shows that it is effective and has low potential for abuse. Psychosocial interventions that address the comorbid disorder and organizational skills have a strong scientific basis including behavioral parent training (BPT). It is difficult to give specific psychosocial guidelines.
Medication
For many people suffering from ADHD it is believed that a combination of medication and psychosocial treatment is the best approach to manage their symptoms. Medical treatment has been proven to be highly effective in improving symptoms of ADHD but it can take a few months for someone to see the results. If you're thinking of taking medication to improve your ADHD symptoms, speak to your doctor to ensure that it is suitable for you and does not interfere with any other medication you're taking.
People with ADHD have difficulty with focusing and concentrating, controlling impulses planning and completing tasks on time. These issues can have a negative impact on school, work, and social relationships. These difficulties can also make it difficult to relax and take advantage of leisure activities.
The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. They can help reduce or eliminate the need for psychosocial interventions and they can greatly improve a person's quality of life. It is good to know that medications aren't addicting and carry a very low risks of misuse. Several studies have shown that those with ADHD benefit from using stimulants. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, also known as Strattera are available to those who cannot tolerate stimulant adverse effects.
Medication is not the only answer. A thorough evaluation should include a description of symptoms and a description of the impact of ADHD symptoms on a person's daily functioning. Recommended Internet page is also important to determine if the patient has any other conditions that are comorbid such as depression and anxiety, that could affect the effectiveness of therapy and medication.
A medical examination does not usually reveal any signs of the disorder. The diagnosis is based on clinical judgment, and the history of symptoms that began in childhood. In addition to a detailed interview, collateral information such as school records and health assessments can be helpful in diagnosing the condition.
There are a variety of psychosocial treatments available for ADHD such as metacognition and cognitive remediation. These psychosocial treatments don't seem to be as effective as pharmacotherapy, and are not likely to have the same level effectiveness. Patients are advised to begin with a lower dose of medication that can be paired with behavioral therapy.
Psychotherapy
Many people with ADHD find that talking therapy or psychotherapy can help them improve their life. Certain studies suggest that talk therapy, like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or Relapse prevention treatment (RPT) can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Talk therapy is a form of psychosocial treatment that involves one-on-one sessions with a trained counselor or therapist. There are many kinds of talk therapy and the therapist you select should be based upon your goals and needs.
Combining medication and psychotherapy is a popular method to treat adult ADHD. Studies have demonstrated that combining therapy and medication is more effective than one on its own. The National Institute of Mental Health also recommends this method.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms and help you develop coping skills. It can provide strategies to deal with problems in your relationships, work, and school life. Depending on your goals and needs, your therapist may recommend that you participate in individual, family, or group therapy.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps adults with ADHD to improve their self-esteem and functioning. CBT helps you recognize negative thoughts and alter them, which may affect your mood and behavior. CBT, for example can help you learn to change "all-or-nothing" thinking that makes people with ADHD believe they must do everything perfectly or not at all.
During the course of a session, your therapist will listen to your and ask questions to better understand your thoughts and emotions. The therapist will then give advice based on their research and experience. They may also assign you assignments, like journaling or trying something new. It's crucial to complete homework because it will allow you to practice what you've learned.
It is important to remember that seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness. It's a courageous choice to live the life you deserve. You can accomplish your goals and ambitions by utilizing psychotherapy.
Education
Education can be a powerful tool for adults suffering from ADHD. Classes can be taught to improve communication skills, to learn how to organize tasks, and to learn to listen and speak to others. Therapy that focuses on teaching the patient to recognize their symptoms and how they affect behavior can also be helpful. This can be accomplished in a group or individual therapy.
Research has demonstrated that a variety of psychosocial treatments can reduce problematic symptoms in ADHD individuals and improve their functioning. Educational interventions can improve academic performance and self-reporting of ADHD symptoms. Many behavioral and cognitive therapies have been proven to be efficient. They include hypnotherapy and neurofeedback. However none of them have been proved to be superior to the controls and the results require further replication.
In one study, a program that taught students to identify their own inattention and impulsive behaviors was found to be more effective than a waitlist control in improving self-report ADHD symptoms. Another study revealed that a daily report card improved academic performance in children with ADHD. It has been proven that training for parents to be a behavioral one can be effective in reducing negative parental behaviors and promoting positive family function. However, the effects of therapist-led and self-directed training need further exploration.
Adolescents suffering from ADHD are at high risk of impaired driving, such as crashes that result in injury or death. Intensive summer "bridge" programs have been proven to enhance driving skills among adolescents with ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions have also been proven to be beneficial, including central executive training and training for working memory.
Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty maintaining stable relationships or jobs. Inability to organize their lives, inability to complete or follow through on tasks as well as impulsive and indifferent behavior can cause coworkers and family members angry. Psychotherapy that helps patients improve their communication skills can help them manage these challenges. Couples counseling can help partners resolve issues that arise.
Counseling
Although medications are effective for a lot of people suffering from ADHD however, it isn't always sufficient to reduce the severity of symptoms. The adverse effects of medications can be unpredictable and they can affect certain people in different ways. Counseling is therefore an important element of the treatment plan. Counseling can help people find better methods to manage their emotions, improve relationships and self-esteem, as well as learn strategies to cope with the unique challenges associated with living with ADHD.
Multiple studies that have been randomized controlled have demonstrated the effectiveness of psychosocial therapy for ADHD. A few studies showed that when a combination of medication and behavioral therapy is used, both parents and students' perceptions of academic performance improves. Studies have also proven that the use of a low dose stimulant coupled with behavioral therapy can improve the behavior of students in class as well as the performance on homework when compared to a control group.
In a recent study 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 low dose medication. The results indicate that a sequential multi-assignment randomized trial could be a feasible way to bridge the gap between research and practice in school-based intervention for ADHD.
Before taking any medication for ADHD, it is recommended that schools implement ADHD intervention, which includes behavior training and parent education. For adults and adolescents the first course of treatment should consist of pharmacotherapy with psychosocial interventions. The first treatment for adults and adolescents should be stimulants such as dexamphetamine or methylphenidate, except that some other health conditions prohibit the use of these drugs. In such cases either atomoxetine, or guanfacine may be considered.
A thorough medical examination must be conducted to rule out any other conditions that may affect your functioning and learning, including neurological disorders (such as Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy or cerebral palsy) and nutrition-related issues as well as substance use disorder (SUD) chronic illnesses such as asthma and comorbid psychological disorders. If the examination and history are unremarkable and the diagnosis is not clear, ADHD is made by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist based on established diagnostic criteria.