Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD affects people in ways that affect their home, work and relationships. The most common treatments include medication, skills training and psychological counseling.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera, is the only FDA approved non-stimulant medication to treat adult ADHD. It is safe and effective, as per research. Psychosocial interventions that target organizational skills and comorbid conditions have a solid scientific basis including the behavioral parent training (BPT). However, the precision of psychosocial guidelines is not easy to attain.
Medication
For many people suffering from ADHD the combination of psychosocial treatment and medication is the best way to manage their symptoms. Medical treatment has been proven to be highly effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD, but it can take some time for someone to see the results. Consult your physician if you're considering taking medication to help improve your ADHD symptoms. Make sure that it's safe for you, and doesn't interfere with other medications you take.
People with ADHD might have difficulty staying focused and focused, directing impulses as well as planning and completing tasks within the timeframe. These difficulties can affect school, work and social interactions. These difficulties can also make it hard to relax and take pleasure in leisure activities.
Medications are the most effective evidence-based treatment for ADHD. The use of medications can decrease or eliminate the need for psychosocial interventions, and can significantly improve the quality of life. Fortunately, medication does not create addiction and carry a low chance of being misused. A number of studies have demonstrated that those with ADHD benefit from stimulants. If you are not able to handle the side effects of stimulant medications may opt for non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera).
The medication is just one part of the solution. A thorough evaluation will include a detailed description of ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on everyday functioning. It is also important to determine if the person suffers from any comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety, which may impact the effectiveness of treatment and medications.
A medical examination does not usually reveal any signs of the disorder. However, a diagnosis is based on clinical judgement, and an history of symptoms that began in childhood. In addition to a thorough interview, other information such as school records and health assessments can be useful in diagnosing the condition.
Many psychosocial treatments for ADHD are available, including metacognition, cognitive remediation and working memory training. However, they do not seem to be more effective than pharmacotherapy, and are unlikely to achieve the same level of effectiveness as a dosed medication. Complex regimens are not always adhered to, and patients are advised to begin with a small dosage of medication that can be easily combined with the use of behavioral therapy.
Psychotherapy
Many people with ADHD find that psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help 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 to reduce symptoms of ADHD. Talk therapy is psychosocial treatment which involves individual sessions with a professional therapist or counselor. Different types of talk therapy are available and the choice of therapist should be based on your specific needs and goals.
Combining medication and psychotherapy is a popular method to treat adult ADHD. Studies have proven that combining therapy and medication is more effective than one on its own. This method is also recommended by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you to cope with ADHD symptoms and manage these symptoms. It can provide strategies to deal with problems in your relationships, work, and school 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 can help adults with ADHD improve their functioning and self-esteem. CBT is a method of teaching you how to recognize and modify negative thoughts, which can influence your mood and behavior. For instance, CBT can teach you to alter your "all or nothing" thinking that can cause people with ADHD to believe that they must perform everything perfectly or even not at all.
In an appointment, your therapist will listen to your and ask questions to help you understand your thoughts and feelings. They will then give you suggestions based on their experience and research. You may also be given assignments, such as journaling or trying a new activity. Link Home Page to complete the homework, as it will help you practice what you've learned.
It's important to remember that seeking treatment isn't an indication of weakness. In fact, it's a courageous step towards living the life you deserve. With the structure and support gained through psychotherapy, you will be able to attain your most important goals and ambitions.
Education
Education can be a powerful tool for adults suffering from ADHD. Education can include classes to teach organizational skills, how to prepare for tasks, and methods to improve the way someone speaks and listens 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 done in a group or individual therapy.
Research has proven that various psychosocial interventions can significantly reduce symptoms that cause problems and improve performance in people with ADHD. These include educational interventions that 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 none of them have been proven to be superior to controls and the results need more research.
In a study, an educational program that taught students to identify their own impulsive and inattentive behaviors was found to be more effective than waitlist control in improving self-report of ADHD symptoms. Another study showed that a daily behavioral report card improved academic performance of children suffering from ADHD. It has been proven that behavioral parenting training is effective in decreasing negative parental behaviors and increasing positive family function. However, the effects of therapist-led versus self-directed training need further exploration.
Adolescents who have ADHD are at a high chance of having impaired driving outcomes like crashes that result in injury or death. Intense summer "bridge" programs have been proven to improve driving skills in adolescents with ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions have been found to be helpful, including central executive training and training for working memory.
Adults with ADHD typically have trouble keeping a stable job or relationships. Inability to manage their time as well as inability to complete or finish tasks and inattention and impulsive behavior can make co-workers and family members frustrated. Psychotherapy that assists patients in improving their communication skills can aid in overcoming these difficulties. Couples counseling teaches partners to manage issues that arise.
Counseling
Although medication is effective for a lot of people with ADHD, it is not always sufficient to reduce all symptoms. Medications can be unpredictable and cause adverse effects that affect some people in various ways. Counseling is therefore an essential element of the overall treatment. Counseling can be used to aid people in learning how to better manage their emotions, establish relationships, and boost self-esteem.
Numerous randomized controlled studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of psychosocial treatment for ADHD. In certain studies, academic functioning of both students and parents improved when a combination of medication and behavioral therapy was employed. Additionally, research has found that using the use of a small dose of stimulant medication in combination with behavioral therapy can improve classroom behavior and homework performance in comparison to a control.
In a recent research study, high school counselors were taught to implement two short homework and organizational interventions for students with ADHD. 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 a viable method of bridging the gap between research findings and practices in school-based programs for ADHD.
It is recommended that schools implement ADHD interventions that include behavior management and parental education, before taking medication. A combination of psychosocial and pharmacotherapy interventions should be the primary line of treatment for adults and adolescents. The first medication for adults and adolescents must be stimulants, such as methylphenidate or dexamphetamine, unless any other health issues prevent them from taking these drugs. In these cases the use of atomoxetine or guanfacine could be considered.
A thorough medical exam must be conducted to determine if there are any other conditions that may interfere with learning and functioning, including neurological disorders (such Tourette's Syndrome, epilepsy, or cerebral palsy) as well as nutritional issues, substance abuse disorder (SUD) chronic illnesses like asthma, and other comorbid mental disorders. If the history and examination are not remarkable A psychologist or psychiatrist may be able to diagnose ADHD by using established diagnostic criteria if they discover no unusual findings.