Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD affects people in ways that impact their work, home and relationships. Standard treatments include medication, skill-training and psychological counseling.
Atomoxetine, 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 address the comorbidities and organizational skills have a strong evidence base, notably the behavioral parent training (BPT). It is difficult to give precise psychosocial guidelines.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that a combination of psychosocial therapy and medication is best to treat their symptoms. It may take some time for someone to see any improvements in their ADHD symptoms. Talk to your doctor when you're thinking of taking medication to help improve your ADHD symptoms. Be sure that the medication is suitable for you, and that it won't interact with other medications you are taking.
People suffering from ADHD may have trouble staying focused and focused, directing impulses, planning and completing tasks within the timeframe. These difficulties can impact on school, work, and social relationships. They can make it difficult for people to enjoy leisure activities and take time to relax.
Medications are the most effective treatment based on research-based evidence for ADHD. The use of medications can decrease or eliminate the need for psychosocial interventions, and they can dramatically improve a person's quality of life. Fortunately, they don't create addiction and carry a low chance of being misused. A number of studies have demonstrated that those with ADHD benefit from stimulants. Those who cannot tolerate the adverse effects of stimulant medications can opt for non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera).
The medication isn't the only solution. A thorough evaluation will include a thorough description of ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on everyday functioning. It is crucial to determine if the individual is suffering from any co-morbid conditions like anxiety or depression which could impact the response to medication and treatment.
A medical examination does generally not reveal any symptoms of the disorder. However, a diagnosis is based on clinical judgment, and a history of symptoms that began in the earliest years of childhood. A thorough interview may be useful in conjunction with collateral information, like school records or health assessments.
Many psychosocial treatments for ADHD are available such as metacognition, cognitive remediation and working memory training. These treatments do not seem to be as effective as pharmacotherapy and are unlikely to have the same degree of effectiveness. Patients are advised to begin with a low dose medication that is able to be combined with behavioral therapy.
Psychotherapy
Many people with ADHD find that psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help them improve their lives. Some studies suggest that certain kinds of talk 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 therapy that involves private sessions with a trained therapist or counselor. There are different types of therapy that can be used and the therapist you select should be based upon your goals and needs.
A common method of treating adult ADHD is using a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Studies have shown that combining psychotherapy and medication is more effective than either approach alone. click here. of Mental Health also recommends this approach.
Psychotherapy, also known as psychotherapy can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms and develop coping skills. It can help you learn how to manage issues in your school, work and in your relationship. Based on your needs and goals your therapist might suggest that you participate in individual, family, or group therapy.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of psychotherapy that can help people suffering from ADHD improve their self-esteem and functioning. CBT works by teaching you how to recognize and alter negative thoughts that can influence your behavior and emotions. For instance, CBT can teach you to shift your "all or nothing" thinking, which can cause people with ADHD to believe that they must do everything flawlessly or not at all.
During a session your therapist will listen to you and ask questions to understand your thoughts and emotions. They will then provide you with suggestions based on their experience and research. You may also be given assignments, such as journaling or trying a new activity. It is important 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 brave move to live the life you deserve. With the structure and support gained through psychotherapy, it is possible to attain your most important goals and ambitions.
Education
Education can be a powerful tool to help adults with ADHD. Classes can be taught to improve communication skills, to learn to organize tasks and to learn how to listen and speak to others. Therapy that focuses on teaching the patient to identify their symptoms and how they affect behavior can be helpful. This can be accomplished in individual sessions or through group therapy.
Research has demonstrated that a variety of psychosocial interventions can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD people and improve their functioning. Educational interventions can enhance academic performance and self-reporting of ADHD symptoms. A variety of behavioral and cognitive therapies have been shown to be effective, including hypnotherapy, metacognitive training, neurofeedback and cognitive remediation. However, not all of them have been proven to be superior to controls and the results need more research.
In the course of a study, a program that taught students to recognize their own impulsive and inattentive behaviors was found to be more effective than a waitlist control for improving self-report of ADHD symptoms. Another study found that a daily report card helped improve academic performance in children with ADHD. It has been established that behavioral parent training is effective in reducing negative parental behavior and enhancing positive family function. However, the effects of self-directed versus therapist-led training require further investigation.
Adolescents who suffer from ADHD are at a high risk of impaired driving, such as crashes that result in injury or death. The intensive summer "bridge" program has been shown to improve driving abilities in adolescents with ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions that have been proven to be effective include central executive training and working memory training.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain stable jobs or relationships. Inability to manage their time and inability to finish or finish tasks and inattention and impulsive behavior can cause coworkers and family members frustrated. Psychotherapy that helps patients improve their communication skills can help them manage these difficulties. Couples counseling can help partners resolve issues that arise.
Counseling
While medication is beneficial for a significant number of people with ADHD, it is not always enough to eliminate all symptoms. The effects of medication can be unpredictable and cause negative side effects that affect certain people in different ways. This is why counseling is an essential part of the overall treatment plan. Counseling can help patients discover better ways to manage their emotions, improve relationships build self-esteem and develop strategies to deal with the unique challenges of living with ADHD.
Numerous randomized controlled studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of psychosocial therapy for ADHD. Some studies found that when a combination of therapy and medication is used, both parents and students' ratings of academic performance improves. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that using a low dose of stimulant medication with behavioral therapy improves both classroom behavior and homework performance in comparison to a control.
In a recent study, high school counselors received instruction on how to implement two brief homework and organization interventions with ADHD students. The interventions were compared to the initial course, which contained a low dose medication. The results suggest that a sequential multi-assignment, randomized trial may be a viable method of bridging the gap between research findings and actual implementation of school-based interventions for ADHD.
It is recommended that schools implement ADHD interventions that include behavior education and education for parents, prior to trying medication. For adults and adolescents the first course of treatment should consist of psychosocial and pharmacotherapy. For adolescents and adults, the first medication should be stimulants (methylphenidate dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine or dexamphe), unless they cannot use these drugs due to health conditions. In these instances the use of atomoxetine or guanfacine could be considered.
A thorough medical examination should be performed to rule out other disorders that can interfere with 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 history and examination are not remarkable the psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD with established diagnostic criteria if they find nothing unusual.