Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD affects people in ways that impact their work, home and relationships. Treatment options include medications, skill training and psychological counseling.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the only FDA-approved non-stimulant medication for adult ADHD. Studies have proven that it is effective and has low potential for abuse. Psychosocial interventions that focus on organizational skills and comorbid conditions have a strong evidence base particularly the behavioral parent training (BPT). However, accuracy in psychosocial guidelines is difficult to attain.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that a combination of psychosocial therapy and medication is the best to treat their symptoms. It can take time for a person to notice any improvement in their ADHD symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you're considering using medication to treat 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 may have trouble staying focused and focused, directing impulses and planning tasks on time. These difficulties can impact on school, work and social relationships. They can also make it difficult to enjoy leisure activities and relax.
Medications are the most effective evidence-based treatment for ADHD. Medications are able to reduce or eliminate the need for psychosocial interventions and can improve the quality of life. It is good to know that medications aren't addictive and have a very low risks of abuse. Numerous studies have proven that people suffering from ADHD benefit from the use of stimulants. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Strattera are available for people who are unable to take stimulants' side effects.
Treatment isn't the only solution. A thorough assessment will include a thorough description of ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on everyday functioning. It should also address whether the person suffers from any comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, which could affect the response to treatment and medications.
A medical exam does generally not reveal any symptoms of the condition. The diagnosis is based on clinical judgment, and a history of symptoms that began in childhood. In addition to a detailed interview, other information such as school records and child health assessments can be helpful in establishing a diagnosis.
Various psychosocial treatments for ADHD are available such as metacognition, cognitive rehabilitation, and working memory training. These psychosocial treatments don't appear to be as effective as pharmacotherapy, and are not likely to have the same level effectiveness. Complex regimens are not always adhered to and patients are advised to start with a lower dosage of medication that can be easily combined with therapy for behavioral issues.
Psychotherapy
Many people with ADHD find that psychotherapy, or talk therapy, helps them improve their lives. Certain studies suggest that certain forms of talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and relapse prevention therapy (RPT) can to reduce symptoms of ADHD. Talk therapy is a form of psychosocial treatment that involves sessions with a professional counselor or therapist. Different types of therapy are available and your choice of the therapist you choose should be based on your needs and goals.
A common approach to treating adult ADHD is using a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Studies have demonstrated that combining medication and psychotherapy is more effective than any method alone. The National Institute of Mental Health also recommends this approach.
Psychotherapy, also known as psychotherapy can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and develop strategies for coping. It can teach you how to deal with problems in your school, work and in your relationship. Your therapist may suggest that you attend individual, group, or family therapy depending on your goals and requirements.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps adults with ADHD improve their self-esteem and functioning. CBT works by teaching you how to recognize and change negative thoughts that affect your emotions and behaviors. CBT can, for instance, can teach you how to change "all-or-nothing" thinking that makes people with ADHD believe they must do everything perfect or else not do anything at all.
During an appointment the therapist will listen to you and ask questions to help you understand your thoughts and feelings. They will then give you suggestions based on their experience and research. You might also be provided with homework, such as journaling or trying a new activity. It's important to do the homework as it will allow you to practice what you've learned.
It is important to keep in mind that seeking treatment doesn't mean that you're weak. It's a courageous choice to live the life you deserve. With the structure, support, and skills that you build through psychotherapy, it is possible to achieve your biggest goals and dreams.
Education
Education can be an effective instrument to assist adults with ADHD. Classes can be taught to improve communication skills, learn how to organize tasks, and also to learn to talk and listen to other people. It can be beneficial to concentrate on teaching patients to recognize signs and how they affect their behavior. This can be done in individual sessions or group therapy.
Research has shown that a variety of psychosocial interventions can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD individuals and improve their functioning. These include educational programs, which 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, neurofeedback, metacognitive learning, and cognitive remediation. However none of them have been proven to be superior to the controls and the results require more research.
In the course of a study it was discovered that a school program that taught students to recognize their own impulsive or inattentive behavior was more effective than waiting for lists to improve self-reported ADHD symptoms. A daily report card for behavior was discovered to improve academic performance in children with ADHD in a separate study. It has been demonstrated that behavioral parent training is effective in decreasing negative parental behavior and enhancing positive family functioning. However, the effects of self-directed versus therapist-led training need further exploration.
Adolescents who have ADHD are at a greater risk chance of having impaired driving outcomes such as crashes resulting in injury or death. The intense summer "bridge" program has been proven to enhance driving skills in adolescents suffering from ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions have been found to be helpful, including central executive training and training for working memory.
Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty maintaining stable relationships or jobs. Inability to complete tasks or follow through poor organizational skills, impulsive or inattentive behaviors can make it difficult for co-workers, colleagues and family members. Psychotherapy that teaches patients how to improve communication skills can help them overcome these issues. This is also true for couples counseling which helps couples learn how to deal with each other's problems when they arise.
Counseling
While medication can be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD however, it is not always able to reduce all symptoms. The adverse effects of medications can be unpredictable and they can affect some people in different ways. Counseling is therefore a crucial part of the treatment plan. Counseling can be used to assist people in learning to better manage their emotions, establish relationships, and improve self-esteem.
The effectiveness of psychosocial treatments for ADHD has been proven through several controlled studies that are randomized. In certain studies, academic performance of both the students and parents improved when a combination medication and behavioral therapy was utilized. In addition, studies have found that using an extremely low dose of stimulant medication in combination with behavioral therapy improves classroom behavior and homework performance compared to a control group.
In a recent study high school counselors were trained to implement two brief homework and organization interventions for students suffering from ADHD. The two interventions were then compared with an initial course of low dose medication. The results indicate that a sequential, multiple assignment randomized trial could be a viable way to overcome the gap between research and practice in school-based treatment for ADHD.
Before attempting to take medication, it is recommended that schools implement ADHD intervention that includes behavior management and education for parents. For untreated adhd in adults and adolescents, the first treatment should consist of psychosocial and pharmacotherapy. For adolescents and adults, the first medication should be stimulants (methylphenidate dexamphetamine, dexamphetamine or lisdexam), unless they cannot use these medications due to any other health conditions. In these cases either atomoxetine, or guanfacine may be considered.
A thorough medical examination must be performed to rule out any other conditions that can interfere with learning and functioning, including neurological disorders (such as Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy or cerebral palsy), nutrition problems, substance use disorder (SUD) chronic illnesses like asthma, and comorbid psychological disorders. If the examination and history are unremarkable and the diagnosis is not clear, ADHD can be made by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist using established diagnostic criteria.