Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD affects people in ways that impact their home, work and relationships. Treatment options include medications, skill training and psychological counseling.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is the only FDA approved non-stimulant medication for use to treat adult ADHD. It is safe and effective, as per research. Psychosocial interventions that address issues with organizational skills and comorbid disorders have a strong evidence base including behavioral parent training (BPT). It is difficult to give precise psychosocial guidelines.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD are able to determine that a mix of psychosocial therapy and medication is the best for managing their symptoms. Medication has been shown to be very efficient in reducing symptoms of ADHD, but it can take a few months for people to see the results. Consult your doctor if you're considering using medication to treat your ADHD symptoms. Make sure that it's safe for you and that it won't interact with other medications you take.
People suffering from ADHD might have difficulty focus and concentration, regulating impulses and planning 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 relax.
Medications are the most effective treatment based on research-based evidence for ADHD. Medications are able to reduce or eliminate the requirement for psychosocial interventions and can improve a person’s quality of life. It is good to know that medications aren't addictive and they have low risk of abuse. People suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from stimulants, based on numerous studies. Those who cannot tolerate the side effects of stimulant medications can opt for non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera).
Medication is not the answer. A thorough evaluation will include a thorough description of ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on daily functioning. It is important to determine if the individual suffers from any co-morbid disorders such as depression or anxiety that may affect the response to medication and treatment.
A medical exam does typically not reveal any indications of the condition. The diagnosis is based upon clinical judgement, and an history of symptoms that started in the early years of childhood. In addition to a thorough interview, collateral information such as school records and child health assessments can be useful in diagnosing the condition.
Various psychosocial treatments for ADHD are available, including metacognition, cognitive remediation and working memory training. These psychosocial treatments don't seem to be as effective as pharmacotherapy and are unlikely to have the same degree of effectiveness. Complex regimens are often not adhered to and patients are advised to start with a lower dose of medication that is easily combined with behavioral therapy.
Psychotherapy
Many people with ADHD discover that talk therapy or psychotherapy helps them improve their lives. Some studies suggest that certain types of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Relapse prevention therapy (RPT), can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. Talk therapy is a kind of psychosocial treatment that involves one-on-one sessions with a professional counselor or therapist. There are various types of talk therapy, and the therapist you choose should be based upon your goals and preferences.
Combining medication and psychotherapy is a common way to treat adult ADHD. Studies have demonstrated that combining medication and psychotherapy is more effective than each method alone. The National Institute of Mental Health also recommends this approach.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you learn to deal with ADHD symptoms and manage them. It can help you learn how to deal with problems at work, school and in your relationship. Your therapist may suggest that you attend group, individual or family therapy, based on your goals and needs.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can assist people with ADHD to boost their self-esteem and functioning. CBT teaches you how to identify negative thoughts and change them, which may affect your mood and behavior. CBT, for example, can teach you how to alter your "all-or-nothing" thinking that makes people with ADHD to believe that they must do everything perfectly or not at all.
During a therapy session, your therapist listens to you and asks questions to gain a better understanding of your thoughts and emotions. The therapist will then offer advice based on their knowledge and experience. They might also give you homework, such as journaling or trying something new. It is important to complete homework because it will help you practice what you've learned.
It's important to keep in mind that seeking treatment is not an indication of weakness. In fact, it's a courageous step towards living the life you've always wanted. With the structure and support that you acquire through psychotherapy, it is possible to attain your most important goals and ambitions.
Education
Education can be a potent tool for adults suffering from ADHD. Classes can be taught to improve communication skills, learn how to organize tasks, and to learn to listen and speak to others. It can be beneficial to teach patients to recognize signs and how they affect their behavior. This can be done in a group or individual therapy.
Research has shown that a variety of psychosocial interventions can dramatically reduce the symptoms of ADHD and improve performance in people with ADHD. Educational interventions can enhance academic performance and self-reporting of ADHD symptoms. Different behavioral and cognitive therapies have been shown to be effective, including hypnotherapy, metacognitive training, neurofeedback and cognitive remediation. However none of them have been proved to be superior to control methods and the results require further testing.
In evidence based treatment for adhd in adults was discovered that an educational program which taught students to recognize their own inattention or impulsive behavior was more effective than waiting for a list to improve self-reported ADHD symptoms. Another study revealed that a daily behavior report card helped improve academic performance of children suffering from ADHD. It has been proven that training for parents to be a behavioral one can be effective in reducing negative parental behaviors and increasing positive family functioning. However, the results of therapist-led versus self-directed training need further exploration.
Adolescents with ADHD are at a higher danger of driving accidents that result from impaired thinking, such as crashes resulting in injury or death. The intensive summer "bridge" program has been proven to enhance the driving abilities of adolescents with ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions found to be useful include central executive training and working memory training.
Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty maintaining stable jobs or relationships. Inability to finish tasks or keep on track in a timely manner, lack of organizational skills and uncontrollable or inattentive behavior can cause stress for colleagues, coworkers and family members. Psychotherapy that assists patients in improving their communication skills can aid in overcoming these difficulties. Couples counseling can help partners deal with problems that arise.
Counseling
While medications can be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD it does not always eliminate all symptoms. Medications can be unpredictable and can cause adverse effects that affect some people in different ways. For this reason, counseling is a crucial element of the overall treatment plan. Counseling can help individuals find better ways to manage their emotions, improve relationships and self-esteem, as well as learn strategies to deal with the unique challenges that come with living with ADHD.
Multiple randomized controlled studies have proven the effectiveness of psychosocial treatment for ADHD. In certain studies, academic performance of both students and parents improved when a combination of medication and behavioral therapy was used. Additionally, research has found that using the use of a small dose of stimulant medication with behavioral therapy improves the behavior of students in class and their homework performance compared to a control group.
In a recent research, high school counselors received training on how to implement two brief homework and organization interventions with ADHD students. These interventions were compared with an initial course low dose medication. The results suggest that a continuous, multiple-assignment randomized trial could be an effective method of bridging the gap between research findings and practice in school-based interventions 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 line of treatment for adults and adolescents. For adolescents and adults the first drug to be considered should be stimulants (methylphenidate dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine or dexamphe), unless they cannot use these medications due to other health issues. In these cases, atomoxetine and guanfacine are alternatives.
A thorough medical exam should be conducted to rule out other disorders that may affect your learning and functioning, such as neurological disorders (such as Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy or cerebral palsy) and nutrition-related issues, substance use disorder (SUD) chronic illnesses such as asthma, and comorbid psychological disorders. If the examination and history are unremarkable the diagnosis of ADHD can be determined by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist using established diagnostic criteria.