Five Killer Quora Answers On Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD In Adults
Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD in Adults
ADHD affects people in ways that affect their work, home life and relationships. Standard treatments involve medications, training for skills and psychological counseling.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is the sole FDA approved non-stimulant medication for use to treat adult ADHD. It is safe and effective, based on research. Psychosocial interventions that address organizational skills and comorbid conditions have a strong evidence base including the behavioral parent training (BPT). It is difficult to provide precise psychosocial guidelines.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD are able to determine that a mix of psychosocial therapy and medication is best for managing their symptoms. Medical treatment has been proven to be highly efficient in reducing symptoms of ADHD however, it may take a while for people to see the results. If you are considering using medication to treat your ADHD symptoms, speak to your doctor to confirm that it is suitable for you and will not interfere with any other medication you're taking.
People with ADHD have difficulty with focusing and concentrating, controlling their impulses planning and accomplishing tasks in a timely manner. These difficulties can impact on school, work and social relationships. These issues can make it difficult to relax and take pleasure in leisure activities.
The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. They can reduce or eliminate the requirement for psychosocial interventions and can enhance the quality of life. The good news is that medications aren't addictive and they have the lowest risk of misuse. Numerous studies have proven that people with ADHD benefit from the use of stimulants. If you are not able to handle the adverse effects of stimulant medications can choose non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera).
Treatment isn't the only option. A thorough evaluation will include a detailed description of ADHD symptoms and the effects they have on daily functioning. It should also be able to identify if the person has any other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, which may impact the response to therapy and medication.
A medical exam does typically not reveal any indications 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 detailed interview can be beneficial when paired with collateral information, such as school records or health assessments.
There are a variety of psychosocial treatments available for ADHD such as metacognition and cognitive rehabilitation. However, none of these seem to be superior to pharmacotherapy, and are unlikely to have the same level of effectiveness as a dosed medication. Complex regimens are often not followed, and patients are advised to begin with a lower dose of medication that is easily mixed with behavioral therapy.
Psychotherapy
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that psychotherapy, or talk therapy, helps to improve their lives. Certain studies suggest that talk therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or Relapse prevention therapy (RPT) can reduce ADHD symptoms. Talk therapy is a form of psychosocial treatment that involves one-on-one sessions between a professional counselor or therapist. There are many kinds of talk therapy and the therapist you choose should be based upon your goals and preferences.
A typical approach to treating adult ADHD is to employ a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Studies have proven that combining psychotherapy and medication is more effective than one alone. This approach is also recommended by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Talk therapy, or psychotherapy can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms and help you develop how to cope. It can provide strategies to deal with difficulties in your work, relationships and school. Depending on your goals and needs your therapist might suggest that you attend individual or group therapy.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can help adults with ADHD improve their self-esteem and functioning. CBT will help you recognize negative thoughts and modify them, which can affect your mood and behavior. CBT, for example can help you to change "all-or-nothing" thinking which can make people with ADHD believe they must do everything perfect or not at all.
In a session, your therapist will listen to your and ask questions to understand your thoughts and emotions. The therapist will then give you suggestions based on their knowledge and experience. You might also be provided with homework, such as journaling or attempting a new activity. It's important to do homework because it will allow you to apply what you've learned.
It's important to remember that seeking treatment is not an indication of weakness. It's a bold move to live the life you've always wanted. You can reach your goals and dreams with the help of psychotherapy.
Education
Education can be an effective tool for adults with ADHD. Education may include classes that teach organization skills, how to prepare for tasks, and ways to improve the way one talks and listens to others. Therapy that focuses on helping the patient to be aware of their symptoms and how they affect behavior can also be helpful. This can be done either in a group or individual therapy.
Research has shown that a variety psychosocial interventions can reduce problematic symptoms in ADHD individuals and improve their functioning. These include educational interventions, which can improve academic achievement and self-report of ADHD symptoms. Various cognitive and behavior therapies have been proven to be efficient, including hypnotherapy neurofeedback, metacognitive training, and cognitive remediation. However they are not all have been proven to be superior over the controls. Further replication is needed to verify the results.
In a study, it was found that an educational program which taught students how to identify their own inattention or impulsive behavior was more effective than waiting for an inventory to improve self-reported ADHD symptoms. A daily report card on behavior was discovered to improve academic performance of children suffering from ADHD in another study. Training for parents to be more observant has been proven to be effective in reducing negative parenting behavior and promoting positive family functioning, but the effects of self-directed versus therapist-led parental training needs further exploration.
Adolescents suffering from ADHD are at high risk for impaired driving outcomes, such as crashes that result in injuries or even death. The intensive summer "bridge" program has been shown to improve driving skills in adolescents suffering from ADHD. Other psychosocial interventions discovered to be beneficial include central executive training and working memory training.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have trouble keeping an enduring job or relationship. Inability to finish tasks or keep on track in a timely manner, lack of organizational skills and impulsive or inattentive behaviors can cause stress for colleagues, coworkers and family members. Psychotherapy that helps patients improve communication skills can help them overcome these challenges. The same is true for couples counseling, which helps couples learn how to deal with each other's issues when they arise.
Counseling
Although medications are beneficial for a significant number of people suffering from ADHD but it is not always sufficient to treat the severity of symptoms. The effects of medication can be unpredictable and can cause negative side effects that affect certain people in different ways. Counseling is therefore a crucial element of the treatment plan. Counseling can help individuals find better ways to manage their emotions, improve relationships build self-esteem and develop strategies to deal with the unique challenges associated with living with ADHD.
The efficacy of psychosocial treatment for ADHD has been demonstrated in multiple randomized controlled trials. Certain studies have shown that when a combination of behavioral therapy and medication is used, both student and parent-report of academic performance improves. Additionally, studies have shown that the use of a low dose of stimulant medications in conjunction with behavioral therapy improves academic performance and classroom behavior compared to a control group.
In a recent research, high school counselors received instruction on how to implement two brief homework and organization programs for ADHD students. The two interventions were then compared with the initial course, which contained a low dose medication. The results suggest that a continuous, multi-assignment randomized study could be a successful method of bridging the gap between research findings and implementation of school-based interventions for ADHD.
Before attempting 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 a combination of pharmacotherapy with psychosocial interventions. For adhd in adults untreated and adults, the first medication should be stimulants (methylphenidate, dexamphetamine or lisdexamfetamine), unless they cannot take these medications due to other health conditions. In these cases the use of atomoxetine or guanfacine could be considered.
A thorough medical exam must be performed to rule out any other disorders that might affect learning and functioning, including neurological disorders (such epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome or cerebral palsy) or nutritional issues and substance abuse disorders (SUD) chronic illnesses like asthma, and other comorbid mental disorders. If the medical history and examination aren't extraordinary, a psychiatrist or psychologist may be able to diagnose ADHD by using established diagnostic criteria if they find no unusual findings.