ADHD Treatment For Adults
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Information regarding attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatments often focuses on how to reduce the impact of the disorder on children in school and at home. However, in 60% or more of cases, ADHD persists beyond childhood and into adulthood—Up to 6% of adults currently live with ADHD.
When you're searching for information about adult ADHD treatment and are only able to find tips intended for children, you might feel frustrated. If you’re an adult experiencing ADHD and want to know more about treatment options, such as ADHD medications or working with a mental health professional, see below.
Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Why learning about ADHD symptoms can be difficult
Depending on where you are, ADHD may be underdiagnosed. The Updated European Consensus Statement notes that ADHD in adults is not widely accepted in European countries and that European psychiatry may be neglecting adults with ADHD. That’s one reason it may be difficult to find appropriate information about ADHD diagnosis and treatment options.
A significant stigma around ADHD still exists today. One academic review on ADHD notes that in interviews with the general public about ADHD, nearly all participants expressed the belief adult ADHD symptoms are “childish and socially inappropriate.” Seeing such behaviors on video “increased both tendencies of peer rejection and feelings of hostility.” These prejudices and misconceptions about what causes ADHD can increase negative views of those who live with ADHD symptoms, such as the false belief that ADHD is caused by excessive sugar consumption or poor parenting.
Why treatment can be important
Untreated ADHD can harm one’s relationships, career, and ability to handle daily responsibilities adequately. Not receiving support may lead to low self-esteem, mood swings, and other mental health conditions in adults, including substance use disorders. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes that adult ADHD can cause those with the condition to experience difficulty with focus, time management, sleep (including sleep disorders), impulsive behaviors, accomplishing goals, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Difficulties managing ADHD symptoms and impulsive behavior without guidance or support can also result in increased stress levels and lower self-esteem. Finally, some research reports an association between ADHD and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Having the appropriate information and treatment can represent life-saving care.
ADHD treatment for adults
Treatment for adult symptoms of ADHD is often approached from multiple angles and may include talk therapy, environmental changes, lifestyle adjustments, and/or ADHD medication. Another option to treat ADHD in adults is to connect with an ADHD coach, a professional who can assist adults with ADHD with time management, organizational skills, goal setting, social skills, and more problematic areas for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
You might choose to approach treatment by first recognizing how your symptoms affect your life, physical health, and mental health and then implementing solutions and seeking help to address those specific challenges.
Treatment with medication
Stimulant medication is sometimes prescribed for adult ADHD and may be effective for many people. Stimulants work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for executive function. Executive functions include working memory, impulse control, and the ability to persist in working on a task. Stimulant medication may enable better awareness and control over one’s behavior, as well as fewer symptoms of ADHD. Substance misuse is possible, so it’s important that ADHD medication is carefully monitored by a mental health professional.
Non-stimulant medications may also be prescribed for those experiencing symptoms of ADHD. For example, selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are sometimes recommended for ADHD symptoms. Some non-stimulant medications may be less likely to cause significant side effects, but not every adult with ADHD responds to them.
Medication for adult ADHD can be of enormous assistance for many adults, but not everyone finds a medication that works for them. Others learn that some adult ADHD stimulants cause unfavorable side effects for them. Some may also choose to forgo medication in favor of therapy, behavioral treatments, and lifestyle modifications.
You should not start, stop, or change ADHD medications without the advice of your physician.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Finding support for mental disorders through therapy
Research suggests the most effective overall treatment for adult ADHD tends to be medication combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Without medication, CBT can still be an effective method of treatment. Some adults with ADHD find managing their thoughts and emotions difficult and may experience emotion dysregulation or a mood disorder.
Daily lifestyle changes you can make
While not a replacement for medication and therapy, certain lifestyle adjustments and other behavioral treatments may help with ADHD symptom control to some degree. These include:
Exercising regularly: Various studies indicate that exercise can increase a person's ability to maintain focus and attention.
Eating nutritious foods: Eating nutritious foods may also improve ADHD symptoms, though you should always speak to a doctor or nutritionist first.
Getting enough sleep: As one study puts it, “relationships of ADHD with sleep problems, psychiatric comorbidities, and medications are complex and multidirectional.” It’s not uncommon for those with ADHD to experience sleep problems, which can then exacerbate symptoms. Prioritizing sleep hygiene may help.
Cultivating a mindfulness practice: A regular mindfulness practice is commonly recommended for various mental disorders, and ADHD is no exception. Mindfulness may help with focus and emotional control. Though preliminary support has been established, more research is recommended to understand this option.
Seeking adult ADHD symptom support
If you’re experiencing symptoms of ADHD, consider meeting with a healthcare professional. A doctor can conduct testing to determine whether an underlying physical condition is causing symptoms. Next, a provider can conduct an evaluation to diagnose ADHD or another mental health condition that may be present and suggest a treatment plan.
Support through therapy
For those who are interested in meeting with a therapist to address potential ADHD symptoms, they can connect with one online or in person. If you’d prefer to attend traditional, in-office sessions, you can search for a provider in your local area. If you’d prefer to meet with someone virtually from the comfort of your home, you might consider online therapy.
With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, or in-app messaging to address the challenges you may be facing. Research suggests that online and in-person therapy can offer similar benefits, so the format you choose is typically up to you.
Takeaway
What is the dark side of ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can lead to negative health effects, including the following:
Mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
Challenges with social interactions and communication
Impulsive behaviors and mood swings
Higher likelihood of risky behaviors, such as using substances
Difficulty managing time, prioritizing tasks, or meeting deadlines
ADHD in children and adults can often be effectively managed with a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, and self-help strategies.
What happens if ADHD is left untreated in adults?
If attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is left untreated, it can lead to a range of negative outcomes. These include mental health challenges, low self-esteem, relationship strain, problems in school or work, and a heightened risk of behavioral issues.
Instead, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications (like stimulants), support groups, and connecting with friends and family members can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms and work more productively.
Does caffeine help ADHD?
Research suggests that caffeine can have some benefits for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. For example, caffeine can increase alertness, focus, and motivation. However, experts advise against using caffeine for treating ADHD instead of stimulant medications. Additionally, if you’re taking stimulant medications for ADHD, caffeine may increase the risk of adverse side effects.
What is the best treatment for ADHD in adults?
The treatment of ADHD in adults includes:
Stimulant medications
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
ADHD coaching
Cognitive training
Neurofeedback
In addition to working with trained professionals, adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can benefit from organizational tools, exercise, and other self-help strategies.
What are the three C's of ADHD?
The three C’s of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can help children and adolescents understand and reframe their automatic thoughts:
Catch: When you experience negative emotions, identify that thought that drove it
Check: Ask yourself if that thought is useful and accurate
Change: Reframe the thought into something more helpful or accurate
The three C’s are often taught by cognitive behavioral therapists, who believe that evaluating your thoughts can improve how you feel, behave, and treat yourself.
What does severe ADHD look like in adults?
If someone has severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it means they experience a greater number of ADHD symptoms and/or greater symptom severity. In adults, ADHD symptoms may include:
Impulsivity
Lack of organization and challenges in prioritizing tasks
Difficulty planning and following through on tasks
Restlessness
Challenges with time management
Difficulty multitasking
Low ability to tolerate frustration
Mood swings
Irritability
Low stress resilience
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms can range from mild to severe. If your symptoms are difficult to manage or cause distress, it’s a good idea to speak with a professional. Both talk therapy and medications can help effectively manage ADHD symptoms.
What is the 5 4 3 2 1 method ADHD?
The 5-4-3-2-1 method for ADHD is a mindfulness method that can be helpful when you’re experiencing overwhelming thoughts or difficulty concentrating. To practice this technique, focus on:
Five things you can see
Four things you can touch
Three things you can hear
Two things you can smell
One thing you can taste
This approach can help you stay grounded in the present moment when your mind starts to wander or shut down.
What is ring of fire ADHD?
The ring of fire ADHD refers to a subtype of ADHD proposed by Dr. Daniel Amen. This subtype is characterized by overall heightened brain activity, which may result in signs and symptoms like racing thoughts, irritability, and other common ADHD symptoms.
While Dr. Amen’s theories of ADHD subtypes are advocated by some, they are not widely supported or evidence-based. Instead, mental health professionals use the following subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulse, and combined ADHD.
Does ADHD get worse with age?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that develops in childhood because of brain differences. ADHD symptoms may change with age, and adults with stressful jobs and responsibilities may find their symptoms seem more prominent. When left unaddressed, ADHD symptoms may lead to challenges like low self-esteem, social challenges, anxiety, or substance use disorders.
In many cases, however, ADHD symptoms improve with age. This is particularly true when the person seeks treatment and utilizes management strategies.
Can ADHD turn into bipolar?
ADHD and bipolar disorder are distinct conditions, but they do commonly co-occur. Some estimates find that bipolar disorder and adult ADHD comorbidity may be as high as 20%. Other disorders that commonly co-occur with ADHD include anxiety, depressive disorders, and substance use disorders.
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