ADHD is more common among children and teenagers, but it affects millions of adults as well who have not yet tried adult ADHD treatment. In fact, approximately 10 million adults have ADHD, which can make functioning at a high level far more challenging if left untreated.
The good news is that there are effective treatment options for adult ADHD, including psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, and lifestyle and dietary changes. The following review discusses several frequently asked questions that mental health professionals receive from patients in regard to adult ADHD and treatment options.
The first step to getting your ADHD under control is to understand what exactly you are dealing with and the symptoms. This guide provides answers to some of the more common questions that mental health professionals receive about adult ADHD and the treatment options that are available.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder that causes difficulties functioning daily. Adult ADHD specifically is ADHD that either develops or is not treated until the person is 18 or older. This is an important distinction, as the majority of ADHD cases are diagnosed during the adolescent age range.
The symptoms of adult ADHD look different for every person. However, some of the more commonly reported symptoms include difficulty staying focused on a task, poor time management, issues with prioritization and planning, impulsivity, mood swings, and low frustration tolerance.
There are no specific tests that a mental health professional uses to diagnose adults with ADHD. Instead, they typically rely upon multiple tests to determine if the patient can benefit from ADHD treatment. This may primarily include asking the patient questions about their ability to focus, problems they are having with mood, etc., and a physical examination (primarily to rule out other possible causes).
There are common comorbidities with adult ADHD, although many people only experience ADHD by itself. Common conditions that are associated with adult ADHD are depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder.
Every adult ADHD treatment plan is personalized according to what works best for the individual. There are medications that are known to help with the symptoms of adult ADHD, including various types of stimulants and antidepressants. However, medication is not always effective. Other treatment options include psychological counseling (i.e. cognitive-behavioral counseling), lifestyle changes, and social support.
A common question among adults with ADHD is whether or not they should inform their employer, since the workplace is typically the most notable place in which ADHD affects them. The answer varies for everyone. In some cases, particularly if the ADHD is controllable, it is best to not tell your boss, whereas in other instances it can be beneficial to do so, as they can make arrangements to assist you.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They are particularly recommended when treating symptoms such as impulsive behavior, short attention span, and hyperactivity. Adults and children alike who are diagnosed with ADHD can benefit from stimulant medications. As mentioned, stimulants (or antidepressant medications) are sometimes combined with other treatment methods, lifestyle changes, and dietary changes.
Psychological counseling, and specifically psychotherapy (talk therapy), is often used along with medication to allow for the most effective ADHD treatment plan possible. Psychotherapy helps many adults with ADHD improve their time management and organizational skills, develop problem-solving skills, learn to reduce their impulsive behavior, improve their self-esteem, and cope with failures or traumatic events in their life.
Adult ADHD treatment is effective in approximately 70 percent of patients. In instances where ADHD medication does not work initially, the patient and the mental health professional can work together to find a more effective treatment plan. It is important to communicate with your mental health professional throughout treatment, especially if your current medications are not effective or are causing complications.
The good news is there is a solution to adult ADHD, and there are multiple treatment options that may work for you. If you have symptoms of ADHD and want to speak with a mental health professional to determine if an ADHD treatment plan is right for you, contact our office today by phone or message.
Get more information here: https://futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Solutions at (803) 335-5232
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