ADHD Treatment For Older Adults
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be difficult however treatment is a possibility to help. Doctors can prescribe stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine to increase brain neurotransmitters and help improve focus.
They can also prescribe nonstimulant medications, though these are less efficient. Adults over the age of 65 should be cautious when taking new medications because of concerns about cardiovascular risks.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD improve with medication, similar to how they improve with children. These drugs help to reduce symptoms and enhance a person's ability to perform at work, go to school, and maintain healthy relationships. These drugs can help people focus and stop interrupting, as well as stop fidgeting. The same medications used to treat ADHD among children can also be used for adults, but the dosages can differ and certain medications can have different effects. Your doctor will consider your medical background and other health concerns in deciding on the right medication for you.
Some studies suggest that people who are older may be more prone to hyperactivity because their bodies change as they the passage of time. They also might have difficulty recognizing the symptoms because they often connect them with other ailments like dementia or depression.
Whether the symptoms are physical or cognitive and physical, they're harder to deal with as you age. Non-medication treatments can be important, even if the problem isn't fully addressed. Nonmedical therapies can help someone establish a structure and develop methods to manage their time and stay on task. They can also assist with sleep issues and poor eating habits which are common among those with ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD might require more frequent GP appointments than other people due to their condition. They may also need frequent tests to monitor their progress, or to look for any side effects. They must be sure to discuss the possible interactions with their GP because they could be serious.
In some instances, the medications used to treat ADHD can increase your heart risk. This is especially the case if you have heart disease or suffer from high blood pressure. If this is the case you might need to reduce the dose of the medication or switch to a different medication.
The most effective medicines for ADHD are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Your doctor is likely to begin you with a lower dose and gradually increase it based on how it works. They will also inform you about lifestyle changes and other treatment options.
Counseling
While research on ADHD in adults is sporadic but there is enough evidence to suggest that it negatively impacts their lives. It's not just about medication but counseling is also an important component of treatment for adults with ADHD.
Many seniors with ADHD aren't getting the help they need because their symptoms are misinterpreted as signs of aging or other ailments. For example, memory lapses and impulsive decisions may be attributed to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which is thought to be an intermediate stage between normal aging as well as dementia.
more information could be mistaken for depression or anxiety in the elderly. The symptoms can be more severe for women going through perimenopausal transitions, when estrogen levels drop and alter brain function.
In this time women are more prone to mood swings and may have difficulties paying attention. They may have trouble meeting their financial or personal goals. These adults are also having a tough working with their employers and family relationships.
It's not too late to seek help for these adults. The first step is to see a doctor who specializes in integrative medicine. This type of physician can offer medication and counseling to people suffering from ADHD and a variety of other health issues.
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD. However there are many seniors who are on multiple medications and this could increase the chance of negative drug interactions or adverse side effects. Nonstimulant medications may be a better option for older adults with ADHD.
While it's true that ADHD is most often observed in young adults and children, 4.4% of people over the age of 44 are affected by the condition. It's quite likely that many of them are well into their retirement years and have been suffering from the symptoms throughout their lives. They're accustomed to managing their symptoms with the shackles of their daily routines and support systems for professionals however, when these structures fall apart or are removed completely, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Behavioral Therapy
The signs of ADHD in adults can cause disruption to relationships. Even the most understanding family member's patience could be tested by forgetting appointments or making impulsive choices. Family therapy, classes to improve communication, as well as other types of behavioral treatment may aid in relieving these stressors.
In addition, individuals who are not treated for ADHD often face frequent difficulties on the job or in their daily lives which can cause low self-esteem and a sense of pessimism. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps to change negative beliefs and irrational thoughts that hinder an individual from dealing with their everyday challenges. CBT also imparts practical skills to improve behavior and managing stress.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty controlling their moods and behaviors. This can lead to negative thoughts, such as, "I always make mistakes" or "My life is a mess." CBT is designed to identify bad thoughts and replace them with more positive thoughts.
Behavioral therapy helps older adults create order at home and establish predictable routines. It also improves positive attention. Common methods include rewarding good behavior and taking away privileges for poor behavior. Using a calendar, lists and alarms are also useful in improving organizational skills. Behavioral therapies aren't as effective than medications to treat adults with ADHD however, they can lessen symptoms and result in higher productivity and a more enjoyable life.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a form of CBT that is aimed at adults suffering from ADHD. It teaches methods to manage stress and regulate emotions. This method combines elements from psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy. It has been proven to be effective for people suffering from chronic anxiety or depression.
Equine assisted psychotherapy is an additional option to treat adults with ADHD. This involves interacting with horses in order to learn how to regulate body energy and to detect non-verbal cues humans cannot. Equine assisted psychotherapy is employed by some people to address issues in their romantic relationships. However, this method can also be beneficial for those who are struggling with work-related issues or low self-esteem.
The large placebo effect for adults suffering from ADHD means that further research is required. Additionally there is no evidence that cutting out food or taking supplements aids in treating ADHD in adults. These strategies should not be used by people with ADHD without medical guidance.
Hormone Replacement
In older adults there is a combination of cognitive and physical changes in the brain can result in ADHD symptoms to change. Behavioral therapy can assist many people manage their ADHD symptoms. Treatment is also an option for people who suffer from ADHD. It's important that health care professionals understand the particular needs of this population, and that they are familiar with the ways that the disorder can affect people as they get older.
Mental health complications are common among people suffering from ADHD and can make their condition worse. Many older people with ADHD experience depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. (Michielsen, and. al. Citation 2013). Certain studies suggest that people with ADHD also are more likely to develop substance abuse problems. This could be the result from a mix of factors, including the fact that a person who suffers from depression may be more likely to turn to substances to help self-medicate.
Symptoms of ADHD can be similar to those of mild cognitive impairment, and this makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the disorder in older adults. Doctors often mistakenly assume that a senior is suffering from MCI when they observe the signs of memory loss and impulsive behavior (Henry and Hill Jones Citation2012).
Research on ADHD in older adults has been scarce, and this is partly due to the difficulties collecting data from a tiny sample of people. Many adults suffering from ADHD were diagnosed and treated at an adult age and haven't received any follow-up care.
The use of ADHD medications can be beneficial for older adults. However, they should be prescribed with caution. The stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine may increase heart rate and blood pressure, and these effects can be more severe in older adults. This is why it's usually best to start with non-stimulant drugs for the elderly, and then gradually increase the dosage if needed. It is also essential for seniors to consider a variety of treatments, and to seek the advice of a medical professional if necessary.