ADHD Treatment For Older Adults
It can be difficult to determine ADHD in adults, however treatment is readily available. Doctors can prescribe stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine, to boost brain neurotransmitters and help improve concentration.
They may prescribe nonstimulant drugs, though these are less effective. The cardiovascular risks of new medications should be considered when prescribing medication to older adults.
Medication
As with children, many people suffering from ADHD improve with medication. These drugs improve a person’s ability to work and attend school as well as have healthy relationships. These drugs can aid people focus, stop interrupting and stop fidgeting. A lot of the same medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used to treat adults, but doses vary and some medications have different adverse effects than others. Your doctor will take into consideration your medical history and other health issues in deciding on the right medication for you.
A number of studies have suggested that older adults may be more active because their bodies are changing as they the passage of time. They may also have trouble in recognizing the signs because they often connect them with other ailments like depression or dementia.
As we age, it becomes more difficult to manage the symptoms, whether they're physical or cognitive. Non-medical treatments are important even if the issue isn't fully addressed. Nonmedical therapies aid people to create structure and learn organizational tools to help them remain on track. They can also aid with problems with sleep and poor eating habits that are common among those with ADHD.
People with ADHD might require more frequent visits to the doctor than others due to their disorder. They may also require frequent tests to monitor their progress or test for any adverse effects. They should be aware of the possibility of drug interactions with their GP because they could be dangerous.
In some instances the medication used to treat ADHD in adults can increase the risk of developing heart issues. This is especially true if you suffer from heart disease or suffer from high blood pressure. If this is the case, you may need to reduce the dose of the medication or switch to a different medicine.
The most efficient ADHD medicines are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate. Your doctor will probably begin you on a low dose and gradually increase it until they can determine the effectiveness. They will also discuss lifestyle changes and other options for treatment.
Counseling
Despite the lack of research on ADHD in adulthood, there's plenty of evidence to suggest that it can negatively affect the people who suffer from it. It's not just about medications but counseling is an essential component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
Many seniors suffering from ADHD do not receive the support they need due to the fact that their symptoms are misinterpreted as signs of aging or other ailments. For instance, memory problems and impulsive choices could be the result of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which is considered an intermediate stage in between normal aging and dementia.
ADHD symptoms can be mistaken with depression or anxiety among people who are older. The symptoms can be more severe in women who are experiencing perimenopausal changes, which is which is when estrogen levels drop and affect brain function.
During this period women are susceptible to mood swings, and they have difficulties paying attention. They may have trouble meeting their personal or financial goals. They are also having a tough working with their employers as well as their relationships with their families.
It's not too late to seek assistance for these adults. The first step is to visit an expert doctor who is trained in integrative medicine. This type of physician can provide medication and counseling for people suffering from ADHD and a variety of other health conditions.
When it comes to medication, stimulants are typically the most effective treatment for ADHD. Many seniors take several medications, which could increase the risk for negative drug interactions and undesirable effects. In some instances, nonstimulant medications are a better option for older adults with ADHD.
While it's true that ADHD is mostly observed in children and young adults, 4.4% of people older than 44 suffer from the condition. In reality, it's likely that a lot of them are at the end of their retirement and have been suffering from the symptoms for their entire lives. They're used to managing their symptoms through the scaffolding of daily routines and support systems for professionals, but when these structures fall apart or are removed completely the results could be catastrophic.
Behavioral Therapy
The signs of ADHD in adults can be disruptive to relationships. For instance, ignoring appointments or making decisions impulsively can strain even the most understanding family members and their patience. Family therapy, classes to improve communication, and other forms of behavioral treatment may help to ease these strains.
In addition, individuals who suffer from untreated ADHD often face frequent difficulties at work or in their everyday lives that can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of pessimism. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists in changing irrational beliefs and negative emotions that prevent an individual from managing their daily challenges. CBT also provides practical methods for improving behavior and managing stress.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty controlling their behavior and emotions. This leads to negative thoughts, such as, "I always make mistakes" or "My life is a mess." CBT is designed to identify unhealthy thought patterns and replace them with more positive thoughts.
Behavioral therapy can also help older adults create structure at home establish routines that are predictable and boost positive attention. The reinforcement of good behavior and removing privileges when a bad behavior occurs are the most common methods. Utilizing a calendar, lists and alarms are also useful in enhancing organizational skills. Adult ADHD is treated more effectively using medication than with behavioral therapies. However they can help to reduce symptoms, increase productivity and improve your lifestyle.
One type of CBT that is effective for people with ADHD is dialectical behavior therapy, which teaches practical methods to manage stress and regulate emotions. This method combines elements from psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. It has been proven effective for people with chronic anxiety or depression.
Another option to treat adult ADHD is the equine assisted therapy, which involves working with horses to learn to regulate the body's energy and recognize non-verbal signals that humans cannot. Equine assisted psychotherapy is used by a few individuals to resolve issues in their romantic relationships. However, this approach is also beneficial to people who struggle with issues at work or have low self-esteem.
While the results of one study suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy may be effective for adults suffering from ADHD however, the substantial placebo effect observed in this age group suggests that more research is needed. There is also signs of untreated adhd in adults that suggests eliminating food items or taking supplements can help treat ADHD in adults. People suffering from ADHD should not attempt these strategies without seeking medical advice.
Hormone Replacement
The combination of cognitive and physical changes in the older brain can trigger ADHD symptoms. Behavioral therapy can help many people manage their ADHD symptoms. Medication is also an option for people who have ADHD. It is crucial that health professionals are aware of the needs of this group and are aware of the ways that ADHD can affect older adults.
It is not unusual for people suffering from ADHD to develop mental health comorbidities and these can worsen the condition. Many older adults with ADHD have anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. (Michielsen, and. al., Citation2013). Certain studies have found that people suffering from ADHD are also at a higher-risk of using drugs. This could be because from a mix of factors, including the fact that a person who suffers from depression may be more likely to seek out drugs and alcohol to help themselves.
If a person in their senior years experiences memory lapses, or impulsive decisions doctors usually assume that the person is experiencing MCI, and not ADHD (Henry Hill Jones and Henry, Citation2012). Doctors frequently mistakenly believe that a senior suffers from MCI when they observe symptoms of impulsive behavior and memory loss (Henry and Hill Jones Citation 2012).
Research on ADHD in older adults has been limited and this is largely because of the difficulties in gathering data from such a small sample of people. In addition, a large number of adults suffering from ADHD have been diagnosed and treated in adulthood, and have not received follow-up treatment to determine the impact of their disorder as they age.
The use of ADHD medications can be beneficial for older adults. However, they must be prescribed with attention. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine may increase heart rate and blood pressure, and these effects can be more severe for older adults. This is why it's usually best to start with non-stimulant drugs for the elderly, and gradually increase the dosage if needed. It's important that older adults look at different treatment options and consult a doctor when required.