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ADHD Treatment For Older Adults Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be difficult however, treatment can be helpful. Doctors can prescribe stimulant drugs such as dextroamphetamine, or methylphenidate, which can boost brain neurotransmitters. They may also prescribe nonstimulant drugs however they are less effective. The cardiovascular risks of new medications should be considered when prescribing medications for older adults. Medication Many people with ADHD improve with medication, like they do with children. The drugs can help to reduce symptoms and enhance a person's ability to work, attend school, and have healthy relationships. They can also help people concentrate and stop interrupting their work, as well as stop impulsive and fidgety behavior. Many of the same drugs used to treat ADHD in children can also be used to treat adults, but dosages differ and certain drugs have different effects than others. Your doctor will consider your medical history as well as other health issues to determine the most effective medication for yourself. Some studies suggest that older people may have more trouble with hyperactivity because their bodies change as they age. They may also have trouble in recognizing the signs because they often think they are related to other illnesses like depression or dementia. As we age the difficulty increases to manage the symptoms, whether they are cognitive or physical. This is why nonmedical treatments are important even if they don't fully address the problem. Nonmedical therapies aid people to establish a framework and learn methods to manage their time and remain on track. They can also aid with problems with sleep and poor eating habits that are common among people with ADHD. A person suffering from ADHD may require more frequent GP appointments than other patients due to their condition. Additionally, they may need more regular tests to monitor their progress, or to check for any side effects. They should be sure to discuss the possible drug interactions with their GP as they may be serious. In certain instances, the medication used to treat ADHD can increase your risk of heart disease. This is particularly the case if you have heart disease or have high blood pressure. If this occurs you may have to reduce the dose of the medication or switch to a different medication. The most effective treatments for ADHD are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Your doctor may start you off on a low dose and gradually increase it based on how it functions. They will discuss lifestyle changes as well as other options for treatment. Counseling Despite the limited research on ADHD in adulthood, there is enough evidence to suggest that it can negatively affect their. Counseling is a key element in treating older adults with ADHD. Many older adults with ADHD aren't getting the help they need due to the fact that their symptoms are often interpreted as indicators of aging or other conditions. For instance, memory loss and impulsive choices could be attributed to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is considered an intermediate stage between normal aging as well as dementia. ADHD symptoms are often confused with anxiety or depression among people who are older. The symptoms can be more severe for women going through perimenopausal transitions, as estrogen levels decrease and interfere with brain function. During this period women are susceptible to mood swings and have difficulty paying attention. This means that they might have difficulty meeting their own financial or personal goals. It's also harder for them to navigate the workplace and family relationships. It's not too late to seek help for these adults. The first step is to see an expert in integrative medicine. This kind of doctor can offer medication and counseling for those with ADHD and other health conditions. When how to get treated for adhd in adults comes to medications, stimulants are typically the most effective treatment for ADHD. Many older adults are taking several medications, which could increase the risk for negative drug interactions and adverse side effects. Nonstimulant medications may be a better option for older adults suffering from ADHD. While it's true that ADHD is most often seen in young adults and children, 4.4% of people over the age of 44 are affected by the condition. In reality, it's likely that a large portion of these people are already at the end of their retirement and have suffered from the symptoms throughout their lives. They're accustomed to managing their ailments through the shackles of their daily routines and professional support systems, but when these structures fail or are completely removed, the consequences can be catastrophic. Behavioral Therapy ADHD symptoms in adults can cause problems with relationships. For instance, forgetting appointments or making decisions without thinking can strain even the most understanding family members and their patience. Family therapy, classes that improve communication, and other forms of behavioral therapy can aid in easing these stresses. In addition, those who are not treated for ADHD often face frequent difficulties on the job or in their everyday lives which can cause depression and low self-esteem. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help an individual change their negative emotions and irrational thoughts that prevent them from managing daily difficulties. CBT imparts practical skills to improve behavior and manage stress. Adults with ADHD often have difficulty controlling their behavior and emotions. This can lead to negative thoughts like, “I always make mistakes” or “My life isn't going anywhere.” CBT is designed to recognize negative thoughts and replace them with more positive thoughts. Behavioral therapy also assists older adults to create a structure at home, establish predictable routines and boost positive attention. The reinforcement of good behavior and the removal of privileges when bad behavior occurs are the most common methods. Using a calendar, lists and alarms are also useful in improving your organizational skills. Behavioral therapies are not as effective than medications to treat adults with ADHD however, they can help reduce symptoms and result in higher productivity and a happier life. A form of CBT that works for adults with ADHD is dialectical behavior therapy, which teaches practical methods to manage stress and regulate emotions. This method blends elements of psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and it has been proven effective in improving the functioning of those suffering from chronic anxiety and depression. Another option to treat adult ADHD is equine assisted psychotherapy, which involves working with horses to learn to regulate body energy and pick up non-verbal signals that humans cannot. Equine assisted psychotherapy is employed by some people to address issues in their relationships. However, this approach can also be beneficial to those who are struggling with work-related issues or low self-esteem. The substantial placebo effect seen for adults suffering from ADHD means that further studies are needed. Additionally, there is no evidence that cutting out foods or taking supplements can help treat ADHD in adults. These strategies should not be employed by those suffering from ADHD without medical guidance. Hormone Replacement In older adults the combination of physical and cognitive changes to the brain can cause ADHD symptoms to change. Behavioral therapy can assist many people manage their ADHD symptoms. Medication is also an option for those with ADHD. It is essential that health care professionals understand the particular requirements of this population, and that they are familiar with the ways in which the disorder affects people as they age. Mental health complications are common among those with ADHD, and they can make their condition worse. Many older adults with ADHD feel depressed or anxiety, as well as bipolar disorder (Michielsen et al. Citation 2013). Some studies show that people with ADHD also have a higher chance of developing substance abuse problems. This could be due to a combination factors, such as the fact that those who suffer from depression are more likely to use alcohol and drugs for self-medicating. If a person in their senior years experiences memory lapses or impulsive choices doctors usually assume that the person is experiencing MCI, and not ADHD (Henry & Hill Jones Citation 2012). Doctors often make the mistake of thinking that a senior is suffering from MCI when they observe the signs of memory loss and impulsive behavior (Henry and Hill Jones Citation2012). The research on ADHD in older adults is sporadic. This is partly because it's difficult to collect information from a small amount of people. In addition, a large number of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed and treated in adulthood, and have not been given follow-up care to see how their disorder affects them as they get older. 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 blood pressure and heart rate in older adults. For this reason, it is generally recommended to begin with non-stimulant medications for the elderly, and gradually increase the dosage as needed. It is crucial that older adults take into consideration different treatments and consult a specialist when necessary.