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ADHD Treatment For Older Adults Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult may be difficult however, treatment can be helpful. Doctors can prescribe stimulant drugs such as dextroamphetamine, or methylphenidate, to boost brain neurotransmitters. They can also prescribe nonstimulant medicines, but these are less effective. The cardiovascular risks of new medications should be considered when prescribing medications to older adults. Medication As with children, many people with ADHD improve with medication. These medications can improve an individual's ability to work and go to school, as well as maintain healthy relationships. They can also help people concentrate, stop interrupting, and stop impulsive and fidgety behavior. The same drugs that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults, but the dosages may vary and some medications can have different effects. Your doctor will consider your medical history as well as other health concerns to determine the best treatment for you. Numerous studies have suggested that older adults may be more active because their bodies are changing with the passage of time. They may also have trouble understanding the signs, as they are often confused with other illnesses like dementia or depression. The symptoms may be cognitive or physical, they're more difficult to manage as you age. Non-medical treatments are important, even if the problem isn't addressed fully. Nonmedical therapies aid people to establish a framework and learn methods to manage their time and remain on track. They can also assist with sleep problems and poor eating habits, which are common among those with ADHD. A person suffering from ADHD might require more frequent GP appointments than others due to their condition. Additionally, they may require more 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, as they can be serious. In some instances the medications used to treat ADHD in adults can increase the risk of developing heart problems. This is especially relevant if you suffer from heart disease or have high blood pressure. You might need to take lower doses of the medicine or switch to a different medication when this happens. The most effective medicines for ADHD are stimulants like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. Your doctor will probably begin you on a low dosage and gradually increase it until they can determine the effectiveness. They will also discuss lifestyle changes and other options for treatment. Counseling Although research on ADHD in adults is sporadic, there's enough evidence to show it can negatively impact them. Counseling is a key element in the treatment of older adults suffering from ADHD. Many seniors suffering from ADHD don't receive the needed help due to the fact that their symptoms are interpreted by others as a sign of the aging process. Memory lapses and impulsive behavior could be due to mild cognition impairment (MCI) as an intermediate stage between normal aging, and dementia. ADHD symptoms could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety in the elderly. The symptoms can be more severe for women who are going through perimenopausal era as estrogen levels decrease and interfere with brain function. During this time, it's common for women to have mood swings and difficulties paying attention. In the end, they may have a difficult time achieving their personal or financial goals. It's also harder for these adults to navigate their workplace and family relationships. The good news is that it's not too late for adults to seek assistance. The first step is to see a doctor who specializes in integrative medicine. This kind of doctor will offer medication and counseling to people suffering from ADHD and a range of other health conditions. When it comes to medications stimulants are usually the most effective treatment for ADHD. However there are many seniors who are on multiple medications and this could increase the risk of negative interactions with drugs or adverse side effects. In certain instances, non-stimulant medications are a better choice for people who are older and suffer from ADHD. While it's true that ADHD is mostly experienced by children and young adults, 4.4% of people older than 44 are affected by the condition. In reality, it's likely that a large portion of these people are already in their senior years and have experienced the symptoms throughout their lives. They're accustomed to managing their ailments through the scaffolding of their daily routines and professional support systems however, when these structures fail or are completely removed the results could be catastrophic. Behavioral Therapy ADHD symptoms in adults can disrupt relationships. For instance, forgetting appointments or making decisions impulsively can test even the most understanding family members and their patience. These stresses can be alleviated through family therapy, classes to improve communication, and other behavior treatments. Untreated ADHD can also cause low self-esteem, apathy and frequent setbacks at the workplace or in daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aids an individual change their negative thoughts and emotions that hinder them from tackling daily difficulties. CBT provides practical techniques to improve your behavior and manage stress. Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty regulating their behavior and emotions and can lead to self-destructive thinking, like “I always make mistakes,” or “My life is going nowhere.” CBT seeks to identify these unhealthy thought patterns and work on replacing them with more positive ones. Behavioral therapy helps older adults create order at home and establish predictable routines. It also increases positive attention. Reinforcement of good behaviors and taking away privileges when bad behavior occurs are common strategies. Making lists, a calendar, and alarms can aid in improving organizational skills. Adult ADHD is treated more effectively with medications than behavioral therapies. However adhd treatment for adults medication can aid in reducing symptoms, improve productivity, and improve lifestyle. A type of CBT that is effective for people with ADHD is dialectical behavior therapy, which teaches strategies to manage stress and regulate emotions. This method combines elements of psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and it has been shown to be efficient in improving the functioning of people suffering from chronic depression and anxiety. 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 utilized by some people to deal with problems in their relationships. However, this method can also be beneficial for those struggling with issues related to work or low self-esteem. Although the results of one study suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy might be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD, the large placebo effect among this age group indicates that further research is required. There is also no evidence that suggests cutting out food or taking supplements can aid in treating ADHD in adults. These strategies should not be employed by those suffering from ADHD without medical advice. Hormone Replacement In older adults the combination of cognitive and physical changes in the brain may cause ADHD symptoms to change. Behavioral therapy can assist many people manage their ADHD symptoms. The use of medication is another option for those with ADHD. It is essential that health professionals are aware of the unique needs of this population, and that they are familiar with the ways in which the disorder can affect individuals as they age. Mental health complications are common among people suffering from ADHD and can make their condition worse. Many older people suffering from ADHD have a history of depression or anxiety, or bipolar disorder (Michielsen et al. Citation2013). Certain studies have found that those with ADHD are also at a higher-risk of using drugs. This could be due to combination of factors, like the fact that people who suffer from depression are more likely to take alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. Symptoms of ADHD can overlap with those of mild cognitive impairment which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition in older adults. Doctors frequently mistakenly believe that an older person suffers 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 not extensive. This is due to the fact that it is difficult to collect information from a small amount 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 care to determine how their condition affects them as they age. Medications for ADHD are beneficial for older adults, but they should be prescribed carefully. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine can raise heart rates and blood pressure and may be more noticeable in older people. This is why it's generally best to start with non-stimulant medications for the elderly, and then gradually increase the dosage if necessary. It's also crucial for older adults to consider a variety of treatments, and to consult a specialist when needed.