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ADHD Treatment For Older Adults It can be difficult to determine ADHD in adults, however treatment is available. Doctors can prescribe stimulant drugs, such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate to increase brain neurotransmitters. They may prescribe nonstimulant medications however they are less efficient. The cardiovascular risks of new drugs should be taken into consideration when prescribing medication to older adults. Medication Like children, many people suffering from ADHD are helped by medication. These drugs help reduce symptoms and increase the ability of an individual to work, attend school, and have healthy relationships. These drugs can aid people concentrate and stop interrupting and stop fidgeting. The same medications that are used to treat ADHD among children can be used by adults, although the doses may vary and some medications can have different effects. Your doctor will take into account your medical background and other health concerns when deciding on the best medication for you. A few studies suggest that people who are older may have more trouble with hyperactivity due to the fact that their bodies change with the passage of time. They also might have difficulty in recognizing the signs because they are often able to connect them with other ailments such as dementia or depression. The symptoms may be physical or cognitive or physical, they're more difficult to deal with as you age. Non-medical treatments can be beneficial, even if the problem isn't fully addressed. Nonmedical therapy can help someone learn to stay organized and create an orderly environment. They can also aid with sleep issues and poor eating habits that are common among people with ADHD. A person suffering from ADHD might require more frequent visits to the doctor than other people due to their disorder. Additionally, they could require more frequent tests to check their progress or to look for any potential side effects. They should also discuss the possible drug interactions with their GP, as they can be harmful. In some instances the medication used to treat ADHD in adults can increase the risk of heart issues. This is particularly the case if you suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure. If this is the case, you may need to take a smaller dose of the medication or switch to another medicine. The most effective medicines for ADHD are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Your doctor is likely to start you on a lower dosage and gradually increase it until they can determine how well it works. They will also discuss with you about lifestyle changes and other treatment options. Counseling Although research on ADHD in adults is limited but there is enough evidence to show that it can negatively impact their lives. Counseling is an important part in treating older adults with ADHD. Many seniors suffering from 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 choices could be the result of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is regarded as an intermediate stage between normal aging as well as dementia. ADHD symptoms may also be misinterpreted as anxiety or depression for those who are older. Symptoms can be more severe for women who are experiencing perimenopausal changes, which is when estrogen levels decline and impact brain function. During this time it is common for women to be prone to mood swings and have trouble paying attention. adhd in adults treatment may struggle to achieve their personal or financial goals. These adults also have a difficult time navigating the workplace and family relationships. The good news is that it's not too late for these adults to seek help. The first step is to see a doctor who specializes in integrative medicine. This type of doctor can offer medication and counseling for patients suffering from ADHD and other health conditions. Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD. However many seniors are taking multiple medications and this could increase the chance of adverse interactions between drugs or negative side effects. In some instances, nonstimulant medications are a better choice for people who are older and suffer from ADHD. While it's true that ADHD is most often observed in children and young adults, 4.4% of people over age 44 suffer from the disorder. It's quite likely that a lot of these people are already well into their retirement years and have been suffering from the symptoms throughout their lives. The symptoms are controlled by daily routines, professional support systems and daily routines. But when these structures fail or are destroyed, the results can be devastating. Behavioral Therapy The signs of ADHD in adults can disrupt relationships. For instance, forgetting appointments or making decisions without thinking can be a test for even the most patient family members' patience. These stresses can be alleviated by family therapy, classes to improve communication and other behavioral treatments. In addition, individuals with untreated ADHD often experience frequent problems on the job or in their daily lives that can lead to depression and low self-esteem. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps to change negative beliefs and irrational thoughts that hinder an individual from dealing with their everyday difficulties. CBT imparts practical skills to improve your behavior and manage stress. Adults suffering from ADHD struggle to regulate their emotions and behaviors, which leads to self-destructive thinking, like “I always do things wrong,” or “My life isn't going anywhere.” CBT seeks to identify the negative patterns of thought and then work to replace them with more positive ones. Behavioral therapy also assists older adults create structure at home, establish predictable routines and increase positive attention. Reinforcement of good behaviors and taking away privileges when bad behavior is observed are common strategies. Using a calendar, lists and alarms are also helpful in enhancing organizational skills. Behavioral therapies are less efficient than medications for treating adults with ADHD however, they can lessen symptoms and contribute to higher productivity and a more enjoyable life. A form of CBT that works well for adults with ADHD is dialectical behavior therapy, which teaches strategies to manage anxiety and manage emotions. This method combines elements of psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and has been proven to be effective in improving the performance of people suffering from chronic depression and anxiety. Equine assisted psychotherapy is another alternative to treat adult ADHD. This involves interaction with horses to learn how to regulate body energy, and also to recognize non-verbal signals that humans can't. Equine assisted psychotherapy is used by a few people to address issues in their relationships. However, this approach can also be beneficial to people who struggle with issues related to work or low self-esteem. The significant placebo effect observed in adults suffering from ADHD suggests that more studies are needed. There is no evidence to suggest that eliminating food items or taking supplements could aid in treating ADHD in adults. These approaches should never be utilized by people suffering from ADHD without medical advice. Hormone Replacement The combination of physical and cognitive changes in the older brain can trigger ADHD symptoms. Many people are able to manage their ADHD symptoms with treatment for behavioral disorders, and medications is also a part of the treatment plans for older adults with ADHD. It is essential that health care professionals understand the specific needs of this population, and that they are familiar with the ways in which the disorder affects individuals as they age. It is not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to develop mental health comorbidities and these can worsen the condition. Many older people with ADHD suffer from anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. (Michielsen, et. al. Citation 2013). Certain studies have revealed that those with ADHD are also more likely to be victims of substance abuse. This could be due to a combination of factors, like the fact that people who suffer from depression are more likely to use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. When a senior experiences memory lapses or impulsive decisions doctors usually assume that the person is suffering from MCI, and not ADHD (Henry Hill Jones and Henry, Citation2012). Doctors often mistakenly assume that an older person suffers from MCI when they observe the signs of memory loss and impulsive behavior (Henry & Hill Jones Citation2012). The research on ADHD in older adults is not extensive. This is due to the fact that it's difficult to collect data from a small number of people. In addition, a large number of people with ADHD have been diagnosed and treated throughout adulthood, but have not been given follow-up care to see how their disorder affects them as they age. The use of ADHD medications can be beneficial for older adults. However, they should be prescribed with attention. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine could increase blood pressure and heart rate in older adults. This is why it's generally best to start with non-stimulant medications for the elderly, and then gradually increase the dosage as needed. It's important that older adults consider different treatments and consult a doctor when necessary.