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ADHD Treatment For Older Adults Being diagnosed with ADHD at an adult age can be difficult however treatment is a possibility to help. Doctors can prescribe stimulant drugs such as dextroamphetamine, or methylphenidate, which can boost brain neurotransmitters. They may also prescribe nonstimulant medicines however they are less effective. Adults over the age of 65 should be cautious when taking new medications due to concerns about cardiovascular risk. Medication Many people with ADHD improve with medication, just as they do with children. These medications improve an individual's ability to work and go to school, as well as maintain healthy relationships. These medications can assist people concentrate and stop interrupting and stop fidgeting. A lot of the same medications used to treat ADHD in children are also used to treat adults, but dosages differ and certain medications have different side effects than others. Your doctor will take into consideration your medical background and other health concerns in deciding on the right medication for you. Some studies suggest that older adults may be more prone to hyperactivity because their bodies alter with age. They may also have trouble in recognizing the symptoms, since they are often confused with other conditions such as depression or dementia. As we get older, it becomes more difficult to manage symptoms, whether they are cognitive or physical. This is why nonmedication treatments are crucial, even if they don't solve the problem. Nonmedical therapies aid people to create structure and learn organizational tools to help them stay on track. They can also aid with problems with sleep and poor eating habits that are common among those with ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may require more frequent visits to the doctor than other patients due to their disorder. Additionally, they could require more frequent tests to check their progress, or to check for any adverse effects. They should be sure to discuss the possibility of interactions with drugs with their GP, as they can be serious. In certain instances, the medication used to treat ADHD can increase your risk of heart attack. This is particularly the case if you suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure. If this occurs you might need to reduce the dose of the medication or switch to a different medicine. The most effective medications for ADHD are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Your doctor is likely to start you on a low dose and gradually increase it until you are able to determine how effective it is. They will discuss lifestyle changes and other options for treatment. Counseling Although research on ADHD in adults isn't extensive however, there's enough evidence to suggest that it has negative effects on their lives. Counseling is a crucial element in treating older adults with ADHD. Many seniors with ADHD are not receiving the necessary help because their symptoms are misinterpreted by others as signs of the aging process. The lapses in memory 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 anxiety or depression in the elderly. The symptoms can be more severe in women going through perimenopausal transitions, as estrogen levels decrease and alter brain function. At this time it is common for women to have mood swings and difficulties paying attention. As a result, they may have a difficult time achieving their personal or financial goals. It's also harder for these adults to navigate the workplace and family relationships. It's not too late to get assistance for these adults. The first step is to see an expert doctor who is trained in integrative medicine. This type of physician can offer counseling and medication for those who have ADHD and a range of other health conditions. When it comes to medications stimulants are usually the most effective treatment for ADHD. treatment for add adhd in adults take multiple medications, which can increase the risk for negative drug interactions and adverse negative side effects. Nonstimulant medications may be a better option for people who are older and suffer from ADHD. While it's true that ADHD is most often observed in young adults and children, 4.4% of people over age 44 suffer from the disorder. Many of these people may be well into retirement and have dealt with the symptoms for the majority of their lives. They're accustomed to managing their symptoms with the scaffolding of their daily routines and support systems that are professional, but when these structures fall apart or are removed completely the results could be catastrophic. Behavioral Therapy ADHD symptoms in adults can disrupt relationships. Even the most patient family member's patience can be tested by forgetting appointments or making impulsive decisions. Family therapy, classes that improve communication, and other forms of behavioral treatment may aid in relieving these stressors. Untreated ADHD can also lead to low self-esteem, pessimism and frequent setbacks at the workplace or daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps to alter negative beliefs and irrational thoughts that prevent an individual from tackling their daily challenges. CBT also imparts practical skills to improve behavior and handling stress. Adults with ADHD frequently have trouble controlling their emotions and behaviors. This can lead to negative thoughts, such as, “I always make mistakes” or “My life is a mess.” CBT is designed to recognize the negative patterns of thought and work on replacing them with more positive ones. Behavioral therapy also assists older adults establish a framework at home, establish predictable routines and increase positive attention. Reinforcement of good behaviors and taking away privileges when bad behavior is observed are typical strategies. Utilizing a calendar, lists and alarms can also be helpful in improving your organizational skills. Adult ADHD is treated more effectively using medication than with behavioral therapies. However, they can help reduce symptoms, improve productivity and improve the quality of life. One type of CBT that works well for adults with ADHD is dialectical behavior therapy, which teaches practical strategies to manage anxiety and manage emotions. This approach combines elements of psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and has been shown to be effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from chronic anxiety and depression. Equine assisted psychotherapy is another option for treating adult ADHD. This involves interaction with horses to learn how to regulate body energy, and to detect non-verbal cues humans cannot. Equine assisted psychotherapy is employed by a few people to deal with problems in their romantic relationships. However, this approach can also be beneficial for people who struggle with issues related to work or low self-esteem. The significant placebo effect observed for adults suffering from ADHD means that further studies are needed. Additionally, there is no evidence that cutting out foods or taking supplements helps treat ADHD in adults. These strategies should not be utilized by people suffering from ADHD without medical guidance. Hormone Replacement The combination of physical and cognitive changes in the brain of older people can cause ADHD symptoms. A lot of people are able to manage their ADHD symptoms with behavioral therapy, and medication is also a part of the treatment for older people who suffer from ADHD. It is essential that health professionals are aware of the particular requirements of this group and are aware of the ways in which the disorder affects people as they age. It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to develop mental health comorbidities and they can exacerbate the condition. Many older adults with ADHD have a history of depression or anxiety, or bipolar disorder (Michielsen et al. Citation2013). Some studies show that people who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of problems with substance abuse. This could be because of a combination of factors, including the fact that someone with depression might be more likely to use substances to help self-medicate. Symptoms of ADHD can be similar to those of mild cognitive impairment which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the disorder in older adults. Doctors often make the mistake of thinking that a senior is suffering from MCI when they observe memory lapses and impulsive behavior (Henry & Hill Jones Citation2012). Research on ADHD in older adults has been limited and this is largely because of the difficulties in collecting data from a tiny population. Additionally, a lot of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed and treated in adulthood, but have not received follow-up care to determine how their condition affects them as they age. Medications for ADHD can be beneficial to older adults, but they should be carefully prescribed. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine can raise heart rates and blood pressure and can be more pronounced in older people. It is recommended to begin elderly patients on non-stimulant medication and gradually increase their dosage when required. It is also essential for seniors to consider various treatments and to consult a specialist should they need to.