ADHD Treatment For Older Adults
It isn't easy to identify ADHD in adults, but treatment is available. Doctors can prescribe stimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine, or methylphenidate, to boost brain neurotransmitters.
They can also prescribe nonstimulant medications, though these are less efficient. The risks to cardiovascular health of new medications should be considered when prescribing medications to older adults.
Medication
Like children, many people suffering from ADHD are helped by medication. The drugs can reduce symptoms and improve a person's ability to work, attend school, and have healthy relationships. They can also help people to focus to concentrate, stop interrupting, and stop fidgeting or impulsive behavior. Many of the same medications used to treat ADHD in kids are also used for adults, though dosages vary and certain medications have different adverse effects than others. Your doctor will take into consideration your medical history and other health concerns when deciding on the most effective medication for you.
A few studies suggest that older adults may be more prone to hyperactivity because their bodies alter as they age. They may also have trouble in recognizing the symptoms, since they often confuse them with other conditions, such as depression or dementia.
As we get older, it becomes more difficult to manage symptoms, regardless of whether they're physical or cognitive. Non-medication treatments can be important even if the issue isn't fully addressed. Nonmedical therapy helps a person learn to remain organized and establish structure. They can also aid with sleep issues and poor eating habits, which are common among those with ADHD.
A person with ADHD might require more frequent visits to the doctor than others due to their condition. Additionally, they may need more regular tests to check their progress, or to check for any adverse effects. adhd treatment for adults medication should also talk to their GP about the possibility of interaction with drugs since these could be grave.
In some instances, the medications used to treat ADHD can increase your heart risk. This is particularly the case if you have heart disease or suffer from high blood pressure. It is possible to need lower doses of the medication or switch to another medication when this happens.
The most efficient ADHD medicines are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Your doctor is likely to begin you on a low dosage and gradually increase it to see how well it works. They will also discuss with you about lifestyle changes and other treatment options.
Counseling
While research on ADHD in adults is limited, there's enough evidence to show that it can negatively impact the lives of those affected. Counseling is a crucial element in treating older adults with ADHD.
Many seniors suffering from ADHD do not receive the support they require because their symptoms are misinterpreted as signs of aging or other issues. Memory lapses and impulsive behavior can be attributed to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a stage in between normal aging, and dementia.
ADHD symptoms can be mistaken as anxiety or depression in the elderly. The symptoms may be more severe for women going through perimenopausal era when estrogen levels drop and affect brain function.
During this period, women are prone to mood swings and may have difficulty paying attention. As a result, they might have difficulty meeting their personal or financial goals. These adults are also having a tough to navigate the workplace and their family relationships.
It's not too late to seek help for these adults. The first step is to visit an expert doctor who is trained in integrative medicine. This kind of doctor can offer medication and counseling to people suffering from ADHD and a range of other health issues.
Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD. Many older adults are taking multiple medications, which can increase the risk of negative drug interactions and undesirable side effects. Nonstimulant medications could be a better choice for older adults with ADHD.
ADHD is an illness that is prevalent in 4.4% of adults over 44 years old. In fact, it's likely that a lot of these people are already in their senior years and have suffered from the symptoms for their entire lives. They're accustomed to managing their ailments through the scaffolding of daily routines and support systems that are professional However, when these systems fall apart or are removed completely the results could be devastating.
Behavioral Therapy
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can cause disruption to relationships. Even the most understanding family member's patience could be tested by forgetting appointments and making decisions impulsively. These stresses can be alleviated by family therapy, classes that help improve communication, and other behavioral treatments.
Untreated ADHD can also lead to low self-esteem, pessimism, and frequent setbacks in the workplace or in everyday life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people overcome negative emotions and thoughts that prevent them from managing everyday problems. CBT also teaches practical skills for improving behavior and handling stress.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty controlling their moods and behaviors. This leads to negative thoughts such as, "I always make mistakes" or "My life is a mess." CBT is designed to identify bad thoughts and replace them with more constructive thoughts.
Behavioral therapy helps older adults to create structure at home and establish predictable routines. It also increases positive attention. Common strategies include rewarding good behavior and taking away privileges for bad behavior. Using a list, a calendar, and alarms may help improve organizational skills. Behavioral therapies aren't as effective than medication for treating adult ADHD, but they can help reduce symptoms and lead to greater productivity and a happier life.
One type of CBT that works for adults with ADHD is dialectical behavior therapy, which teaches techniques to handle stress and regulate emotions. This method combines elements of psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and has been shown to be effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from chronic depression and anxiety.
Another option to treat adult ADHD is the equine assisted therapy, which involves interacting with horses in order to learn to regulate body energy and detect non-verbal cues that humans can't. Many people utilize horses to help with issues in their relationships, but this technique can also help those struggling with work-related issues and self-esteem issues.
While the results of one study suggest that cognitive behavior therapy may be effective for adults suffering from ADHD however, the substantial placebo effect observed in this age group means that further research is required. There is no evidence to suggest that cutting out food or taking supplements can help treat ADHD in adults. People suffering from ADHD should not try these approaches without medical advice.
Hormone Replacement
In older adults the combination of cognitive and physical changes in the brain can cause ADHD symptoms to change. Behavioral therapy can help people manage their ADHD symptoms. Treatment is also an option for people with ADHD. It is crucial that health professionals are aware of the needs of this group and are well-versed in the ways that ADHD can affect older adults.
It is not unusual for people suffering from ADHD to develop mental health complications, and these can worsen the condition. Many older adults with ADHD report feelings of depression or anxiety, as well as bipolar disorder (Michielsen and others. Citation2013). Certain studies have shown that those who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to develop substance abuse problems. This could be the result from a mix of factors, such as the fact that a person who is depressed may be more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol to help themselves.
Symptoms of ADHD can overlap with those of mild cognitive impairment, which makes it challenging for doctors to diagnose the disorder in older adults. Doctors often make the mistake of thinking that a senior is suffering from MCI when they notice the signs of memory loss and impulsive behavior (Henry & Hill Jones Citation2012).
Research on ADHD in older adults has been scarce and this is largely due to the challenges involved collecting data from such a small group of people. Additionally, a lot of adults suffering from 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 age.
Medications for ADHD can be beneficial for older adults, but they need to be carefully prescribed. The stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine may increase heart rate and blood pressure and can be more pronounced in older adults. It is best to start elderly patients on nonstimulant medication and gradually increase the dose when necessary. It is also essential for older adults to think about various treatments and to consult a specialist should they need to.