Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a childhood developmental problem that is characterized by inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. However, although the symptoms are known to continue into adulthood for about 60 percent of those affected, few adults get diagnosed with the condition or get adequate Attention Deficit Disorder treatment. Adults with ADD typically have difficulty following directions, concentrating, remembering information or completing tasks on time. These could easily translate to behavioral, social, emotional, academic or vocational problems. However, with the right treatment, you can better manage your condition and still get to enjoy your life fully.
Stimulants
If you have been diagnosed with ADD as an adult, your doctor has probably prescribed medication and cognitive behavioral therapy for your treatment. The same medications used to treat childhood ADD are also effective for adults. These are usually stimulants and include Adderall, Focalin, Concerta, Vyvanse and Ritalin. These medications are usually manageable, effective and begin to work right away. The associated side effects are generally slight and temporary. However, there is also concern that the risk of cardiovascular problems associated with stimulants is greater for adults than children. In addition, because of the psychoactive effect of stimulants such as euphoria, there is also the possibility of dependence and abuse.
Non-stimulant medication
The Food and Drug Administration approved the first non-stimulant medication for ADD, Atomoxetine (commonly known as Strattera) in 2002. Although experts claim that it is not as effective as stimulants at managing the condition, it has been observed to be safe for long-term use and resistant to abuse. Antidepressants are also a useful category of drugs for adults with ADD. They could be taken alongside or in place of stimulants. Those that target dopamine and norepinephrine (brain chemicals) are the most effective.
Therapy
Medication is definitely important for controlling the most urgent symptoms of ADD. However, since there is no actual cure for the condition, it is just as important to effectively manage it over the long term by minimizing its secondary effects, which include low self esteem, poor organization and troubled relationships. This involves therapy that is focused on teaching you the behaviors and techniques that will help you cope with the condition.
Talk therapy
The most popular form of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is quite effective for adults as part of their Attention Deficit Disorder treatment. Patients who undergo therapy generally report greater improvement that those who don’t. Although talk therapy is often claimed to be more effective in children, there are studies that indicate that such an approach could be highly effective in adults as well, especially since they are more likely to be aware of their thinking patterns and in a better position to change them.
Support Groups
Mutual self-help support groups have been proven to be beneficial for adults with ADD as well as parents whose children have ADD. A sense of regular connection allows you to share your concerns and fears in a compassionate environment. In addition to emotional support, you could also benefit from the experts invited to answer specific concerns as well and referrals to reliable specialists.
Alternative treatments
There is little research indicating that alternative treatments are effective in reducing the symptoms associated with ADD. For instance, since yoga and meditation usually involve calming activities, they are generally believed to help reduce ADD symptoms, even though there is no conclusive evidence to support this. Special diets that eliminate foods thought to increase hyperactivity are also recommended for those with the condition, but there is not consistent link between such diets and lower ADD symptoms. Similarly, certain vitamins, herbs and essential fatty acids are believed to help manage the condition, but further research is needed for conclusive evidence.
Neurofeedback
One of the most innovative forms of alternative treatment is neurofeedback, which has become increasingly prominent in recent years. This form of treatment is designed to condition your behavior and involves engaging in video games that respond to your brain waves. A special helmet that gauges your brain’s electrical activity and sends this information to a game controller is worn. Ideally, you are meant to relax and stay focused in order to play the game successfully; this is meant to help you apply the same techniques outside the gaming environment as well. Although there are studies indicating it could help improve behavioral symptoms, experts generally do not recommend it as a standalone Attention Deficit Disorder treatment.