It is important to work with an experienced, qualified healthcare provider who specializes in adult ADHD. A qualified healthcare provider will understand how ADHD affects adults and develop a plan of treatment that will improve the symptoms. Ongoing treatment is necessary to check on progress and make any modifications necessary.
If adult ADHD is left untreated, it is not unusual to have significant problems in both your personal and professional lives. If you have not been formally diagnosed with adult ADHD but you suspect you have it, contact Focus ADHD to schedule an evaluation of your condition.
The exact evaluation process and diagnosis of ADHD may vary depending on your needs. At Focus ADHD, an initial online evaluation is conducted. The initial online evaluation takes place using secure video conferencing. The evaluation takes approximately 90 minutes from start to finish.
In order to evaluate and diagnose ADHD, your Focus ADHD provider may use:
At the conclusion of your evaluation, the provider will discuss your results and explain potential treatment options. Treatments if you are diagnosed with ADHD may include:
At Focus ADHD, the initial evaluation is conducted entirely online via video. Medication start-up may require an in-person visit.
To be diagnosed with adult ADHD, an individual must have symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with daily life. These symptoms normally have been present since childhood and continue to cause issues in adulthood.
Every individual is different. Some who have symptoms of ADHD are more adept at compensating for them. This means the behavior of some adults with ADHD is not hyperactive or impulsive in the way adult ADHD is normally viewed.
These individuals may have other difficulties, such as struggling with time management, emotional regulation, or executive functioning. For this reason, providers at Focus ADHD use a holistic approach to diagnosis. A variety of factors are considered, including family history, developmental milestones, and psychiatric symptoms.
If you feel you have ADHD, don’t hesitate to arrange for an evaluation. If diagnosed with adult ADHD, treatment will be tailored to your specific situation. Getting a diagnosis is a positive step on the path to living your best life.
Medication-based treatments are an essential part of treatment strategies for adult ADHD. There are stimulants and non-stimulants. In general, non-stimulants are used when the patient is unable to use stimulants. Examples of medications that are stimulants include Adderall and Ritalin. Non-stimulant medications for ADHD include Strattera and Wellbutrin. There are also other medications that can be effective in managing adult ADHD.
It may take time to find the perfect combination of the type of medication and the dosage most effective for you. Your Focus ADHD provider works with you to find the ideal combination that is effective.
All medications can have side effects. It’s important to report any side effects to your provider. Combining prescribed medication, therapy, and other lifestyle modifications is often the most effective treatment plan for adult ADHD.
Various types of ADHD therapy include cognitive behavioral therapy and support group therapy. Therapy for adults with ADHD can help improve quality of life by reducing anxiety, managing day-to-day symptoms and improving relationships.
Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty managing time, focusing on necessary tasks, being organized, and often struggle with feelings of overwhelm and anxiousness. Therapy helps individuals develop effective coping mechanisms, manage stress, and become more resilient overall.
Different types of counseling sessions may work more effectively for certain individuals with adult ADHD than others. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on developing practical coping strategies and identifying negative behaviors and thought patterns. Group sessions are often helpful for improving social skills, developing peer support, and learning useful tools for navigating daily life.
Family therapy is another type of counseling. It offers an environment to encourage adults with ADHD to communicate more effectively with loved ones, strengthen relationships, and develop an arsenal of useful coping strategies for daily life.
Focus ADHD offers a holistic approach to treating adult ADHD, combining prescription medications and therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy with lifestyle modifications such as mindfulness meditation, nutritional plans, and exercise programs. Our experienced team creates personalized treatment plans to address ADHD’s impact on social, personal, and work life. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and structured routines are integral, ensuring optimal results through ongoing plan adjustments.
Some adults with ADHD have responded well to exercise to reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention. As little as 30 minutes of exercise per day can increase dopamine levels and improve cognitive function.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be improved by eating a nutritious diet. Eliminating foods high in sugar may reduce hyperactivity and inattention.
Another highly effective lifestyle strategy to reduce symptoms of adult ADHD is getting enough sleep. It may not seem that important, but a consistent sleep schedule helps maintain focus. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be reduced by being well-rested. Not every adult with ADHD will respond the same to lifestyle changes but adequate sleep benefits everyone.
Having a structured daily routine helps provide adults with ADHD a sense of stability and control. This makes it easier to manage tasks and responsibilities.
If you suspect you have adult ADHD, don’t ignore your symptoms. Contact experts in treating adults with ADHD like our Focus ADHD team of providers.
If you are an adult struggling with ADHD, you are not lazy or irresponsible. Schedule your initial online evaluation at Focus ADHD so our providers can develop an effective ADHD treatment plan for you.
Online clinic offering comprehensive, personalized treatment for adult professionals in the Indianapolis area