Adult ADHD: Getting the right treatment for you

Life with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) can be very difficult. ADHD symptoms can seep into every aspect of your life - undermining your performance at work, your relationships, and your self-esteem.

The good news is that adults with ADHD have a lot of effective treatments options, including ADHD medicines. But if you’ve just been diagnosed, you probably have a lot of questions about treatment. Which approach will work best? What are the risks?  Here are the answers that every adult with ADHD should know.

Understanding adult ADHD

According to the NHS, while ADHD is often thought of as a childhood condition, it can continue to exist as the child becomes an adult. Because the research on adult ADHD is relatively recent and not abundant, many adults live with the condition undiagnosed, and are unaware that their behaviour and symptoms could actually be part of a diagnosable condition. Sometimes the symptoms are more difficult to discern in an adult.  

What are some adult ADHD symptoms?

• Poor attention
• Restlessness
• Impulsiveness
• Being disorganised
• Tendency to lose things
• Procrastination
• Trouble finishing tasks
• Forgetfulness

ADHD can have severe consequences. Without treatment, adults with ADHD are more likely to:

• Be unemployed or underemployed
• Earn a lower salary
• Abuse substances
• Get in serious car accidents
• Get divorced or separated

While there is no cure for ADHD, treatments can keep it under control.

ADHD treatment: Medication

Medication is the standard adult ADHD treatment. Here are answers to some important questions about ADHD drugs:

• What medicines are available? According to the NHS, there are currently no drugs licensed specifically for the treatment of newly diagnosed adult ADHD. Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children can be prescribed atomoxetine. You will need to discuss which drugs might work for you with your doctor if you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.
• It’s possible you may need other medicines. Many adults with ADHD have overlapping psychological issues, like anxiety disorders or depression. These conditions may need treatment with drugs, too.

ADHD treatment: Therapy

As effective as medicines can be, they’re not always enough. Other treatment, such as therapy, can be vital for treating ADHD in adults:

• What will I get out of therapy? Treatments for adult ADHD tend to focus on improving how you function at work and at home. Often, you’ll learn practical skills to change your ADHD behaviour. Your therapist will help you learn how to manage your time and organise your life better. He or she may also help you cope with the psychological impact of life with ADHD.
• What kind of therapist should I see? Therapists can include psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists and social workers. Many will use a technique called cognitive behavioural therapy, which studies have shown to be effective in treating ADHD. ADHD social skills training is another approach.
• Can I get therapy without medication? Talk to your doctor. Usually therapy is used in combination with medication, not in place of it.