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This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: Content disclaimerContent on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. DiagnosisSigns and symptoms of ADHD in adults can be hard to spot. However, core symptoms start early in life — before age 12 — and continue into adulthood, creating major problems. No single test can confirm the diagnosis. Making the diagnosis will likely include:
Other conditions that resemble ADHDSome medical conditions or treatments may cause signs and symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Examples include:
TreatmentStandard treatments for ADHD in adults typically involve medication, education, skills training and psychological counseling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment. These treatments can help manage many symptoms of ADHD, but they don't cure it. It may take some time to determine what works best for you. MedicationsTalk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of any medications.
The right medication and the right dose vary among individuals, so it may take time to find out what's right for you. Tell your doctor about any side effects. Psychological counselingCounseling for adult ADHD generally includes psychological counseling (psychotherapy), education about the disorder and learning skills to help you be successful. Psychotherapy may help you:
Common types of psychotherapy for ADHD include:
Working on relationshipsIf you're like many adults with ADHD, you may be unpredictable and forget appointments, miss deadlines, and make impulsive or irrational decisions. These behaviors can strain the patience of the most forgiving co-worker, friend or partner. Therapy that focuses on these issues and ways to better monitor your behavior can be very helpful. So can classes to improve communication and develop conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. Couples therapy and classes in which family members learn more about ADHD may significantly improve your relationships. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is
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unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Lifestyle and home remediesBecause ADHD is a complex disorder and each person is unique, it's hard to make recommendations for all adults who have ADHD. But some of these suggestions may help:
Alternative medicineThere's little research to indicate that alternative medicine treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms. However, studies indicate that mindfulness meditation may help improve mood and attention in adults who have ADHD, as well as those who don't have ADHD. Before using alternative interventions for ADHD, talk with your doctor about risks and possible benefits. Coping and supportWhile treatment can make a big difference with ADHD, taking other steps can help you understand ADHD and learn to manage it. Some resources that may help you are listed below. Ask your health care team for more advice on resources.
Preparing for your appointmentYou're likely to start by first talking to your primary care provider. Depending on the results of the initial evaluation, he or she may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional. What you can doTo prepare for your appointment, make a list of:
Bring any past evaluations and results of formal testing with you, if you have them. Basic questions to ask your doctor include:
Don't hesitate to ask questions anytime you don't understand something. What to expect from your doctorBe ready to answer questions your doctor may ask, such as:
Your doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor. What medication is most commonly used for ADHD?Stimulants are the best and most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. There are only two stimulant medications, methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta and other formulations) and amphetamine (the active ingredient in Adderall, Vyvanse and other formulations).
What are the two most common treatments for ADHD?Standard treatments for ADHD in children include medications, behavior therapy, counseling and education services. These treatments can relieve many of the symptoms of ADHD , but they don't cure it. It may take some time to determine what works best for your child.
Which medication is considered an effective treatment for ADHD?Stimulant medications are considered to be first-line treatments and include methylphenidate compounds (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Focalin) and amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse).
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