Poor Concentration, Lack of Focus, Reduced Productivity.
These can be extremely frustrating and detrimental to self esteem, lead to difficulties at work or school, and in severe cases, even lead to inability to properly complete regular daily tasks, including self care!
All may be related to ADD or ADHD: Attention Deficit (with or without Hyperactivity) Disorder. With improved assessment diagnosis there is so much that can be done to help!
What is ADHD in Adults?
Adult ADHD is classified as a “neurodevelopmental disorder with childhood onset and a chronic course”. Diagnosis requires 5 of 9 symptoms, including:
Difficulty paying close attention to details
Trouble holding attention on tasks
Not seeming to listen when spoken to directly
Failing to follow through on instructions
Trouble organizing tasks and activities
Avoiding tasks requiring sustained mental effort
Losing things necessary for tasks
Adult-specific manifestations include
Procrastination
Difficulty making decisions
Poor time management
Difficulty organizing activities.
Some ways that ADD and ADHD are assessed include:
Self-report screening scales (though these alone are not sufficient for diagnosis)
An inventory of executive function and emotional regulation (performed by a neurologist)
Considerations we need to keep in mind:
ADHD should be considered in cases of treatment-resistant depression
Over 60% of adults with ADHD present with one or more related co-morbidities (medical conditions)
Unfortunately, there are not as clear guidelines for assessment and treatment for adults
Conventional Treatment Options
The gold standard in conventional medicine is a combination of psychotherapy and medication (stimulants).
Psychotherapy includes
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Includes four modules (mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation) and has been shown to decrease symptoms, improve neuropsychological functioning, and reduce co-existing anxiety and depression
Complementary & Alternative Medicine Options:
Research has indicated that ADD & ADHD may be related to
Alterations in blood sugar
Nutrient deficiencies (particularly iron and Vitamin D!)
Hormone balance (Estrogen, Testosterone, Thyroid)
Nutrition (sugar intake, protein deficiency, highly processed foods, preservatives and food additives)
Gut health (SIBO, dysbiosis, candida, malabsorption, celiac/gluten sensitivity)
etc.
Investigating an individuals’ overall health, possibly looking at blood work, etc and resolving any deficiencies can provide significant support and reduction in symptoms. Some treatment options may include:
IV therapy (nutrients, Iron)
Acupuncture
Nutritional counseling & guidance
Supplementation (neurotransmitter support, vascular support, probiotics, vitamin/minerals, Omega 3, Iron, etd)
Hormone support
Testing and treatment of food sensitivities, dysbiosis, SIBO
Patients with ADHD are often seeking support for overall quality of life, not just ADHD symptom management specifically
Risks of Not Treating Adult ADHD
If you are worried about yourself or someone else, be aware that lack of diagnosis and treatment can have risks, including Suicidal behaviors, Substance misuse, Transport accidents and even Criminality. Please reach out - there is so much support for you and Naturopathic Care can be an excellent place to start, especially if medication use isn’t something you are open to!