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ADD Treatments for Adults

Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD, is a condition commonly thought to affect children. Many people mistakenly assume that kids will outgrow ADD, but the truth is, many adults struggle with the condition as well. Adults with ADD are easily distracted, constantly procrastinate, have trouble making decisions, and find relationships difficult to keep. Adult ADD patients have a variety of treatments to consider to help them control their symptoms.

  1. Causes of ADD

    • Researchers do not yet know what causes ADD, although genetics are believed to play a role. No one can predict which cases will be outgrown and which will follow a patient into adulthood. A study published in 2004 in Psychiatric News indicated a link between brain function and ADD. Brain chemistry also plays a role. The neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are responsible for regulating attention and activity, and in patients with ADD, dopamine levels are typically too low, which is why many medical treatments focus on controlling these neurotransmitters. This was supported in a 2006 study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry entitled "Timing, Space, and ADHD: The Dopamine Theory Revisited."

    Medication

    • Medications to treat ADD do so by regulating dopamine and norepinephrine. Many adults with ADD choose to use medication as part of their treatment. Some respond well to stimulant medications, such as Concerta or Ritalin. Stimulants for adult ADD sometimes carry uncomfortable side effects, including anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and stomach problems. Adults who do not respond well to stimulants or experience uncomfortable side effects may be given antidepressants, such as Wellbutrine or Effexor. Medication should only be used as part of an overall treatment plan and with the help and oversight of a physician.

    Diet

    • Diet is closely tied to neurotransmitter synthesis in the body, so some patients focus on their diets as a means to control their adult ADD symptoms. Turning to a diet that is rich in whole foods, low in sugar, and eliminates artificial colors may help improve ADD symptoms. A diet to control ADD symptoms would lower or eliminate the intake of processed foods, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, dairy foods, fried foods, and yellow foods, even yellow fruits and vegetables. Adults who wish to try this approach can try dieting for two weeks and monitoring their symptoms.

    Exercise

    • Adults looking for ways to control ADD without side effects may want to get more active. Studies, such as those published by Dr. Ratey in a book entitled Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, show that exercise, particularly an exercise program that is rich in coordination tasks, can improve the symptoms of adult ADD, because these exercises retrain the brain so that it can better focus on non-exercise activities. Aerobics also help by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Since exercise elevates the mood, it can help with the irritability that is common for adult ADD patients.

    Behavior Therapy

    • Behavior therapy focuses on treating the anxiety, disorganization, and procrastination that are constant struggles for adult ADD patients. Through behavior therapy, patients learn stress management and relaxation techniques that help them control their anxiety. They will learn organizational tools to use to stay organized at home, and they will learn behavioral techniques to help them make and keep their relationships. Behavior therapy will also focus on helping patients control impulsive behavior.

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