By skyforbes 
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About ADHD
Do You Only Prescribe Adderall for ADHD, or Are There Other Medication Options for Treatment Available?
Once you confirm a diagnosis of ADHD, you can use medicine or one of the psychosocial treatments, which is typically cognitive behavioral therapy. “Most commonly for adults, medication plays a role, but cognitive behavioral therapy is quite helpful,” says Adler.
The brand name drug Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is only one of the many medications for ADHD, and it should not be the only one used for adults, he notes. Currently for adults, there is one approved nonstimulant, atomoxetine (Strattera), and five approved sustained-release stimulants — two of which are Ritalin-based (methylphenidate) and three that are amphetamine-based (including Adderall). “Treatment plans are made in partnership with your doctor to find the right medications that are the best fit for you,” explains Adler.
Healthy lifestyle modifications can also be beneficial. Adler says that people with ADHD can benefit from a balanced, healthy diet; adequate hydration; getting enough sleep; and moderating caffeine if you’re on medication. Some mindfulness therapies can be quite helpful in terms of relaxation techniques, he adds.
How Can I Best Keep Track of My Progress With ADHD?
You can track your ADHD symptoms by scaling the 18-item self-report checklist that is an extension of the ADHD screener. “You can do this before treatment and repeat during your treatment to see where you’re at,” says Adler. If treatment is effective, you would want to see at least a 30 percent improvement in your overall symptoms, he notes.
Can ADHD Get Worse as I Age?
ADHD doesn’t occur in a vacuum, explains Adler, and symptoms will change and fluctuate over time. “For women, menopause can sometimes worsen ADHD,” he says. “Sometimes life changes, such as moving from a more structured to a less structured job, or being promoted and needing to manage others, will have an effect on ADHD symptoms. Or having a child diagnosed with ADHD and recognizing your own symptoms.”
For older adults with ADHD, the symptoms and presentation are slightly different, but there’s not a huge amount of literature on the topic, Adler notes. “With retirement, there is less structure, and symptoms may come forward. There is a small amount of literature showing that hyperactive-impulsive behavior may come forward again as people age. But you have to make sure it’s ADHD and not another cognitive disorder.”
If you’re not sure whether you have ADHD or another condition, talk to your doctor. “I think if individuals are worried that they have ADHD, they should make an appointment with their doctor and get evaluated,” says Adler.
Additional reporting by Jennifer D’Angelo Friedman.