Sophie Duriez, M.D.  

Very often adults patients with ADHD may present depressive symptoms such as:

. lack of energy
. inability to concentrate
. lack of focus and attention
. easily  distracted
. tendency to procrastinate
. low self-esteem
. irritability
. poor time mangement
. anxiety

However, most of the time the following symptoms:

. sadness,
. lack of hope for the future
. lack of motivation
. helplessness
. insomnia
. decrease appetite and/or weight changes

are missing in an adult patient with ADHD.

Adult patients with ADHD should not be confused with Depressed patients. 

Unfortunately very often, they are. Then, Adult ADHD patients are wrongly prescribed antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Cymbalta, etc...) and they don't respond to antidepressants. They don't respond because they are not depressed.

When correctly diagnosed as ADHD adult patients, patients respond very well to low dose stimulant medications.

The stimulant medication should be prescribed together with a psychotherapeutic treatment plan. Remember: Pills never teach skills!

I found that the Solution Focused Brief Therapy which means:
. Goal-Oriented
. Client-Centered Therapy
. Conducted in a few number of sessions (8 to10) works very well with Adults ADHD patients.

The Solution Focused Brief Psychotherapy combined with the right medication help the ADHD Adult patients not only to dramatically improve their quality of life but also to enjoy success in their life.

The stimulant medication is used as a "crutch" or "jump-start" for a better life. Once the ADHD adult patients have reached their goals and feel stable, they want and usually find it easy to decrease and finally stop their medications.