What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a combination of treatments. These treatments are typically multimodal, which includes therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
The most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing the side effects isn't an easy task.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant approved by FDA that doesn't have the potential to abuse that stimulants do. It can be taken orally.
Medication
In general, medications are the first treatment option for adults with ADHD. Certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and help adults perform better at work, school or at home. Medication alone may not solve all ADHD problems and can have adverse consequences. The most effective treatment is when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and therapy.
Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can teach people who suffer from ADHD new skills to manage their behavior. It can help adults and their families learn to manage having a child with ADHD. Marriage and family therapy helps people cope with the challenges that inattention, impulsive behavior causes in relationships and families.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are thought to balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. People who have medical issues or an history of drug or alcohol use should talk about these issues with their health care provider prior to taking any stimulants. The effects of stimulants can be a factor in common health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking.
Adult ADHD is often treated with nonstimulant medication. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that lacks the abuse potential of stimulants. It is slower acting than stimulants, and it may cause adverse effects like stomach upset and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of people with ADHD find it effective. It is not recommended for those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or Tourette's syndrome.
Other medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, are also beneficial for certain people suffering from ADHD. These drugs are also used to treat anxiety and depression. However, they are able to improve the attention and impulse control of some adults with ADHD.
Being able to sleep enough and maintaining an organized routine can help reduce ADHD symptoms. It's also important to avoid sweet and caffeine-rich foods, which can make them worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD are not treated for their disorder. It's possible that they don't know they suffer from it or that their doctors don't know about it. They struggle with daily tasks like getting up, going to work on time and being accountable in relationships and at work.
Effective treatment for ADHD can aid those who suffer from the condition to excel in work, school and in family life. Treatments include counseling, medication and lifestyle modifications. Combining these methods is usually best.
Stimulants are the most common medication used to treat adult adhd. They improve and balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which are believed to trigger the symptoms of ADHD. Other medications, like the nonstimulant atomoxetine, and some antidepressants, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These drugs are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be more efficient in treating ADHD in those who are unable to use stimulants due to medical conditions or drug side-effects.
Individual talk therapy can help those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve relationship skills. It can also teach people to plan, organize and concentrate. Couples and family therapy along with individual counseling, can be beneficial. Family and marriage counseling can help families and partners to recognize the difficulties of living with someone who has ADHD. They can also develop coping strategies that improve communication.
Other types of treatment for ADHD may include cognitive behavior therapy, which assists people recognize and alter negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach practical methods to manage stress in life, like budgeting and money management as well as organizational skills, diet changes and exercises. Other therapies may use meditation to promote mental calmness and yoga techniques to cultivate self-awareness, balance, and physical balance.
Adding therapy to the medication regimen can be highly beneficial, especially for adults. adhd in adults symptoms and treatment with ADHD can benefit from talk therapy. A health care provider must assess each patient to determine the best treatment option. In certain instances it is crucial to rule out other conditions that can have similar symptoms to ADHD such as mood disorders or other mental health issues in addition to physical injury or illness or substance abuse, or nutritional deficiency.
Counseling
Helping someone suffering from ADHD is a difficult task. It is essential to have an effective treatment plan that includes medication, skill training, and counseling.
Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and help you learn how to deal with the negative consequences of ADHD in your daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance, can help you recognize negative emotions and patterns of thinking. This will help you to improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A Therapist can also teach you practical strategies to manage issues such as time management, organization, and control of your impulses. They can assist you in overcoming emotional issues that are commonly associated with ADHD, such depression or anxiety. Finding a therapist who can understand the way ADHD affects your life can help you and your loved ones realize that your issues aren't because of "laziness" or a lack of effort.
When selecting a therapist, look for someone who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. You might consider asking your doctor whether they specialize in psychotherapy for people with ADHD or look up the American Psychological Association's directory. Psychotherapy is expensive, so make sure your health insurance will cover it.
It is also beneficial to find a therapist who is familiar with various forms of therapy, including natural lifemanship, which uses horses as partners to teach individuals to regulate their body energy and to recognize non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness mediation which helps to reduce stress and improve attention regulation.
You might be interested in joining an clinical trial that is research study. These studies could provide access to new treatments and researchers can gain knowledge about how ADHD is treated or prevented. Consult your physician to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a clinical trial.
It is also important to be sure to rule out any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation), depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It's also worth mentioning any past or current alcohol or drug abuse, since this can interfere with your ability to focus and pay attention.
Education
A great treatment plan for adults with ADHD involves therapy and medication which includes life skills training and counseling. The same strategies that work for children will often be effective for adults, however they may take longer to be effective because their bodies and brains have grown. Additionally, psychiatric issues that mimic ADHD symptoms might require treatment as well.
For the majority of people with ADHD stimulants are the drugs of choice. They improve attention and reduce the impulsiveness. However, they can cause adverse effects, like insomnia and fatigue which require attention. They can also interact with certain medications and foods. They are most effective when they are started at a low dosage and gradually increased over a period of 7 days until you reach a dosage that manages your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse side effects.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn skills to help you deal with your ADHD symptoms. For instance, CBT can encourage you to alter your thoughts that lead to negative behaviors, such as procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break large tasks into smaller ones and develop a more organized routine. Family and marriage counseling can help you and your loved one to get to know each other better and help them.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms and also improve your overall health. A balanced diet that includes fish, vitamins such as zinc, iron and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. Consuming three meals a day is crucial. Avoid taking a break from meals and eating sugary snacks. A well-balanced diet will give you constant energy throughout the day, and increase your mood and ability to focus.
Some people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A bad night of sleep can worsen symptoms the next day. You can improve your sleep quality by establishing a regular bedtime and getting up at the same time each day even on weekends. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before the bed.
You might be able to discover more effective treatments for your ADHD through clinical trials. Talk to your doctor about clinical trials and if you qualify for.