What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a mixture of treatments. These treatments are usually multimodal, including medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. Finding the appropriate dosage and balancing the side effects can be a trial and error procedure.
Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant FDA approved, does not have the danger of abuse that is that is associated with stimulants. It can be taken via mouth.
Medication
Medications are generally the first option for adults with ADHD. Certain medications can improve symptoms and help adults perform better at school, at work or at home. However, medication alone may not reduce all ADHD-related problems in a person's daily life and can cause some side negative effects. It is most effective if it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy as well as lifestyle modifications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults with ADHD develop new strategies to manage behavior. It can also assist parents and children deal with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. Marriage and family therapy helps people deal with the issues that inattention and impulsive behavior creates in relationships and families.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant drugs like amphetamines or methylphenidate. They appear to balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from medical conditions or with a history of drug or alcohol use should consult their doctor. The effects of stimulants can be a problem for people with health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication.
Nonstimulant drugs are often used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that is not able to abuse the effects of stimulants. It works slower than stimulants, and can cause adverse effects, including stomach upset and insomnia however it is highly effective in most adults with ADHD. It is not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or Tourette's syndrome.
Some people with ADHD can also benefit from other medication that can help, such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. These drugs are used to treat other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, however they can improve attention and impulse control in some adults with ADHD.
Getting adequate sleep and following an established schedule can help increase the severity of ADHD symptoms. It's also important to avoid sweet and caffeine-rich foods that can make symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD don't receive treatment for their condition. It's possible that they don't realize they suffer from it or that their doctors don't recognize it. They have trouble managing daily tasks like getting up, getting to work on time, and being responsible in relationships and at their jobs.
ADHD is treatable to help people succeed at school, work and in their personal life. Treatments may include psychotherapy, medication (counseling) and lifestyle modifications. A combination of these approaches is typically the best.
The most common medication used to treat adult adhd is stimulants. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters, which are believed to be the reason for ADHD symptoms. Other medications, like the nonstimulant atomoxetine, and some antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are not as potent as stimulants, however they are more effective in treating ADHD for people who cannot take stimulants due to medical conditions or drug side-effects.
Individual talk therapy can teach people suffering from ADHD how to manage their emotions and improve their relationship skills. It can also teach people how to organize, plan and concentrate. Couples and family therapy along with individual counseling can be helpful. Family and marital counseling can assist families and partners recognize the unique difficulties of living with someone who has ADHD and develop coping strategies that improve communication and problem-solving.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another kind of treatment for ADHD. This helps people identify and modify negative thinking patterns. It also teaches practical strategies for dealing with stress in your life like budgeting and money management as well as the art of organization, diet changes and exercise. Other treatments may employ mindfulness meditation to increase mental peace, yoga techniques to cultivate physical balance and self-awareness or relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
Adding therapy to the medication regimen can be extremely beneficial, especially for adults. However, not all people suffers from ADHD can benefit from talk therapy alone and a healthcare doctor should evaluate each patient to see what treatments are most effective. In some instances, it is important to exclude other conditions that may cause similar symptoms of ADHD such as mood disorders or other mental health issues in addition to physical injuries or illness, substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone suffering from ADHD is a difficult task. It is important to choose a multimodal treatment program that includes medication, skill training and counseling.
In addition to helping you manage your symptoms therapy can also teach you ways to deal with the negative effects of ADHD on your life. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid you in recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns and emotions. This can aid you in improving your ability to manage your behavior.
A therapist can teach you how to manage issues such as time management, organizing, and impulse control. They can help you overcome emotional difficulties that are often associated with ADHD such as anxiety or depression. A counselor who is experienced with the effects of ADHD on your life can assist you and your loved ones as well as realize that your issues may not be due to "laziness" or a lack of effort.
When selecting a therapist, seek out a therapist who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your doctor if he/she is a specialist in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. You may also consult the directory of the American Psychological Association. As psychotherapy can be costly and time-consuming, ensure that your health insurance covers the cost.
It's beneficial to find a therapist who has expertise in various types of therapy. For example the natural lifemanship method uses horses to help people learn to regulate their energy and pick up nonverbal signals. Another alternative is mindfulness meditation, which can help reduce anxiety and improve attention control.
You might be interested in joining a clinical trial which is an investigational study. These studies can offer access to new treatments and researchers can learn more about how ADHD can be treated or prevented. Consult your physician to determine if you are a good candidate for a clinical study.
It's also crucial to rule out any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep apnea and depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It's also worth mentioning any current or past alcohol or drug abuse, since this can interfere with your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adult ADHD should include therapy, medication, life skills training, and counseling. The same treatments that work for children will generally be effective for adults, however they may take longer to begin working because their bodies and brains have gotten older. It is also possible to treat psychiatric disorders which mimic ADHD symptoms.
For the majority of people with ADHD stimulants are the medication of choice. They improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. They can have side effects such as fatigue or sleep problems that require attention. Additionally, they may interact with certain medications and foods. Start with a low dose, and increase it over a period of 7 days until you can manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing too many adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you develop skills to help you deal with your ADHD symptoms. For instance, CBT can encourage you to alter your thoughts that cause negative behaviors, such as procrastination. CBT can also assist you in learning to break down large tasks into smaller ones and develop a more structured routine. Marriage and family counseling helps you and your loved ones to understand each other and support them.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms and your overall health. Eat a balanced diet, which includes fish, nutrients like iron, zinc and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. Consuming three meals a day is important. Avoid taking Full File from meals and eating sweet snacks. A healthy diet will boost your energy throughout the day and boost your mood.
Some people suffering from ADHD struggle to sleep enough. A sleepless night can cause more symptoms the following day. You can improve your sleep by establishing a regular bedtime and getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before going to bed.
You might be able discover more effective treatments for your ADHD through clinical trials. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials and if you are eligible for.