What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD benefit from a mix of treatments. These treatments are usually multimodal, which includes medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications.
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing side-effects can be a difficult process.
Atomoxetine, an unstimulant FDA approved, does not have the danger of abuse associated with stimulants. It can be taken by mouth.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated first by medication. Research has proven that certain medications help with symptoms and help adults function better at school, work, or at home. The use of medication alone isn't enough to solve all ADHD problems and can have adverse consequences. The most effective medication is when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and therapy.
Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can teach people with ADHD new strategies to manage their behavior. It can assist families and adults learn how to cope with living with someone with ADHD. Therapy for families and marriage helps people deal with the issues that inattention, impulsive behavior causes in relationships and families.
Stimulant drugs, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD. They are believed to regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. People who have medical problems or those who have a history of drug or alcohol use should talk about these issues with their physician prior to taking any stimulants. Stimulants can interact with some common health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other supplements or medications you are taking.
Adult ADHD is sometimes treated with nonstimulant drugs. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine-reuptake that doesn't have the same potential for abuse as stimulants. It has a slower onset than stimulants, and may cause adverse effects like stomach upset and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of people with ADHD are able to use it effectively. It is not recommended for people with depression, bipolar disorder or Tourette's disorder.
Other medications, including mood stabilizers and antidepressants, can also be helpful for some people with ADHD. These drugs are also used to treat anxiety and depression. However, they may improve the attention and control of some adults suffering from ADHD.
Sleeping enough and adhering to the same routine can improve ADHD symptoms. It's also important to avoid caffeine and sugary foods which can make them worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD are not treated for their condition. It's possible that they don't know they have it, or their doctors don't recognize it. They struggle with everyday tasks such as getting up, getting to work on time, and being accountable in their relationships and at their jobs.
ADHD is treatable to help people succeed at school, work and in their family life. Treatments include medication, counseling and lifestyle changes. Combining these strategies is usually the best option.
The most commonly used medication for adult adhd is stimulants. They improve and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which are believed to cause the symptoms of ADHD. Other medications, such as the non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are not as potent as stimulants, but can be more effective in treating ADHD for people who are unable to use stimulants due to medical conditions or drug-related side-effects.
Individual therapy can teach people suffering from ADHD how to manage their emotions and enhance their relationship skills. It can also teach people how to organize, plan and focus. Couples and family therapy, along with individual counseling can be helpful. Marital and family counseling can help partners and families understand the unique difficulties of living with a person who has ADHD and develop coping skills that improve communication and problem-solving.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a different method of treating ADHD. This helps people identify and modify negative thinking patterns. adhd treatment for adults can also teach practical strategies for managing the stresses of life, including budgeting and managing money as well as organizational skills, diet changes and exercise. Other methods may include mindfulness meditation to help promote mental calmness and yoga techniques to improve balance and self-awareness, or relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
It can be beneficial to include therapy into the medication regimen, particularly for adults. However, not all people with ADHD can benefit from a single therapy session, and a health care professional should assess each patient to see what treatments are most efficient. In some instances, it's essential to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD such as mental health or mood disorder issues and physical ailments or injuries, addiction to drugs, or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Getting help for ADHD can be overwhelming. It is crucial to have a multimodal treatment program that includes medication, training for skills and counseling.
Therapy can aid in managing 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 identify the negative thoughts and emotions. This will help you improve your ability control your behavior.
A therapist can also teach you practical strategies to manage challenges such as time management, organization, and impulse control. They can assist you in overcoming emotional problems that are typically associated with ADHD, such depression or anxiety. Finding a therapist who can understand the way ADHD affects your life can help you and your family members realize that your problems aren't necessarily caused by "laziness" or lack of effort.
Look for a therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your physician if he or she specializes in psychotherapy for adult ADHD. You can also look up the directory of the American Psychological Association. Psychotherapy can be expensive, so make sure your health insurance covers it.
It's helpful to find a therapist who has experience in a variety of therapy. For instance natural lifemanship employs horses to teach people how to manage their energy and detect nonverbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation, which can help people manage anxiety and improve attention control.
You may also be interested in participating in a clinical trial which is research study. These studies may provide access to new treatments as well as help researchers learn more about how to prevent or treat ADHD. Consult your physician to determine if you are a good candidate for a clinical study.
It's also important to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as sleep apnea and depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It is also important to mention any substance abuse issues in the past or present because it could affect your ability to concentrate and focus.
Education
A good treatment plan for adult ADHD includes therapy and medication which includes life skills training and counseling. Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies as children, however it could take longer for them to work because their bodies and minds have matured. It may also be necessary to treat psychiatric disorders that mimic ADHD symptoms.
For most people with ADHD, stimulants are the drugs of choice. These drugs improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. They can cause side effects such as fatigue or sleep problems which need to be addressed. They can also interact with certain foods and medications. Start with a lower dose, and increase it over 7 days until you are able to manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing too many adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you skills to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. CBT can, for instance, can help you to change your negative thinking patterns that lead to negative behavior, such as procrastination. CBT can also help you understand how to break down big tasks into smaller ones and establish a more organized routine. Marital and family counseling can assist you and your loved ones understand and help each other.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. Consume a balanced diet which includes fish, vitamins such as zinc, iron and magnesium, as well as complex carbohydrates. Eating three meals daily is important. Avoid taking a break from meals and eating sweet snacks. A balanced diet will give you constant energy throughout the day, and increase your mood and ability to concentrate.
Some people suffering from ADHD are unable to get enough sleep. A bad night's sleep can worsen symptoms the next day. Establish a regular time for bed, and rise at the same time each day. Avoid drinking caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed.
Participating in a clinical study could help you find better treatment for ADHD. Talk to your doctor about clinical trials and if you are eligible for.