What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD benefit from a mixture of treatments. The treatments typically are multimodal and may include medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
Stimulants are the most common medications for ADHD. Finding the appropriate dosage and balancing side effects can be a trial and error process.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant FDA approved, does not have the danger of abuse associated with stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated first by medication. Research has proven that certain medications improve symptoms and can assist adults to perform better at work, school or at home. But, a medication by itself will not solve all the ADHD-related issues in a person's daily life and may cause adverse effects. Medication is most effective when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy as well as lifestyle changes.
Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach adults with ADHD new techniques to manage their behavior. It can help adults and their families learn how to deal with living with someone with ADHD. Marriage and family therapy can assist people in overcoming the problems that impulsive and inattentive behaviors create in relationships and families.
Stimulant drugs, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed medications for adult ADHD. They are believed to balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. People who have medical issues or those who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should discuss these issues with their doctor before taking any stimulants. Some stimulants can cause common health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure, so it's important to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take.
Adult ADHD is sometimes treated with nonstimulant drugs. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that doesn't have the same risk of abuse as stimulants. It is slower than stimulants and can have side effects, such as stomach upset and difficulty sleeping, but it is effective for most adults suffering from ADHD. adhd in adults symptoms and treatment is not recommended for those suffering from Tourette's Syndrome or bipolar disorder, depression, or both.
Some people with ADHD might benefit from other medications such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These drugs are used to treat other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, however they can improve the ability to focus and control impulses in some adults with ADHD.
A good night's sleep and adhering to an established schedule can help improve ADHD symptoms. It's also important to avoid caffeine and sugary foods that can make symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many people suffering from ADHD don't receive treatment for their condition. They may not realize they have it or their health professionals aren't aware of it. They have trouble managing everyday tasks like getting up, going to work on time and being accountable in their relationships and at work.
Effective treatment for ADHD can aid those who suffer from the condition to excel in school, work and in family life. Treatments include medication, counseling and lifestyle modifications. Combining these methods is usually the best option.
Stimulants are the most common treatment for adults suffering from adhd. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which are believed to be the reason for ADHD symptoms. Other medications, including the non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. These medications work slower than stimulants and can be more effective for those who aren't able to take stimulants due to other medical conditions or drug side negative effects.
Individual therapy can help those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve relationship skills. It can teach strategies to organize and focus, as well as plan. In addition to individual counseling therapy, couples and family therapy can be helpful. Counseling for families and marriage can help partners and families recognize the unique difficulties of living with a person with ADHD and develop coping strategies that help improve communication and problem-solving.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a different kind of treatment for ADHD. This therapy helps people identify and change negative thinking patterns. It can also teach practical strategies for dealing with stress in your life like budgeting and managing money and the art of organization, diet changes and exercise. Other therapies may use mindfulness meditation to promote mental peace, yoga techniques to cultivate balance and self-awareness, or relaxation exercises like deep breathing.
Adding therapy to the medication regimen can be extremely beneficial, especially for adults. Not everyone suffering from ADHD will benefit from talking therapy. A doctor must assess each patient to determine the best treatment option. In certain instances, it is essential to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms similar to ADHD like mental health disorder or mood issues and physical ailments or injuries, substance abuse, or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Finding help for ADHD isn't easy. It is essential to choose a multimodal treatment plan that includes medication, training for skills and counseling.
Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and help you learn how to cope with the negative effects of ADHD in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example can help you identify negative emotions and patterns of thinking. This will improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A therapist can also teach you practical strategies for dealing with issues such as time management, organization, and control of your impulses. They can help you overcome emotional difficulties that are often associated with ADHD, such depression or anxiety. A therapist who is aware of how ADHD affects your life can help you and loved ones see that your problems aren't necessarily because of "laziness" or a lack of effort.
When choosing a therapist look for someone who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. You may be able to ask your physician whether they are specialized in psychotherapy for people with ADHD or check the American Psychological Association's directory. Psychotherapy is expensive, so make sure your health insurance will cover it.
It's beneficial to find a therapist with expertise in various types of therapy. For example the natural lifemanship method uses horses to teach people how to regulate their energy and recognize nonverbal signals. Another option is mindfulness mediation, which helps reduce stress and improve attention regulation.
You may be interested in taking part in a clinical study, which is a type of research study. These studies may provide access to new treatments and aid researchers to learn more about how to prevent or treat ADHD. Ask your doctor if you are a good candidate for a clinical trial.
It is also important to make sure you are free of any other medical conditions which may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) as well as thyroid disorders, depression and lead poisoning. It's also important to mention any past or current alcohol or drug abuse, since this could affect your ability to focus and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adults with ADHD should include therapy, medication, life skills training, and counseling. The same methods that work for children will typically be effective for adults, however they may take longer to begin working due to the fact that their brains and bodies have grown. In addition, psychiatric conditions that resemble ADHD symptoms might require treatment as well.
Most people with ADHD use stimulants as their drug of choice. They increase attention and decrease the impulsiveness. They can also cause negative effects, such as fatigue or sleep issues that need to addressed. They can also interact with some medications and foods. They are most effective when they are started at a low dosage and gradually increased over the course of 7 days until you reach a dose that manages your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you strategies to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. CBT, for example, can help you to change your thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors such as procrastination. CBT can also assist you in learning to break large tasks into smaller ones and develop a more structured routine. Family and marriage counseling can aid you and your loved ones understand and support one another.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms as well as overall health. Try eating an energizing diet that contains fish, the nutrients zinc iron, magnesium and iron, and complex carbohydrates. Eating three meals daily is essential. Avoid skipping meals and eating sweet snacks. A balanced diet will give you energy all day long and improve your mood.
Some people with ADHD have difficulty getting enough sleep. A poor night's sleep can worsen symptoms the next day. You can improve your sleep quality by setting a regular time for bed and getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to bed.
Participating in a clinical study could help you find better treatment for ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about clinical trials and whether you are eligible for.