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 typically multimodal, including therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing side-effects can be a difficult process.
Atomoxetine is an unstimulant FDA approved, does not have the abuse potential that can be associated with stimulants. It can be taken via mouth.
Medication
Medications are generally the first treatment option for adults with ADHD. Research has proven that certain medications improve symptoms and aid adults in their performance at school, work, or at home. However, a single medication may not solve all the ADHD-related issues in a person's life and may cause adverse negative effects. The most effective treatment is when it is part of a complete treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and therapy.
Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD new strategies to manage their behavior. It can help adults and their families learn to manage having a child with ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people cope with the issues that impulsive and inattention-seeking behaviors cause in relationships and families.
Stimulant drugs, like amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD. They are believed to regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. When taking stimulants, individuals with medical conditions and those who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should consult their doctor. The effects of stimulants can be a problem for people with health conditions, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Tell your doctor if taking any other medications.
Nonstimulant medicines are often used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine release that lacks the abuse potential of stimulants. It works slower than stimulants and can have side effects, such as stomach upset and trouble sleeping, but it is effective for most adults suffering from ADHD. It is not recommended for people suffering from Tourette's syndrome or bipolar disorder, depression, or both.
Other medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants can also be helpful for certain people suffering from ADHD. These drugs are also used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they may enhance the attention and control of some adults suffering from ADHD.
Sleeping enough and keeping an established routine can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Avoiding caffeine and sugary food can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD are not treated for their disorder. They may not even realize they have it or their health professionals don't recognize it. They are having difficulty with everyday tasks like getting up, going to work on time, and being accountable in their relationships and at work.
Effective treatment for ADHD can help people with the condition to succeed in work, school and in family life. Treatments may include psychotherapy, medication (counseling) and lifestyle modifications. Combining these strategies is usually the best option.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from adhd. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They are believed to be the cause of ADHD symptoms. ADHD is also treated by other medications, such as Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant and certain antidepressants. These medications are less potent than stimulants, however they are more effective in treating ADHD in those who are unable to take stimulants due to medical conditions or adverse drug effects.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve relationship skills. It can teach strategies for organizing, focus and plan. Couples and family therapy along with individual counseling can be helpful. Family and marital counseling can assist families and partners recognize the particular challenges of living with someone who suffers from ADHD and develop coping skills that help improve communication and problem-solving.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another method of treating ADHD. It helps patients identify and change negative thinking patterns. It can also teach practical strategies for managing the stresses of life, including money management and budgeting as well as organizational skills, diet changes and exercises. Other therapies can employ meditation to help promote calm and yoga techniques to cultivate balance, self-awareness, and physical balance.
Adding therapy to an existing medication regimen could be extremely beneficial, particularly for adults. However, not everyone suffers from ADHD can benefit from just talk therapy, and a health care professional should assess each patient to see what treatments are most efficient. In certain instances it is crucial to exclude other conditions that may cause similar symptoms of ADHD, such as mood disorders or other mental health issues, as well as physical illness or injury or substance abuse, or nutritional deficiency.
Counseling
Finding help for ADHD can be overwhelming. It is crucial to find an intervention plan that is multimodal and consists of an array of medications as well as skills training and counseling.
Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and teach you how to deal with the negative effects of ADHD in your life. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in recognizing emotional patterns and thoughts that are not helpful. In turn, this will help you better manage your behaviour.
A therapist can help you learn 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 like depression or anxiety. A therapist who is familiar with the impact of ADHD on your life can support your loved ones and recognize that your issues might not be due to "laziness" or an inability to work.
Find a therapist that is experienced in treating adult ADHD. You may be able to ask your physician whether they specialize in psychotherapy for adults with ADHD or look up the American Psychological Association's directory. As psychotherapy can be costly so make sure your health insurance will cover the cost.
It's also beneficial to choose a therapist that is familiar with various forms of therapy, such as natural lifemanship that uses horses as partners to help people to control their body energy and to detect non-verbal signals. Another alternative is mindfulness meditation, which can help reduce stress and improve attention regulation.
You might be interested in taking part in a clinical study, which is a type research study. These studies may offer access to the latest treatments, and researchers can learn more about how ADHD is treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if a clinical study is appropriate for you.
It's also important to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep apnea and depression, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning. It's also worth mentioning any past or current drug use, as this could affect your ability to focus and pay attention.
Education
A good treatment plan for adults with ADHD involves medication and therapy which includes life skills training and counseling. Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments as children, but it could take longer for them to be successful because their bodies and minds have developed. In addition, psychiatric conditions that resemble ADHD symptoms may require treatment also.
For the majority of people suffering from ADHD, stimulants are the drugs of choice. These help improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. They can cause adverse effects like fatigue or sleep problems that need to addressed. They can also interact with certain drugs and foods. Stimulants work best when they are started at a low dose, and then gradually increased over the course of 7 days until you reach a dose that helps manage your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse side effects.
Psychotherapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn techniques to help you deal with 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 large tasks into smaller ones and develop a more organized routine. Family and marriage counseling can help you and your loved one to be able to communicate and help them.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms, as well as your overall health. Consume adhd treatment adults balanced diet that includes fish, vitamins like zinc, iron, and magnesium, as well as complex carbohydrates. Consuming three meals a day is essential. Avoid cutting out meals or eating sweet snacks. A balanced diet will help you have steady energy throughout the day and improve your concentration and mood.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A poor night's sleep can make symptoms worse the next day. Set a regular bedtime and get up at the same time every day. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to bed.
Participating in a clinical study can help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Ask your doctor if you have the ability to participate in clinical trials.