What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD benefit from a mixture of treatments. The treatment options are typically multimodal, which includes medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants are the most popular medications for ADHD. Finding the right dosage and balancing the side effects can be a trial-and-error procedure.
Atomoxetine, an anti-stimulant FDA approved has no danger of abuse that is associated with stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD tend to be treated first by medication. Certain medications can ease symptoms and help adults function more effectively at work, school or at home. It is not enough to treat all ADHD issues, and it can cause side negative effects. It is most effective if it's part of an overall treatment plan that includes therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist adults suffering from ADHD develop new skills to manage their behavior. It can also assist family members and adults deal with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. Therapy for families and marriage can help people deal with the issues that impulsive and inattention-seeking behaviors cause in families and relationships.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated using stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They appear to balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. People with medical issues or a history of drug and alcohol abuse should discuss these issues with their physician prior to taking any stimulants. These stimulants can interact with common health issues, like 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 an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine release that does not have the abuse potential of stimulants. It is slower than stimulants and can have side effects, such as stomach upset and trouble sleeping, but it is beneficial for the majority of adults with ADHD. It is not recommended for those with depression, bipolar disorder or Tourette's disorder.
Some people with ADHD might also benefit from other medication that can help, such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. These medications are also used to treat anxiety and depression. However, they can help improve the attention and control of some adults suffering from ADHD.
Sleeping enough and keeping an established routine can help improve ADHD symptoms. Avoiding coffee and sweet foods can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD do not get treated for their disorder. It's possible that they aren't aware they have it or their doctors don't know about it. They are unable to manage daily tasks like getting up, going to the office on time, and remaining responsible at work and with friends.
Effective treatment for ADHD can help people who suffer from the condition to excel in work, school and in family life. Treatments can include medication, psychotherapy (counseling) and lifestyle modifications. Combining these methods is usually the best approach.
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for adult adhd. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that are thought to be responsible for ADHD symptoms. ADHD is also treated with other medications, such as Atomoxetine which is a nonstimulant and certain antidepressants. These medications work slower than stimulants, and can be more effective for those who aren't able to take stimulants because of other medical conditions or drug side adverse effects.
Individual therapy can teach people with ADHD how to better manage their emotions and enhance their relationship skills. It can teach strategies for organizing, focus and plan. Couples and family therapy in addition to individual counseling can be helpful. Marital and family counseling can help partners and families recognize the unique challenges of living with a person who has ADHD and develop coping strategies that help improve communication and problem-solving.
Other types of treatment for ADHD can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people identify and change negative patterns of thinking. It also teaches practical strategies for dealing with stress in your life including budgeting, managing money as well as the art of organization, diet changes and exercises. Other methods may include mindfulness meditation to increase mental peace, yoga techniques to cultivate physical balance and self-awareness or relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
The addition of therapy to a medication regimen can be extremely beneficial, particularly for adults. Not everyone suffering from ADHD will benefit from talking therapy. A health care provider must evaluate each individual to determine the most appropriate treatment option. In certain instances it is essential to identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as mood disorders or other mental health problems, as well as physical injury or illness or substance abuse, or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can be a daunting task. It is crucial to find an approach that is multimodal and consists of an array of medications training for skills, counseling.
In addition to helping manage your symptoms therapy can also teach you ways to manage the negative effects of ADHD on your daily life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can aid you in recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns and emotions. This will help you to improve your ability to control your behavior.
A therapist can teach you how to manage issues such as time management, organizing, and impulse control. They can also assist you to overcome emotional challenges that are often associated with ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. Having a therapist who understands how ADHD affects your life can help you and family members realize that your issues aren't due to "laziness" or a lack of effort.
When selecting a therapist, look for someone who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. You might be able to ask your physician if they specialize in psychotherapy for people 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 helpful to find a therapist who has experience in a variety of therapy. For example, natural lifemanship uses horses to help people learn to manage their energy and detect non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation which can help reduce anxiety and improve attention control.
You may be interested in participating in a clinical study, which is a type research study. These studies could provide access to new treatments and aid researchers to learn more about how to treat or prevent ADHD. Consult your physician to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a clinical study.
You should also be sure to rule out any other medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) as well as thyroid disorders, depression and lead poisoning. It's also important to note any past or current alcohol or drug abuse, since it can affect your ability to focus and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adult ADHD should consist of therapy, medication as well as life skills training and counseling. Adults can benefit from the same treatment as children, but it might take them longer to be successful because their bodies and minds have developed. Additionally, psychiatric disorders that resemble ADHD symptoms could require treatment as well.
For most people with ADHD stimulants are the medication of choice. They increase attention and decrease impulsivity. However, they can cause adverse effects, including fatigue and sleep problems, that need to be addressed. They can also interact with some medications and food items. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it over the course of 7 days until you can manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing any adverse effects.
Read the Full Guide can develop the skills needed to deal with ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, for example cognitive behavioral therapy. For example, CBT can encourage you to change your distorted thoughts that lead to negative behaviors like procrastination. CBT can also assist you in learning to break down large tasks into smaller ones and establish a more structured routine. Marital and family counseling can assist you and your loved ones understand and support one another.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms, and also improve your overall health. Eat a balanced diet, which includes fish, vitamins like iron, zinc and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to eat regularly, about three times a day and avoid having a late lunch or eating sugary snacks. A well-balanced diet will give you constant energy throughout the day and improve your concentration and mood.
Certain people with ADHD are unable to get enough sleep. A sleepless night can worsen symptoms the next day. You can improve your sleep by setting a regular bedtime and waking up at the same time every day even on weekends. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol prior to going to sleep.
Participating in a study could help you find better treatment for ADHD. Talk to your doctor about clinical trials and whether you are eligible for.