What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people with ADHD will benefit from a combination treatment. These treatments are usually multimodal and can include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
The most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the appropriate dosage and balancing side effects can be a trial-and-error process.
Atomoxetine is an anti-stimulant FDA approved does not carry the abuse potential that can be associated with stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
In general, medications are the first option for adults with ADHD. Studies have shown that certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and can assist adults to perform better at school, work, 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 consequences. Medication is most effective when it is part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid adults with ADHD develop new skills to manage their behavior. It can also help parents and children deal with the challenges of living with someone with ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people deal with the issues that impulsive, inattentive behavior can cause in families and relationships.
Adult ADHD is typically treated using stimulant medications like amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are believed to regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Before taking stimulants, people with medical conditions or who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should consult their doctor. These stimulants can interact with common health issues, like high blood pressure and heart disease. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications.
Nonstimulant drugs are often used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor that does not have the same potential for abuse as stimulants. It has a slower effect than stimulants and can have side effects, such as stomach upset and difficulty sleeping however it is highly effective for most adults suffering from ADHD. It is not recommended to people with Tourette's Syndrome as well as bipolar disorder or depression.
Other medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, can be beneficial to those suffering from ADHD. These drugs are also used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they may improve the ability to focus and control impulses of some adults suffering from ADHD.
Sleeping enough and keeping a regular routine can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Avoiding coffee and sweet foods can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many people suffering from ADHD don't receive treatment for their disorder. They may not realize they have it or their health care providers aren't aware of it. They are having difficulty with everyday tasks like getting up, going to work on time and being accountable in relationships as well as at work.
Effective treatment for ADHD can help people who suffer from the condition to excel in school, work and in family life. Treatments include counseling, medication and lifestyle adjustments. A combination of these approaches is typically the best.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for adult adhd. They regulate and enhance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which are believed to be the reason for ADHD symptoms. Other medications, like the nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. These medications work more slowly than stimulants and may be more effective for those who have difficulty taking stimulants because of other medical issues or drug-related side negative effects.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve relationship skills. It can also teach strategies to organize and concentrate, as well as plan. In addition to individual counseling as well as family therapy, couples and group therapy can be helpful. Family and marriage counseling can help families and their partners recognize the difficulties of living with someone who suffers from ADHD. untreated adhd in adults can also devise strategies for coping to improve communication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another type of treatment for ADHD. It helps patients identify and modify negative thinking patterns. It also teaches practical strategies for managing the stresses of life, including money management and budgeting as well as organizational skills, diet changes and exercises. Other therapies may use mindfulness meditation to promote mindfulness, yoga techniques to cultivate balance and self-awareness, or relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
It can be beneficial to include therapy into an existing medication regimen, especially for adults. However, not everyone with ADHD can benefit from just talk therapy and a health care doctor should evaluate each patient to determine which treatments are most effective. In some instances, it is important to identify other conditions that can have similar symptoms of ADHD such as mood disorders or other mental health problems and physical injury or illness or substance abuse, or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Finding help for ADHD isn't easy. It is crucial to find an intervention plan that is multimodal and consists of the use of medication, skills training, and counseling.
In addition to helping you manage your symptoms therapy can also teach you ways to manage the negative impact of ADHD on your daily life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns and emotions. This will help you to improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A Therapist can also teach you ways to tackle problems such as time management, organization, and impulse control. They can also assist you to work through emotional difficulties that often accompany ADHD such as depression or anxiety. A therapist who is aware of the way ADHD affects your life can help you and family members realize that your problems aren't necessarily caused by "laziness" or lack of effort.
Find a therapist who has experience treating adult ADHD. You might consider asking your doctor if they specialize in psychotherapy for people with ADHD or consult the American Psychological Association's directory. Because psychotherapy is expensive so make sure your health insurance covers the cost.
It is also beneficial to find a therapist who is experienced with different types of therapy, such as natural lifemanship, which employs horses as partners to help people to control their body energy and to detect non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation, which can help reduce stress and improve their attention control.
You may be interested in participating in a clinical study which is a type of research study. These studies could provide access to new treatments and help researchers gain knowledge about ways to treat or prevent ADHD. Ask your doctor if a clinical study is appropriate for you.
You should also rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation), depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It's also worth mentioning any past or current drug use, as this could affect your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adult ADHD should include medication, therapy, life skills training, and counseling. Adults may benefit from the same therapies as children, however it might take them longer to achieve their goals because their bodies and minds have grown. It is also possible to treat psychiatric disorders which mimic ADHD symptoms.
For the majority of people with ADHD stimulants are the drug of choice. They can improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. However, they can cause adverse effects, including fatigue and sleep problems, that need to be addressed. They also can interact with certain medications and food items. Start with a lower dose and gradually increase it over a period of 7 days until you can manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing too many adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you skills to help you deal with your ADHD symptoms. CBT can, for instance, can help you to change your thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors such as procrastination. CBT can assist you in breaking down large tasks and develop an efficient routine. Family and marital counseling can aid you and your loved ones get to know and support each other.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms and also improve your overall health. Try eating healthy, balanced meals that include fish, the nutrients zinc iron, magnesium and iron, and complex carbohydrates. Consuming three meals a day is essential. Avoid cutting out meals or eating sugary snacks. A balanced diet will boost your energy throughout the day and boost your mood.
Some people suffering from ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A poor night's sleep can make symptoms worse the next day. You can improve your sleeping quality by setting a regular time for bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol prior to going to bed.
Participating in a clinical trial could help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials and whether you are a candidate.