What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
More suggestions of people suffering from ADHD will benefit from a combination treatment. Those treatments are typically multimodal and can include therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
Stimulants are the most common medications for ADHD. Finding the appropriate dosage and balancing the side effects can be a trial-and-error process.
Atomoxetine, an unstimulant FDA approved, does not have the danger of abuse that can be associated with stimulants. It can be taken via mouth.
Medication
In general, medications are the first treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and allow adults to function more effectively at work, school or at home. However, medication alone may not reduce all ADHD-related problems in a person's life, and can cause some side effects. It is most effective if it's part of a larger treatment plan that includes therapy as well as lifestyle modifications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults with ADHD develop new strategies to manage behavior. It can also help adults and their family members learn to cope with the difficulties of living with someone who has ADHD. Marriage and family therapy helps people deal with the issues that inattention and impulsive behavior can cause in relationships and families.
Stimulant medications, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD. They appear to balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. When taking stimulants, individuals who suffer from medical conditions or who have a history of substance or alcohol use should consult their doctor. Stimulants can interact with some common health issues, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. 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 is also known as Strattera, is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that doesn't have the same potential for abuse as stimulants. It has a slower onset than stimulants, and it may cause adverse effects such as stomach upset or difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of people with ADHD find it to be effective. It is not recommended for people suffering from bipolar disorder, depression or Tourette's syndrome.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from other medications such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These drugs are used to treat other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, but they can help improve concentration and control of impulses in people who suffer from ADHD.
A good night's sleep and adhering to a regular schedule can improve ADHD symptoms. Avoiding sugary and caffeine-rich foods can also make ADHD symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many people suffering from ADHD are not treated for their disorder. They may not realize they have it or their health care providers don't recognize it. They may have trouble completing everyday tasks like getting up, making it to the office on time, and remaining accountable at work and in relationships.
Effective treatment for ADHD can help people who suffer from the condition to excel in work, school and family life. Treatments include medication, counseling and lifestyle modifications. A combination of these approaches is typically the best.
The most common medication used for adults with adhd is stimulants. They increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which are thought to cause the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is also treated with other medications, including Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant and certain antidepressants. These drugs are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be more effective in treating ADHD for people who are unable to use stimulants due to medical conditions or adverse drug effects.
Individual therapy can teach people suffering from ADHD how to manage their emotions as well as improve their interpersonal skills. It can also teach people to organize, plan and stay focused. In addition to individual counseling therapy, couples and family therapy can be beneficial. Marriage and family counseling helps families and partners to understand the challenges of living with someone suffering from ADHD. They can also devise strategies for coping to improve communication.
Other types of treatment for ADHD may include cognitive behavior therapy, which assists people recognize and alter negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach you practical strategies to deal with stress in your life, such as budgeting and managing money and organizational skills, diet changes and exercise. Other treatments may employ 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 add therapy to a medication regime, especially for adults. However, not everyone with ADHD can benefit from a single therapy session and a health care doctor should evaluate each patient to determine which treatment options are most effective. In certain instances, it is important to identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like mood disorders or other mental health problems and physical illness or injury as well as substance abuse or nutritional deficiency.
Counseling
Helping someone suffering from ADHD is a difficult task. It's important to seek a treatment plan that is multimodal and includes the use of medication as well as skills training and counseling.
In addition to helping manage your symptoms, therapy can also teach you ways to deal with 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 can aid you in improving your ability to control your behavior.
A Therapist can also teach you ways to tackle challenges like time management, organization and impulse control. They can also assist you to overcome emotional challenges that often accompany ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. Having a therapist who understands how ADHD affects your life can help you and your loved ones realize that your issues aren't because of "laziness" or a lack of effort.
Look for a therapist who is experienced in treating adult ADHD. Ask your physician if he or is a specialist in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. You can also check the directory of the American Psychological Association. Psychotherapy can be expensive so make sure your health insurance will cover it.
It's beneficial to find a therapist who has expertise in various types 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 mediation, which helps reduce stress and improves the ability to regulate attention.
You might be interested in joining the clinical trial that is research study. These studies may offer access to the latest treatments, and researchers can learn more about how ADHD can be treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if a clinical study is right for you.
It is also important to be sure to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) and thyroid disorders, depression, and lead poisoning. You should also mention any substance abuse in the past or currently since it can impact your ability to pay attention and concentrate.
Education
A great treatment plan for adult ADHD includes therapy and medication that includes life skills education and counseling. The same methods that work for kids will typically work for adults, but they may take longer to be effective because their brains and bodies have gotten older. In addition, psychiatric conditions that mimic ADHD symptoms may require treatment too.
The majority of people with ADHD opt for stimulants as their primary drug of choice. These drugs increase attention and decrease the impulsiveness. They can cause negative effects, such as insomnia or fatigue which need to be addressed. They can also interact with some medications and foods. The best results are when stimulants are started at a low dosage and gradually increased over 7 days until you reach a dose that helps manage your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn strategies to help you deal with your ADHD symptoms. For example, CBT can encourage you to change your distorted thoughts that lead to negative behaviors like procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break large tasks into smaller ones and develop an organized routine. Family and marriage counseling can aid you and your loved ones get to know and help each other.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms and your overall health. A balanced diet which includes fish, nutrients like iron, zinc and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. It is also important to eat regularly, at least three meals per day, and avoid having a late lunch or eating sweet snacks. A healthy diet will keep you energized all day long and improve your mood.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to sleep enough. A bad night's sleep can cause symptoms to worsen the next day. You can improve your sleeping quality by establishing a regular bedtime and getting up at the same time every day even on weekends. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol prior to the bed.
Participating in a study could help you find better treatment for ADHD. Ask your doctor if you are eligible for clinical trials.