What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a mixture of treatments. Those treatments are typically multimodal and can include treatment, medication and lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Finding the right dosage and balancing the side effects can be a tinkering procedure.
Atomoxetine, an unstimulant FDA approved, does not have the danger of abuse associated with stimulants. It can be taken via mouth.
Medication
The first treatment option for adults with ADHD. Certain medications can ease symptoms and allow 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 life, and may cause adverse effects. Medication is most effective when it's part of an overall treatment plan that includes therapy as well as lifestyle modifications.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach adults with ADHD new strategies to manage their behavior. It can assist families and adults learn how to cope with living with someone who has ADHD. Marriage and family therapy helps people to deal with the challenges that impulsive, inattentive behavior causes in families and relationships.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They appear to balance the levels of brain chemicals that are known as neurotransmitters. People with medical issues or an history of drug or alcohol abuse should speak with their physician before taking any stimulants. These stimulants can interact with common health conditions, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications.
Nonstimulant medicines are often used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process that lacks the abuse potential of stimulants. adhd in adults untreated has a slower onset than stimulants, and may cause adverse effects like stomach upset or difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of people with ADHD find it effective. It is not recommended for people suffering from Tourette's syndrome as well as bipolar disorder or depression.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from other medications that can help, such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. These medications are also used to treat anxiety and depression. However, they may help improve the attention and control of some adults suffering from ADHD.
Sleeping enough and keeping an organized routine can help improve ADHD symptoms. It is also important to stay away from sweet and caffeine-rich foods which can make them worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD are not treated for their condition. They may not even realize they have it, or their health care providers don't recognize it. They may have trouble completing everyday tasks like getting up, going to work on time, and being responsible at work and with friends.
ADHD can be effectively treated to aid people in achieving success at school, work and in their personal life. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication (counseling) and lifestyle changes. Combining these methods is usually the most effective approach.
Stimulants are the most common medication used to treat adult adhd. They improve and balance the 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 which is a nonstimulant and certain antidepressants. These medications are less potent than stimulants, but they can be more effective in treating ADHD in those who are unable to take stimulants due to medical conditions or drug-related side-effects.
Individual therapy can teach those with ADHD how to better manage their emotions and enhance their relationship skills. It can teach strategies for organizing, focus and plan. Family therapy and couples therapy along with individual counseling can be helpful. Marriage and family counseling helps partners and families better recognize the difficulties of living with someone who suffers from ADHD. They can also develop coping strategies that enhance communication.
Other types of therapy for ADHD can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people recognize and alter negative patterns of thinking. It also teaches practical methods to manage the stresses of life, including budgeting and money management, organizational skills, dietary changes and exercise. Other therapies may use meditation to promote mental calmness and yoga techniques to cultivate self-awareness and balance as well as physical balance.
The addition of therapy to an existing medication regimen could be extremely beneficial, especially for adults. However, not all people with ADHD can benefit from just talk therapy and a health care professional should assess each patient to determine which treatments are most effective. In some cases, it is important to exclude other conditions that could cause similar symptoms of ADHD such as mood disorders or other mental health problems and physical injury or illness, substance abuse or nutritional deficiency.
Counseling
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can be a daunting task. It is essential to choose an effective treatment plan that includes training, medication as well as counseling.
In addition to helping you manage your symptoms, therapy can also teach you ways to deal with the negative effects of ADHD on your daily life. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid you in recognizing emotional patterns and thoughts that are not helpful. This will improve your ability to control your behaviors.
A therapist can also provide you with practical strategies for dealing with problems such as time management, organization, and control of your impulses. They can assist you in overcoming emotional issues that are commonly associated with ADHD, such anxiety or depression. Having a therapist who understands the way ADHD affects your life can help you and your family members realize that your issues aren't caused by "laziness" or a lack of effort.
Find a therapist who is experienced in treating adult ADHD. You may want to ask your doctor whether they are specialized in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD or look up the American Psychological Association's directory. Psychotherapy can be costly and therefore make sure that your health insurance policy covers it.
It's also beneficial to find a therapist who has experience with various types of therapy, including natural lifemanship, which uses horses as partners to help individuals to control their body's energy levels and recognize non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation which can help reduce stress and improve attention regulation.
You may be interested in joining a clinical trial which is research study. These studies can offer access to the latest treatments, and researchers can gain knowledge about how ADHD can be treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if are a good candidate for a clinical trial.
It's also essential to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD and include sleep apnea and depression, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning. It's also important to mention any recent or ongoing drug use, as it can affect your ability to focus and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adult ADHD should consist of therapy, medication and life skills training and counseling. The same treatments that work for kids will typically work for adults, but they might take longer to be effective due to the fact that their brains and bodies have matured. Additionally, psychiatric disorders that resemble ADHD symptoms could need to be treated as well.
Most people with ADHD use stimulants as their primary drug of choice. These help improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. But they can cause side effects, like fatigue and sleep problems, which require attention. They can also interact with some medications and foods. Stimulants work best when they begin at a lower dose, and then gradually increased over the course of 7 days until you reach a level that manages your ADHD symptoms without causing too many adverse side effects.
You can acquire the skills necessary to deal with ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT, for example, can help you overcome your thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors such as procrastination. CBT can assist you in breaking down large tasks and develop a more organized routine. Counseling for families and marriage helps you and your loved ones to be able to communicate and help them.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. Eat a balanced diet, which includes fish, vitamins like zinc, iron, and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to eat regularly, approximately three meals a day, and avoid taking a break from meals or snacking on sugary foods. A well-balanced diet will help you have an energy level that is constant throughout the day and boost your mood and ability to concentrate.
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 wake up at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before going to bed.
Participating in a clinical trial could help you find better treatment for ADHD. Ask your doctor if are eligible for clinical trials.