What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD benefit from a combination of treatments. Those treatments are typically multimodal and include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
The most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing the side effects can be a trial-and-error procedure.
Atomoxetine, an unstimulant FDA approved has no danger of abuse that is associated with stimulants. It can be consumed orally.
Medication
Medications are generally the first treatment option for adults with ADHD. Certain medications can improve symptoms and allow adults to function more effectively at school, at work or at home. However, a single medication may not solve all the ADHD-related issues in a person's life and can cause some side negative effects. The most effective treatment is when it is part of a complete treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and treatment.
Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach adults who suffer from ADHD new strategies to manage their behavior. It can also assist parents and children to 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 inattentive behaviors create in families and relationships.
Stimulant drugs, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for adults with ADHD. They are thought to balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. People who have medical problems or those who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should discuss these issues with their physician before taking any stimulants. The effects of stimulants can be a factor in common health issues like heart disease and high blood pressure. It's important to tell your doctor about any other supplements or medications you are taking.
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 acting than stimulants and may cause adverse effects like stomach upset or trouble sleeping. However, the majority of people with ADHD are able to use it effectively. It is not recommended to people suffering from Tourette's syndrome or bipolar disorder, depression, or both.
Other medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants are also beneficial for some people with ADHD. These medications are also used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they are able to help improve the attention and control of some adults with ADHD.
Being able to sleep enough and maintaining a regular routine can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Avoiding coffee and sweet foods can also make ADHD symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD are not treated for their condition. It's possible that they aren't aware they suffer from it or that their doctors don't know about it. They have difficulty managing everyday tasks like getting up, going to work on time, and being responsible at work and in their relationships.
Effective treatment for ADHD can help people with the condition to succeed in work, school and family life. Treatments include counseling, medication and lifestyle changes. A combination of these approaches is usually best.
Stimulants are the most common treatment for adults suffering from adhd. They improve and balance the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which are believed to cause the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is also treated by other medications, such as Atomoxetine which is a nonstimulant and certain antidepressants. These drugs are less potent than stimulants, but can be more effective in treating ADHD for people who are unable to take stimulants due to medical conditions or drug-related side-effects.
Individual talk therapy can teach those with ADHD how to manage their emotions and improve their interpersonal skills. It can also teach strategies to organize, focus and plan. Family therapy and couples therapy along with individual counseling can be helpful. Marital and family counseling can help families and couples recognize the particular difficulties of living with a person who has ADHD and develop coping strategies that help improve communication and problem-solving.
Other types of therapy for ADHD can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people identify and change negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach practical strategies for dealing the stress of life including budgeting, financial management and the art of organization, diet changes and exercise. Other methods may include mindfulness meditation to promote mental peace and yoga techniques to improve self-awareness and balance, or relaxation exercises like deep breathing.
The addition of therapy to a medication regimen can be extremely beneficial, especially for adults. Not everyone with ADHD will benefit from a talk therapy. A doctor must examine each patient to determine the best treatment option. In some cases it is crucial to exclude other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such a mental health or mood disorder issues, as well as physical illnesses or injuries, drug abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Finding assistance for ADHD can be a daunting task. It's important to seek an approach that is multimodal and consists of the use of medication as well as skills training and counseling.
Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and teach you how to cope with the negative effects of ADHD in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example can help you identify the negative thoughts and emotions. This can improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A therapist can also teach you practical strategies for dealing with problems like time management, organization, and control of your impulses. They can also help you deal with emotional issues that can be a result of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety. A counselor who is experienced with the impact of ADHD on your life can assist you and your loved ones as well as realize that your issues may not be caused by "laziness" or a lack of effort.
When choosing a therapist ensure that they are trained in treating adult ADHD. Ask your doctor if he/she she specializes in psychotherapy for adult ADHD. You may also consult the directory of the American Psychological Association. As psychotherapy can be costly and time-consuming, ensure that your health insurance covers the cost.
It's beneficial to find a therapist with experience in different types of therapy. For example the natural lifemanship method uses horses to teach people how to manage their energy levels and detect non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness mediation, which helps reduce stress and improves control of attention.
adhd treatment for adults online might also be interested in joining the clinical trial which is a 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 are a good candidate for a clinical trial.
It is also important to make sure you are free of any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) as well as thyroid disorders, depression, and lead poisoning. It's also important to mention any current or past alcohol or drug abuse, since this can interfere with your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
A successful treatment plan for adults with ADHD involves medication and therapy that includes life skills education and counseling. Adults are able to benefit from the same treatment as children, however it might take them longer to work because their bodies and minds have developed. It could also be necessary to treat psychiatric disorders that mimic ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people with ADHD opt for stimulants as their primary drug of choice. They improve attention and reduce impulsivity. They can have adverse effects like fatigue or sleep problems that need to addressed. Also, they can interact with certain medications and foods. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it over 7 days to a level where you are able to manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing too many adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you strategies to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. CBT is one example. It can help you change your negative thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors such as procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break down big tasks into smaller tasks and create a more structured routine. Marital and family counseling can assist you and your loved ones understand and help each other.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms as well as overall health. Consume a balanced diet which includes fish, nutrients like zinc, iron, and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. Aiming to eat three meals per day is essential. Avoid cutting out meals or eating sweet snacks. A balanced diet will keep you energized all day long and improve your mood.
Some people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A sleepless night can worsen symptoms the next day. Establish a regular time for bed, and rise at the same time every day. Avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to sleep.
You may be able to find better treatments for your ADHD by taking part in a clinical trial. Discuss with your doctor about clinical trials and if you qualify for.