What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a mix of treatments. Those treatments are typically multimodal and may include treatment, medication and lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants are the most popular medications for ADHD. Finding the right dosage and balancing the side effects can be a difficult process.
Atomoxetine is an FDA-approved non-stimulant that does not have the potential for abuse of stimulants. It can be taken by mouth.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with medication first. Studies have shown that certain medications improve symptoms and can aid adults in their performance at work, school or home. However, medication alone may not be able to solve all ADHD-related issues in a person's life and can cause some side effects. The most effective medication is when it's part of an overall treatment plan that includes therapy and lifestyle changes.
Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD new techniques to manage their behavior. It can help adults and their families learn how to cope with living with someone with ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist people in overcoming the issues that impulsive and inattentional behaviors can cause in relationships and families.
Stimulant drugs, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults with ADHD. They appear to balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Before taking stimulants, those with medical conditions or with a history of drug or alcohol abuse should consult their doctor. The effects of stimulants can be a problem for people with health issues, like high blood pressure and heart disease. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication.
Adult ADHD is often treated with nonstimulant drugs. Atomoxetine is also referred to as Strattera, is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor that does not have the same risk of abuse as stimulants. It has a slower effect than stimulants and may cause side effects, such as stomach upset and difficulty sleeping however it is highly effective for most adults suffering from ADHD. It is not recommended for individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or Tourette's disorder.
Other medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants can also be helpful for some people with ADHD. These drugs are used to treat other mental health issues like depression and anxiety, however they can improve concentration and control of impulses in adults who suffer from ADHD.
A good night's sleep and an established routine can help improve ADHD symptoms. Avoiding coffee and sweet foods can also make ADHD symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD are not treated for their condition. adhd in adults symptoms and treatment may not realize they have it, or their health professionals do not recognize it. They are having difficulty with everyday tasks like getting up, getting to work on time, and being responsible in relationships as well as at work.
ADHD can be effectively treated to help people achieve success in their work, school and in their daily lives. Treatments include counseling, medication and lifestyle changes. Combining these strategies is usually the best option.
The most commonly used medication for adult adhd is stimulants. They improve and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that are believed to be responsible for the symptoms of ADHD. Other medications, such as the nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. These medications are less potent than stimulants, but can be more effective in treating ADHD in those who are unable to take stimulants due to medical conditions or adverse drug effects.
Individual therapy can help those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve their interpersonal skills. It can also help people learn to organize, plan and focus. Couples and family therapy in addition to individual counseling, can be beneficial. Counseling for families and marriage can help families and partners to understand the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. They can also devise strategies to cope to improve communication.
Other forms 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 managing stress in life, like budgeting and money management as well as organizational skills, diet changes and exercises. Other treatments may employ mindfulness meditation to help promote mental calmness and yoga techniques to improve physical balance and self-awareness or relaxation exercises such as deep breathing.
It is beneficial to include therapy into a medication regime, especially for adults. Not everyone with ADHD will benefit from a talk therapy. A doctor must assess each patient to determine the most effective treatment option. In some cases it is crucial to identify other conditions that can have similar symptoms of ADHD, such as mood disorders or other mental health issues and physical injury or illness as well as substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Getting assistance for ADHD can be overwhelming. It is essential to find an intervention plan that is multimodal and includes a combination of medication as well as skills training and counseling.
Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms and teach you how to cope with the negative consequences of ADHD in your daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance can help you identify negative emotions and patterns of thinking. This, in turn, can improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A Therapist can also teach you practical strategies to manage problems such as time management, organization, and impulse control. They can help you overcome emotional difficulties that are often associated with ADHD like anxiety or depression. A counselor who is experienced with the effects of ADHD on your life can help your loved ones as well as realize that your issues may not be caused by "laziness" or an inability to work.
When choosing a therapist seek out a therapist who is trained in treating adult ADHD. Ask your doctor if he/she has a specialization in psychotherapy for adults with ADHD. You can also check the directory of the American Psychological Association. Because psychotherapy is expensive so make sure your health insurance covers the cost.
It's also beneficial to find a therapist who has experience with various types of therapy, such as natural lifemanship that uses horses as partners to help individuals to control their body's energy and recognize non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation, which helps people reduce stress and improve attention regulation.
You might be interested in participating in a clinical study, which is a type research study. These studies can offer access to new treatments as well as help researchers learn more about how to treat or prevent ADHD. Ask your doctor if a clinical study is the right choice for you.
You should also make sure you are free of any other medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation), depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It's also important to note any recent or ongoing substance abuse, as this can interfere with your ability to focus and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adults with ADHD should include therapy, medication and life skills training and counseling. The same strategies that work for children will often work for adults, but they may take longer to be effective because their bodies and brains have grown. It is also possible to treat psychiatric disorders that resemble ADHD symptoms.
For most people with ADHD, stimulants are the medication of choice. They can increase attention and decrease impulsivity. But they can cause side effects, such as fatigue and sleep problems, which need to be addressed. They can also interact with certain foods and medications. They are most effective when they begin at a lower dosage and gradually increased over the course of 7 days until you reach a dose that manages your ADHD symptoms without causing too many adverse side effects.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn techniques to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. CBT can, for instance, can help you overcome your distorted thinking that leads to negative behaviors such as procrastination. CBT can help you break down large tasks and develop a more efficient routine. Family and marriage counseling can help you and your loved ones to be able to communicate and support 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, as well as complex carbohydrates. It is also important to eat regularly, approximately three meals a day and avoid having a late lunch or eating sweet 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 sleepless night can worsen symptoms the next day. You can improve your sleep by establishing a regular bedtime and getting up at the same time each day even on weekends. Avoid drinking caffeine, nicotine and alcohol prior to going to bed.
You might be able to discover better solutions for your ADHD by taking part in an experimental trial. Discuss with your doctor about clinical trials and whether you are a candidate.