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 include treatment, medication and lifestyle modifications.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the appropriate dosage and balancing the side effects can be a tinkering procedure.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant FDA approved, does not have the abuse potential that can be associated with stimulants. It can be taken orally.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD tend to be treated first by medication. Certain medications can improve symptoms and help adults be more productive at school, at work or at home. However, medication alone may not be able to solve all ADHD-related issues in a person's daily life and can sometimes cause side effects. The most effective medication is when it's part of an overall treatment plan that includes therapy and lifestyle changes.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults with ADHD develop new strategies to manage their behavior. It can also help adults and their family members deal with the difficulties of living with someone who has ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people to deal with the challenges that inattention and impulsive behavior causes in relationships and families.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medications like amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are believed to regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Patients with medical problems or those who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should speak with their physician prior to taking any stimulants. The effects of stimulants can be a problem for people with 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. It is slower acting than stimulants, and can trigger side effects such as stomach upset or difficulty sleeping. However, most adults with ADHD find it to be effective. It is not recommended for those suffering from bipolar disorder, depression or Tourette's disorder.
Other medications, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers, can also be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. These drugs are used to treat mental health issues like anxiety and depression, but they can help improve concentration and control of impulses in adults who suffer from ADHD.
Being able to sleep enough and maintaining an established routine can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Avoiding caffeine and sugary food can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD are not treated for their disorder. They may not even realize they have it or their health professionals do not recognize it. They have trouble managing everyday tasks such as getting up, going to work on time, and being accountable in relationships as well as at work.
ADHD can be effectively treated to aid people in achieving success in their work, school and in their family life. Treatments may include psychotherapy, medication (counseling) and lifestyle changes. Combining these methods is often the best choice.
The most common medication used for adults with adhd is stimulants. They boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which are believed to trigger the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is also treated with other medications, such as atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and certain antidepressants. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and may be more effective for those who are unable to take stimulants because of other medical conditions or adverse drug effects.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve relationship skills. It can also teach strategies to organize, focus and plan. In addition to individual counseling as well as family therapy, couples and group therapy can be helpful. Counseling for families and marriage can help families and couples recognize the particular difficulties of living with a person who suffers from ADHD and develop coping strategies that improve communication and problem-solving.
Other forms of therapy for ADHD can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people recognize and alter negative patterns of thinking. Read the Full Guide teaches practical methods to manage stress in life, like money management and budgeting, organizational skills, dietary changes and exercise. Other methods may include mindfulness meditation to help promote mental calmness, yoga techniques to cultivate balance and self-awareness, or relaxation exercises such as deep breathing.
It can be beneficial to add therapy to the medication regimen, particularly for adults. However, not all people with ADHD can benefit from talk therapy alone, 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 may cause similar symptoms of ADHD, such as mood disorders or other mental health problems and physical injuries or illness, substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Getting help for ADHD can be overwhelming. It is essential to have a multimodal treatment program that includes medication, skill training and counseling.
In addition to helping manage your symptoms Therapy can also teach you strategies to deal with the negative effects of ADHD on your daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example can help you identify the negative thoughts and emotions. In turn, this can improve your ability to manage your behaviour.
A Therapist can also teach you practical strategies for dealing with problems such as time management, organization, and impulse control. They can assist you in overcoming emotional problems that are typically associated with ADHD, such anxiety or depression. A counselor who is experienced with the effects of ADHD on your life can assist you and your loved ones as well as realize that your issues may not be due to "laziness" or a lack of effort.
Look for a therapist who has experience treating adult ADHD. Ask your doctor if he or she specializes in psychotherapy for adult ADHD. You can also look up the directory of the American Psychological Association. Since psychotherapy can be expensive, make sure that your health insurance will cover the cost.
It's helpful to find a therapist who has experience in a variety of therapy. For example, natural lifemanship uses horses to teach people how to manage their energy and pick up nonverbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation, which can help people manage anxiety and improve attention control.
You may be interested in participating in a clinical research study, which is a type research study. These studies may offer access to new treatments, and researchers can discover more about how ADHD can be treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if a clinical study is the right choice for you.
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), depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. You should also mention any substance abuse in the past or in the present since it can impact your ability to concentrate and concentrate.
Education
Treatment for adult ADHD should consist of therapy, medication as well as life skills training and counseling. Adults may benefit from the same treatment as children, but it might take them longer to work because their bodies and minds have grown. It may also be necessary to treat psychiatric disorders that mimic ADHD symptoms.
For the majority of people suffering from ADHD, stimulants are the drug of choice. These medications improve attention and reduce the impulsiveness. They can also cause side effects such as fatigue or sleep issues that need to addressed. They can also interact with certain medications and foods. Begin with a low dosage, and increase it over 7 days until you reach a point where you can manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing any adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you develop strategies to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. CBT, for example, can help you change your thinking patterns that lead to negative behavior, such as procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break down large tasks into smaller tasks and create a more structured routine. Marital and family counseling can help you and your loved ones understand and support one another.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. Consume a balanced diet which includes fish, nutrients such as zinc, iron and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to eat regularly, about three meals per day, and avoid skipping meals or eating sweet snacks. A balanced diet will give you steady energy throughout the day, and increase your concentration and mood.
Some people with ADHD have difficulty getting enough sleep. A poor night's sleep can worsen symptoms the next day. You can improve your sleeping quality by setting a regular time for bed and getting up at the same time each day even on weekends. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before going to bed.
Participating in a clinical study could help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials and whether you qualify for.