What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a combination of treatments. These treatments are usually multimodal, including medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
Stimulants are the most popular treatments for ADHD. Finding the right dose and balancing side effects can be a difficult process.
Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant FDA approved has no abuse potential associated with stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medication first. Research has shown that certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and can assist adults to perform better at work, school or at home. But, a medication by itself will not reduce all ADHD-related problems in a person's life, and may cause adverse effects. Medication is most effective when it's part of a larger treatment plan that includes therapy as well as lifestyle adjustments.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist adults suffering from ADHD learn new skills to manage their behavior. It can also help parents and children deal with the challenges of living with someone with ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people cope with the challenges that inattention, impulsive behavior creates in relationships and families.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated using stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are believed to regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Before taking stimulants, people with medical conditions and those who have a history of substance or alcohol abuse should consult their physician. Stimulants may interact with common health issues, like high blood pressure and heart disease. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication.
symptoms of adhd in adults treatment is sometimes treated with nonstimulant medication. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine release that is not able to abuse the effects of stimulants. It works slower than stimulants and may cause side effects, such as stomach upset and insomnia however it is highly effective in most adults with ADHD. It is not recommended for individuals with depression, bipolar disorder or Tourette's syndrome.
Some people who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from other medications, including mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These drugs are also used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they may help improve the attention and control of some adults suffering from ADHD.
Sleeping enough and adhering to a regular schedule can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms. It's also important to stay clear of caffeine and sugary foods which can make them worse.
Therapy
Many people suffering from ADHD do not get treated for their condition. It's possible that they don't know they have it or their doctors don't know about it. They have trouble managing daily tasks like getting up, getting to work on time and being responsible in relationships and at work.
ADHD is treatable to aid people in achieving success at school, work and in their family life. Treatments include counseling, medication and lifestyle changes. Combining these strategies is usually the most effective approach.
The most common medication used for adult adhd is stimulants. They regulate and enhance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters that are thought to be the reason for ADHD symptoms. ADHD is also treated by other medications, such as atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and certain antidepressants. These medications are more slowly than stimulants and may be more effective for those who have difficulty taking stimulants due to other medical conditions or drug side adverse effects.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD how to better manage their emotions and improve their relationship skills. It can teach strategies for organizing and concentrate, as well as plan. Family therapy and couples therapy in addition to individual counseling, can be beneficial. Marital and family counseling can assist families and partners understand the unique challenges of living with a person who has ADHD and develop coping strategies that improve communication and problem-solving.
Other types of therapy for ADHD may include cognitive behavior therapy, which assists people recognize and alter negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach practical strategies for managing stress in life, like budgeting and managing money and organizational skills, as well as dietary changes and exercises. Other treatments may employ meditation to promote mental calmness and yoga practices to improve self-awareness, balance, and physical balance.
It can be beneficial to add therapy to a medication regime, especially for adults. However, not everyone suffers from ADHD can benefit from talk therapy alone and a healthcare provider should evaluate each person to see what treatment options are most effective. In certain instances it is essential to identify other conditions that can have similar symptoms of ADHD, such as mood disorders or other mental health issues in addition to physical injuries or illness as well as substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Getting help for ADHD can be overwhelming. It is important to have an effective treatment plan that includes training, medication as well as counseling.
Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms and help you learn how to manage the negative effects of ADHD in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance can help you identify unhelpful emotions and thinking patterns. This can aid you in improving your ability to control your behavior.
A Therapist can also teach you practical strategies for dealing with challenges like time management, organization, and impulse control. They can assist you in overcoming emotional issues that are commonly associated with ADHD like depression or anxiety. Having a therapist who understands the way ADHD affects your life can help you and your loved ones see that your issues aren't due to "laziness" or a lack of effort.
When choosing a therapist, ensure that they are experienced in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your physician if he or is a specialist in psychotherapy for adult ADHD. You can also check the directory of the American Psychological Association. Since psychotherapy can be expensive and time-consuming, ensure that your health insurance covers the cost.
It's also helpful to choose a therapist that has experience with various types of therapy, including natural lifemanship, which uses horses as a partner to teach individuals to regulate their body's energy levels and recognize non-verbal signals. Another alternative is mindfulness meditation, which helps people reduce anxiety and improve attention control.
You might be interested in participating in a clinical study which is a type research study. These studies could provide access to new treatments and researchers can discover more about how ADHD can be treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if a study in clinical research is the right choice for you.
You should also be sure to rule out 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 note any recent or ongoing alcohol or drug abuse, since 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 generally be effective for adults, however they may take longer to take effect because their brains and bodies have grown. Additionally, psychiatric issues that mimic ADHD symptoms could require treatment too.
For the majority of people with ADHD, stimulants are the drugs of choice. They improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. They can also cause adverse effects like insomnia or fatigue which need to be addressed. They can also interact with certain foods and medications. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it over a period of 7 days until you reach a point where you can manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing any adverse effects.
You can develop the skills needed to manage ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT can, for instance, can help you change your thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors such as procrastination. CBT can also help you understand how to break large tasks into smaller tasks and create a more structured routine. Family and marital counseling can aid you and your loved ones understand and help each other.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms, as well as your overall health. Consume a balanced diet which includes fish, vitamins like zinc, iron, and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. Aiming to eat three meals per day is important. Avoid taking a break from meals and eating sweet snacks. A balanced diet will give you energy throughout the day and boost your mood.
Certain people with ADHD have difficulty getting enough sleep. A bad night's sleep can cause symptoms to worsen the next day. Establish a regular time for bed, and rise at the same time every day. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to bed.
You might be able find better treatments for your ADHD by participating in a clinical trial. Talk to your doctor about clinical trials and if you are a candidate.