What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD benefit from a mix of treatments. These treatments are usually multimodal and can include treatment, medication and lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants are the most popular medications for ADHD. Finding the right dose and balancing side effects can be a difficult process.
Atomoxetine is an FDA-approved non-stimulant that doesn't have the potential to abuse that stimulants do. It can be taken by mouth.
Medication
Medications are generally the first option for adults with ADHD. Research has proven that certain medications help with symptoms and help adults function better at school, work, or home. Medication alone may not solve all ADHD problems and can have adverse consequences. The most effective medication is when it is part of a complete treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and therapy.
Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can teach people with ADHD new techniques to manage their behavior. It can aid families and adults learn how to deal with living with someone with ADHD. Therapy for families and marriage helps people cope with the challenges that inattention and impulsive behavior can cause in relationships and families.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medications like amphetamines or methylphenidate. They appear to balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. When taking stimulants, individuals with medical conditions or with a history of drug or alcohol use should consult their doctor. Some stimulants can cause common health issues, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. It's important to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking.
Nonstimulant medicines are often used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that is not able to abuse the effects of stimulants. It has a slower effect than stimulants, and it can trigger side effects like stomach upset or difficulty sleeping. However, most people with ADHD find it to be effective. It is not recommended for people with depression, bipolar disorder or Tourette's disorder.
Other medications, like mood stabilizers and antidepressants, can also be helpful for some people with ADHD. These drugs are also used to treat anxiety and depression. However, they may help improve the attention and impulse control of some adults with ADHD.
Being able to sleep enough and maintaining an established routine can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Avoiding sugary and caffeine-rich foods can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD aren't being treated for their condition. They may not be aware that they have it, or their health care providers aren't aware of it. They have trouble managing everyday tasks such as getting up, going to work on time, and being responsible in relationships and at their jobs.
ADHD can be effectively treated to help people succeed in school, at work and in their daily lives. Treatment options include medication, psychotherapy (counseling) and lifestyle changes. Combining these methods is usually the most effective approach.
The most common medication used for adult adhd is stimulants. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that are thought to be the reason for ADHD symptoms. Other medications, like the non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These drugs work slower than stimulants and can be more effective for people who are unable to take stimulants due to other medical conditions or adverse drug effects.
Individual therapy for talk therapy can help those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve relationship skills. It can also help people learn to plan, organize and focus. Couples and family therapy, along with individual counseling, can be beneficial. Counseling for families and marriage can help families and their partners comprehend the challenges of living with someone who suffers from ADHD. They can also devise strategies for coping that improve communication.
Other types of treatment for ADHD can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people identify and change negative patterns of thinking. It also teaches practical strategies for dealing with stress in your life like budgeting and managing money, eating habits, organizational skills and exercises. Other treatments may employ mindfulness meditation to help promote mental peace and yoga techniques to develop balance and self-awareness, or relaxation exercises like deep breathing.
The addition of therapy to the medication regimen can be extremely beneficial, especially for adults. However, not all people suffers from ADHD can benefit from talk therapy alone and a health care professional should assess each patient to see what treatment options are most efficient. In certain instances, it is essential to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD like mental health disorder or mood issues and physical ailments or injuries, addiction to drugs or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Finding assistance for ADHD can be overwhelming. It is important to have an effective treatment plan that includes medication, skill training as well as counseling.
Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and teach you how to cope with the negative consequences of ADHD in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance, can help you recognize the negative thoughts and emotions. In turn, this can improve your ability to manage your behaviour.
A therapist can help you learn how to deal with issues such as time management, organization and impulse control. They can help you overcome emotional difficulties that are often associated with ADHD like depression or anxiety. A counselor who is experienced with the impact of ADHD on your life can help your loved ones and you realize that your issues may not be due to "laziness" or a lack of effort.
Find first line treatment for adhd in adults that has experience treating adult ADHD. You might consider asking your doctor whether they specialize in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD or check the American Psychological Association's directory. Because psychotherapy is expensive 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 instance natural lifemanship employs horses to teach people how to manage their energy levels and pick up non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness mediation which helps to reduce stress and improve control of attention.
You might be interested in taking part in a clinical study, which is a kind of research study. These studies could provide access to new treatments and help researchers learn more about how to prevent or treat ADHD. Consult your physician to determine if you are a good candidate for a clinical study.
It is also important to be sure to rule out any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) as well as thyroid disorders, depression and lead poisoning. You should also disclose any substance abuse in the past or in the present, as it can affect your ability to focus and concentrate.
Education
A good treatment plan for adults with ADHD includes therapy and medication, including life skills training and counseling. Adults may benefit from the same therapies as children, but it may take longer for them to achieve their goals because their bodies and minds have grown. It is also possible to treat psychiatric disorders that mimic ADHD symptoms.
For most people with ADHD stimulants are the drugs of choice. They improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. They can also cause negative effects, such as fatigue or sleep problems that need to addressed. They also can interact with certain medications and foods. They are most effective when they are started at a low dose and gradually increased over the course of 7 days until you reach a level that manages your ADHD symptoms without causing too many side effects.
You can learn skills to deal with ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is one example. It can help you to change your thinking patterns that lead to negative behavior, such as procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break down big tasks into smaller tasks and create an organized routine. Family and marriage counseling can help you and your loved one to get to know each other better and support them.
A healthy diet will improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. Make sure you eat an energizing diet that contains fish, the minerals zinc iron, magnesium and iron, and complex carbohydrates. Consuming three meals a day is important. Avoid taking a break from meals and eating sweet snacks. A well-balanced diet will ensure you have steady energy throughout the day and improve your mood and ability to concentrate.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A sleepless night can make symptoms worse the next day. Set a regular bedtime, and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid drinking caffeine, nicotine and alcohol prior to the bed.
Participating in a clinical trial can help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Talk to your doctor about clinical trials and whether you qualify for.