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 include medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing side-effects can be a challenge.
Atomoxetine, an anti-stimulant FDA approved, does not have the danger of abuse that is associated with stimulants. It can be taken via mouth.
Medication
In general, medications are the first treatment option for adults with ADHD. Certain medications can improve symptoms and allow adults to perform better at school, at work or at home. It is not enough to treat all ADHD problems and can have adverse negative effects. The most effective medication is when it's part of a larger treatment program that includes therapy and lifestyle changes.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults who suffer from ADHD new skills to manage their behavior. It can assist families and adults learn how to deal with living with someone with ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people cope with the problems that impulsive and inattentive behaviors create in families and relationships.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with 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 with a history of drug or alcohol use should consult their physician. The effects of stimulants can be a factor in common health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure. It's important to tell your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take.
Nonstimulant medications are sometimes used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine release that does not have the abuse potential of stimulants. It has a slower effect than stimulants, and can trigger side effects such as stomach upset or trouble sleeping. However, most adults with ADHD find it effective. It is not recommended to those suffering from Tourette's Syndrome or bipolar disorder, depression, or both.
Other medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants, can also be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. These drugs are used to treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, however they can help improve attention and impulse control in adults who suffer from ADHD.
Being able to sleep enough and maintaining an organized routine can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. It is also important to stay away from the consumption of sugary drinks and caffeine, which can make them worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD don't receive treatment for their disorder. untreated adhd in adults depression may not be aware that they have it, or their health professionals do not recognize it. They struggle with 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 achieve success in school, at work and in their daily lives. Treatments include counseling, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Combining these strategies is usually the best option.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for adult adhd. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that are thought to be the reason for ADHD symptoms. Other medications, including the nonstimulant atomoxetine, and some antidepressants, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These drugs are less potent than stimulants, but they can be more efficient in treating ADHD in those who cannot take stimulants due to medical conditions or drug-related side-effects.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve their interpersonal skills. It can also help people learn to organize, plan and focus. In addition to individual counseling as well as family therapy, couples and group therapy can be helpful. Marital and family counseling can help families and couples understand the particular challenges of living with someone who has ADHD and develop coping strategies that help improve communication and problem-solving.
Other forms of treatment for ADHD may include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps individuals recognize and alter negative patterns of thinking. It also teaches practical strategies for dealing with life's stress like budgeting and managing money as well as the art of organization, diet changes and exercise. Other therapies can employ meditation to improve mental peace and yoga techniques to cultivate balance, self-awareness, and physical balance.
The addition of therapy to a medication regimen can be extremely beneficial, especially for adults. Not all people with ADHD will benefit from talking therapy. A healthcare professional must assess each patient to determine the best treatment option. In certain instances, it is crucial to exclude other conditions that may have similar symptoms similar to ADHD, such a mental health or mood disorder issues, as well as physical illnesses or injuries, drug abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Finding help for ADHD isn't easy. It is important to find an effective treatment plan that includes medication, skill training as well as counseling.
Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms and help you learn how to deal with the negative consequences of ADHD in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance, can help you recognize negative emotions and patterns of thinking. This can help you to improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A Therapist can also teach you practical strategies to manage challenges such as time management, organization, and control of your impulses. They can help you overcome emotional problems that are typically associated with ADHD like anxiety or depression. A counselor who is experienced with the impact of ADHD on your life can assist you and your loved ones and understand that your problems may not be due to "laziness" or a lack of effort.
When choosing a therapist, look for someone who is trained in treating adult ADHD. Ask your doctor if he or she specializes in psychotherapy for adults with ADHD. You can also look up 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 also helpful to locate a therapist who is familiar with various forms of therapy, including natural lifemanship, which employs horses as partners to help individuals to regulate their body's energy and pick up nonverbal cues. Another option is mindfulness mediation which can help reduce stress and improves the ability to regulate attention.
You may also be interested in participating in the clinical trial which is a research study. These studies may provide access to new treatments as well as help researchers discover ways to prevent or treat ADHD. Ask your doctor if are a good candidate for a clinical study.
It's also important to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep apnea, depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It's also worth mentioning any current or past alcohol or drug abuse, since this can interfere with your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
A good treatment plan for adult ADHD involves medication and therapy that includes life skills education and counseling. The same treatments that work for kids will generally be effective for adults, however they may take longer to take effect because their bodies and brains have grown. Additionally, psychiatric disorders that mimic ADHD symptoms may need to be treated also.
For the majority of people with ADHD stimulants are the drug of choice. These help improve attention and reduce impulsivity. But they can cause side effects, like sleep and fatigue, which need to be addressed. They can also interact with certain foods and medications. They are most effective when they are started at a low dosage and gradually increased over 7 days until you reach a dosage that helps manage your ADHD symptoms without causing too many side effects.
You can develop the skills needed to manage ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. For instance, CBT can encourage you to change your distorted thoughts that lead to negative behaviors like procrastination. CBT can help you break down large tasks and create an organized routine. Family and marriage counseling can help you and your loved one to be able to communicate and support them.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms and your overall health. Make sure you eat a balanced diet that includes fish, the minerals zinc as well as magnesium, iron and complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to eat regularly, about three meals a day, and avoid having a late lunch or eating sugary snacks. A balanced diet will keep you energized throughout the day and boost your mood.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A bad night's sleep can worsen symptoms the next day. You can improve your sleep quality by establishing a regular bedtime and getting up at the same time every day even on weekends. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol prior to bed.
You might be able to discover more effective treatments for your ADHD by participating in a clinical trial. Consult your physician to determine if you have the ability to participate in clinical trials.