What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD will benefit from combination treatment. These treatments are usually multimodal, including medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing the side effects can be a trial and error procedure.
Atomoxetine is an unstimulant FDA approved, does not have the abuse potential that is associated with stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated first with medication. Certain medications can improve symptoms and allow adults to function more effectively at school, work or at home. But, a medication by itself will not solve all the ADHD-related issues in a person's life, and can cause some side negative effects. The most effective medication is when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle modifications and therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist adults suffering from ADHD develop new strategies to manage behavior. It can help adults and their families learn how to cope with living with someone with ADHD. Marriage and family therapy helps people deal with the issues that inattention and impulsive behavior can cause in families and relationships.
Stimulant medications, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD. They are believed to balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. Before taking stimulants, those with medical conditions or who have a history of drug or alcohol use should consult their doctor. The effects of stimulants can be a problem for people with health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication.
Adult ADHD is often treated with nonstimulant medication. 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 may cause side effects, such as stomach upset and insomnia however, it is beneficial for the majority of adults with ADHD. It is not recommended for individuals with depression, bipolar disorder or Tourette's syndrome.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from other medication such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These medications are also used to treat anxiety and depression. However, they can enhance the attention and impulse control of some adults suffering from ADHD.
Getting adequate sleep and following an established schedule can help improve ADHD symptoms. Avoiding caffeine and sugary food can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many people suffering from ADHD aren't treated for their condition. It's possible that they don't know they have it or their doctors 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.
Effective treatment for ADHD can aid those who suffer from the condition to excel at work, school and family life. Treatments include counseling, medication and lifestyle modifications. A combination of these approaches is typically the best.
The most common medication used to treat adult adhd is stimulants. They regulate and enhance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters that are thought to be the cause of ADHD symptoms. Other medications, including the nonstimulant atomoxetine, and some antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and may be more effective for those who have difficulty taking stimulants due to other medical conditions or adverse drug negative effects.
Individual therapy can teach people suffering from ADHD how to better manage their emotions and enhance their interpersonal skills. It can also teach strategies to organize, focus and plan. Couples and family therapy, along with individual counseling, can be beneficial. Marital and family counseling can help families and couples to understand the particular challenges of living with someone who has ADHD and develop coping strategies that enhance communication and problem-solving.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a different type of treatment for ADHD. This helps people identify and modify negative thinking patterns. It can also teach practical strategies for managing stress in life, like money management and budgeting and organizational skills, as well as dietary changes and exercise. Other therapies may use mindfulness meditation to help promote mental calmness and yoga techniques to improve balance and self-awareness, or relaxation exercises such as deep breathing.
Adding therapy to the medication regimen can be extremely beneficial, especially for adults. Not everyone suffering from ADHD will benefit from a talk therapy. A healthcare professional must examine each patient to determine the most effective treatment option. In some cases it is essential to identify other conditions that can have similar symptoms to ADHD like mood disorders or other mental health problems, as well as physical injury or illness as well as substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone with ADHD can be a daunting task. It is important to have a multimodal treatment program that includes medication, training for skills, and counseling.
Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and teach you how to cope with the negative consequences of ADHD in your daily life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid you in recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns and emotions. In turn, this will improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A Therapist can also teach you practical strategies for dealing with problems such as time management, organization and control of your impulses. They can assist you in overcoming emotional issues that are commonly associated with ADHD such as anxiety or depression. A professional who is knowledgeable about the effects of ADHD on your life can assist you and your loved ones and recognize that your issues might not be caused by "laziness" or lack of effort.
When choosing a therapist look for someone who is trained in treating adult ADHD. You might be able to ask your physician whether they are specialized in psychotherapy for people with ADHD or consult the American Psychological Association's directory. Psychotherapy can be costly so make sure your health insurance policy covers it.
It's helpful to find a therapist who has experience in different types of therapy. For example, natural lifemanship uses horses to teach people to manage their energy levels and detect non-verbal signals. Another alternative is mindfulness meditation, which can help reduce anxiety and improve attention control.
You might also be interested in participating in an clinical trial which is research study. These studies could offer access to the latest treatments, and researchers can discover more about how ADHD is treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if a clinical study is right for you.
It's also essential to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep apnea, depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It's also important to mention any past or current substance abuse, as this could affect your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adult ADHD should include therapy, medication, life skills training, and counseling. The same methods that work for kids will generally work for adults, but they might take longer to begin working because their brains and bodies have matured. It is also possible to treat psychiatric disorders that resemble ADHD symptoms.
Most people with ADHD use stimulants as their primary drug of choice. These drugs improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. adhd treatment adults can also cause negative effects, such as insomnia or fatigue which need to be addressed. Additionally, they may interact with certain medications and foods. The best results are when stimulants begin at a lower dosage and gradually increased over the course of 7 days until you reach a dosage that helps manage your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse side effects.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you techniques to help you deal with your ADHD symptoms. CBT is one example. It can help you to change your distorted thinking that leads to negative behavior, such as procrastination. CBT can also assist you in learning to break down large tasks into smaller ones and develop a more organized routine. Marital and family counseling can help you and your loved ones to understand and support each other.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms and your overall health. Make sure you eat healthy, balanced meals that include fish, the nutrients zinc iron, magnesium and iron, and complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to eat regularly, approximately three times a day, and avoid having a late lunch or snacking on sugary foods. A healthy diet will boost your energy all day long and improve your mood.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to sleep enough. A poor night's sleep can cause more symptoms the following day. Set a regular bedtime and wake up at the same time every day. Avoid drinking caffeine, nicotine and alcohol prior to the bed.
You may be able to discover better solutions for your ADHD through a clinical trial. Consult your physician to determine if you have the ability to participate in clinical trials.