What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
best treatment for adhd in adults with ADHD benefit from a mix of treatments. These treatments are usually multimodal, which includes treatment, medication and lifestyle changes.
Stimulants are the most common medications for ADHD. Finding the right dosage and balancing the side effects can be a trial-and-error procedure.
Atomoxetine is a FDA-approved non-stimulant that does not have the abuse potential of stimulants. It can be taken orally.
Medication
The first option for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain medications can ease symptoms and help adults perform better at work, school or at home. It is not enough to treat all ADHD issues and may cause adverse consequences. The most effective medication is when it's part of an overall treatment plan that includes therapy as well as lifestyle modifications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid adults with ADHD develop new skills to manage behavior. It can aid families and adults learn how to cope with having a child with ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people cope with the issues that impulsive or inattentive behaviors create in families and relationships.
Stimulant medicines, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults with ADHD. They seem to balance the levels of brain chemicals that are known as neurotransmitters. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from medical conditions or who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should consult their doctor. Some stimulants can cause common health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure, which is why it's important to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking.
Nonstimulant drugs are often used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process that is not able to abuse the effects of stimulants. It is slower than stimulants and can have side effects, such as stomach upset and insomnia however, it is beneficial for the majority of adults with ADHD. It is not recommended to those suffering from Tourette's Syndrome, depression or bipolar disorder.
Other medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants can be beneficial to those suffering from ADHD. These medications are also used to treat anxiety and depression. However, they are able to improve the attention and impulse control of some adults suffering from ADHD.
Sleeping enough and keeping an organized routine can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. It is also important to stay away from sweet and caffeine-rich foods that can make symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many people suffering from ADHD don't receive treatment for their condition. They may not realize they have it or their health professionals do not recognize it. They are unable to manage daily tasks like getting up, making it to the office on time, and remaining responsible at work and in relationships.
Effective treatment for ADHD can make it easier for people who suffer from the condition to be successful in work, school and in family life. Treatments include medication, counseling and lifestyle adjustments. Combining these methods is usually best.
The most frequently used medication for adults with adhd is stimulants. They improve and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which are believed to be responsible for the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is also treated with other medications, such as Atomoxetine which is a nonstimulant and certain antidepressants. These medications are more slowly than stimulants and may be more effective for those who aren't able to take stimulants due to medical conditions or adverse drug adverse effects.
Individual talk therapy can teach people suffering from ADHD how to better manage their emotions as well as improve their relationship skills. It can also help people learn to plan, organize and focus. Family therapy and couples therapy in addition to individual counseling, can be beneficial. Marital and family counseling 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 may include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps individuals recognize and alter negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach practical methods to manage life's stresses, such as budgeting and managing money, organizational skills, dietary changes and exercise. Other methods may include mindfulness meditation to help promote mental calmness and yoga techniques to develop balance and self-awareness, or relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
Incorporating therapy into the medication regimen can be extremely beneficial, especially 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 certain instances, it is crucial to exclude other conditions that may have similar symptoms similar to ADHD such as mood disorders or mental health issues, and physical ailments or injuries, drug abuse, or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can be a daunting task. It is crucial to find an intervention plan that is multi-modal and includes an array of medications training for skills, counseling.
Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and help you learn how to deal with the negative consequences of ADHD in your daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance, can help you recognize the negative thoughts and emotions. This will help you improve your ability manage your behavior.
A therapist can teach you how to deal with issues such as time management, organization and controlling your impulses. They can also help you deal with emotional issues that often accompany ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. Finding a therapist who can understand how ADHD affects your life can help you and your family members realize that your issues aren't because of "laziness" or lack of effort.
When choosing a therapist, ensure that they are experienced in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your doctor if he or has a specialization in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. You can also check the directory of the American Psychological Association. Psychotherapy can be expensive, so make sure your health insurance policy covers it.
It is helpful to find a therapist who has experience in different types of therapy. For instance natural lifemanship employs horses to teach people to manage their energy and detect non-verbal signals. 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 a clinical trial that is an investigational study. These studies may provide access to new treatments and aid researchers to learn more about how to prevent or treat ADHD. Ask your doctor if a clinical study is the right choice for you.
It's also essential to rule out any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as 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 focus and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adults with ADHD should include medication, therapy and life skills training and counseling. Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies as children, however it may take longer for them to be successful because their bodies and minds have developed. Additionally, psychiatric issues that mimic ADHD symptoms may need to be treated too.
For the majority of people suffering from ADHD stimulants are the medication of choice. These medications increase attention and decrease the impulsiveness. However, they can also cause side effects, including insomnia and fatigue which require attention. They also can interact with certain medications as well as food items. The best results are when stimulants begin at a lower dose and gradually increased over a period of 7 days until you reach a dose that manages your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse side effects.
Psychotherapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you develop strategies to help you deal with your ADHD symptoms. CBT can, for instance, can help you to change your negative thinking patterns that lead to negative behavior, such as procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break down large tasks into smaller ones and establish a more organized routine. Family and marriage counseling can help you and your loved one to understand each other and help them.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms, as well as overall health. Eat a balanced diet, that includes fish, vitamins such as zinc, iron and magnesium, as well as complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to eat regularly, about three meals per day, and avoid taking a break from meals or eating sweet snacks. A balanced diet will keep you energized all day long and improve your mood.
Some people suffering from ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A sleepless night can make symptoms worse the next day. You can improve your sleep quality by establishing a regular bedtime and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to bed.
Participating in a study could help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials and if you qualify for.