What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD will benefit from combination treatment. These treatments are typically multi-modal, encompassing treatment, medication and lifestyle changes.
The most common medication for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing side effects can be a trial and error process.
Atomoxetine is a FDA-approved non-stimulant that does not have the potential for abuse of stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated first with medication. Research has shown that certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and assist adults to perform better at school, work, or home. The use of medication alone isn't enough to solve all ADHD issues, and it can cause side consequences. Medication is most effective when it is part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes therapy and lifestyle changes.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist adults suffering from ADHD develop new strategies to manage behavior. It can assist families and adults learn to manage living with someone with ADHD. Therapy for families and marriage can help people cope with the issues that impulsive or inattention-seeking behaviors cause in relationships and families.
Stimulant drugs, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for adults with ADHD. They are thought to balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Patients with medical problems or those who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should speak with their physician before taking any stimulants. The effects of stimulants can be a problem for people with health issues, like high blood pressure and heart disease. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications.
Nonstimulant medicines are often used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine is also referred to as Strattera is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine-reuptake that doesn't have the same risk of abuse as stimulants. It has a slower onset than stimulants and can trigger side effects such as stomach upset or difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of adults with ADHD find it to be 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 certain people suffering from ADHD. These drugs are used to treat other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, but they can help improve the ability to focus and control impulses in adults who suffer from ADHD.
A good night's sleep and a regular routine can help improve ADHD symptoms. Avoiding sugary and caffeine-rich foods can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD are not treated for their disorder. They may not be aware that they have it or their health care providers don't recognize it. They have trouble managing everyday tasks such as getting up, going to work on time, and being accountable in their relationships as well as at work.
ADHD is treatable to aid people in achieving success in school, at work and in their personal life. Treatments can include medication, psychotherapy (counseling) and lifestyle modifications. Combining these approaches is often the best approach.
The most commonly used medication to treat adult adhd is stimulants. They regulate and enhance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters that are thought to be responsible for ADHD symptoms. ADHD is also treated with other medications, such as atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and certain antidepressants. These drugs are not as potent as stimulants, but can be more effective in treating ADHD in those who are unable to use stimulants due to medical conditions or adverse drug effects.
Individual therapy can teach people suffering from ADHD how to manage their emotions and improve their interpersonal skills. It can also teach people to plan, organize and focus. Couples and family therapy along with individual counseling can be helpful. Counseling for families and marriage can help partners and families recognize the particular challenges of living with a person who suffers from ADHD and develop coping strategies that improve communication and problem-solving.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another type of treatment for ADHD. This therapy helps people identify and modify negative thinking patterns. It also teaches you strategies for dealing with life's stress like budgeting and financial management, organizational skills, diet changes and exercises. Other treatments may employ mindfulness meditation to help promote mental peace, yoga techniques to cultivate self-awareness and balance, or relaxation exercises such as deep breathing.
Adding therapy to the medication regimen can be highly beneficial, especially for adults. Not all people with ADHD will benefit from talking therapy. A health care provider must assess each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment option. In certain instances it is crucial to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as mood disorders or other mental health issues and physical illness or injury as well as substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone suffering from ADHD is a difficult task. It's important to seek an intervention plan that is multi-modal and includes the use of medication training for skills, counseling.
In addition to helping you manage your symptoms therapy can also teach you strategies to manage the negative effects of ADHD on your daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance, can help you recognize negative emotions and patterns of thinking. In turn, this will improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A therapist can also provide you with practical strategies to manage issues like time management, organization, and control of your impulses. They can help you overcome emotional issues that are commonly associated with ADHD, such anxiety or depression. Having a therapist who understands the way ADHD affects your life can help you and your loved ones see that your problems aren't necessarily caused by "laziness" or lack of effort.
Find a therapist who is experienced in treating adult ADHD. Ask your physician if he or has a specialization in psychotherapy for adult ADHD. You can also look up the directory of the American Psychological Association. Psychotherapy is expensive, so make sure your health insurance will cover it.
It is also beneficial to locate a therapist who has experience with various types of therapy, such as natural lifemanship, which uses horses as partners to help individuals to control their body energy and to pick up nonverbal cues. Another option is mindfulness meditation which can help reduce stress and improve their attention control.
You may also be interested in joining an clinical trial which is an investigational study. These studies can provide access to new treatments, and researchers can discover more about how ADHD is treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if are a suitable candidate for a clinical trial.
It's also crucial to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep apnea and depression, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning. It's also important to mention any current or past drug use, as this could affect your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adults with ADHD should include therapy, medication as well as life skills training and counseling. The same treatments that work for kids will typically work for adults, but they might take longer to begin working because their bodies and brains have grown. Additionally, psychiatric issues that mimic ADHD symptoms could need to be treated also.
Most people with ADHD choose stimulants as their drug of choice. They improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. However, they can cause adverse effects, including insomnia and fatigue which require attention. They can also interact with certain medications as well as food items. The best results are when stimulants start at a low dose and gradually increased over 7 days until you reach a dose that helps manage your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse effects.
You can develop the skills needed to manage ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is one example. It can help you change your distorted thinking that leads to negative behavior, such as procrastination. CBT can assist you in breaking down large tasks and help you develop an organized routine. Marriage and family counseling helps you and your loved ones to be able to communicate and help them.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms, as well as your overall health. Try to eat a balanced diet that includes fish, the nutrients zinc as well as magnesium, iron and complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to eat regularly, about three times a day, and avoid skipping meals or snacking on sugary foods. Eating a well-balanced diet will give you constant energy throughout the day and improve your concentration and mood.
untreated adhd in adults depression with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A poor night's sleep can worsen symptoms the next day. Establish a regular time for bed, and get up at the same time every day. Avoid drinking caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before the bed.
Participating in a study could help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Consult your physician to determine if you are eligible for clinical trials.