What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people with ADHD will benefit from combination treatment. These treatments are usually multimodal and can include medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the appropriate dosage and balancing the side effects can be a trial-and-error process.
Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant FDA approved, does not have the danger of abuse that is associated with stimulants. It can be consumed orally.
Medication
Adults with ADHD tend to be treated first by medication. Certain medications can improve symptoms and allow adults to be more productive at work, school or at home. However, medication alone may not be able to solve all ADHD-related issues in a person's life, and can cause some side negative effects. Medication is most effective when it is part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes therapy and lifestyle changes.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD new strategies to manage their behavior. effects of untreated adhd in adults can aid families and adults learn how to cope with living with someone who has ADHD. Marriage and family therapy can help people deal with the issues that impulsive and inattentive behaviors create in relationships and families.
Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are believed to regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from medical conditions or who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should consult their physician. These stimulants can interact with common health issues, like high blood pressure and heart disease. Tell your doctor if taking any other medications.
Adult ADHD is often treated with nonstimulant medication. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that does not have the abuse potential of stimulants. It has a slower onset than stimulants, and it can trigger side effects like stomach upset or difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of people with ADHD find it to be effective. It is not recommended for people suffering from Tourette's syndrome or bipolar disorder, depression, or both.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from other medication that can help, such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. These medications are also used to treat anxiety and depression. However, they may enhance the ability to focus and control impulses of some adults with ADHD.
A good night's sleep and adhering to an established schedule can help increase the severity of ADHD symptoms. Avoiding coffee and sweet foods can also make ADHD symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD are not 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 like getting up, getting to work on time, and being accountable in relationships and at their jobs.
Effective treatment for ADHD can make it easier for people who suffer from the condition to be successful in work, school and family life. Treatments include medication, counseling and lifestyle changes. Combining these methods is typically the best.
The most frequently used medication for adult adhd is stimulants. They regulate and enhance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which are believed to be the cause of ADHD symptoms. Other medications, including the nonstimulant atomoxetine, and some antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. 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 negative effects.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve relationship skills. It can also help people learn to organize, plan and stay focused. In addition to individual counseling as well as family therapy, couples and group therapy can be beneficial. Family and marriage counseling can help partners and families better understand the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. They can also devise strategies to cope that enhance communication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a different type of treatment for ADHD. This therapy helps people identify and modify negative thinking patterns. It also teaches you practical strategies to deal the stress of life like budgeting and financial management, eating habits, organizational skills and exercise. Other treatments may employ meditation to promote mental calmness and yoga practices to improve self-awareness and balance as well as physical balance.
It is beneficial to add therapy to an existing medication regimen, especially for adults. However, not all people suffers from ADHD can benefit from just talk therapy, and a health care doctor should evaluate each patient to see what treatments are most effective. In some instances, it's essential to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD, such a mental health disorder or mood issues as well as physical illnesses or injuries, drug abuse, or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone with ADHD is a difficult task. It is essential to find an intervention plan that is multi-modal and includes a combination of medication, skills training, and counseling.
In addition to helping manage your symptoms Therapy can also teach you strategies to manage the negative effects of ADHD on your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns and emotions. This can aid you in improving your ability to control your behavior.
A therapist can teach you how to manage issues like managing time, organizing and impulse control. They can help you overcome emotional difficulties that are often associated with ADHD, such depression or anxiety. Finding a therapist who can understand how ADHD affects your life can help you and your loved ones see that your issues aren't because of "laziness" or a lack of effort.
Look for a therapist who has experience treating adult ADHD. Ask your physician if he or is a specialist in psychotherapy for adults with ADHD. You can also check the directory of the American Psychological Association. Psychotherapy can be costly, so make sure your health insurance policy covers it.
It is helpful to find a therapist with experience in different types of therapy. For example, natural lifemanship uses horses to help people learn to manage their energy levels and recognize non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness mediation which can help reduce stress and improves attention regulation.
You might also be interested in joining a clinical trial, which is a research study. These studies may 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 any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD and include sleep apnea and depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It is also important to mention any substance abuse in the past or currently since it can impact your ability to pay attention and concentrate.
Education
A good treatment plan for adult ADHD involves medication and therapy, including life skills training and counseling. The same methods that work for children will typically be effective for adults, however they might take longer to take effect because their bodies and brains have grown. It may also be necessary to treat psychiatric disorders that mimic ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people with ADHD choose stimulants as their preferred drug. They can increase attention and decrease impulsivity. They can cause side effects such as fatigue or sleep problems that need to addressed. They can also interact with some medications and food items. Start with a low dose, and increase it over a period of 7 days until you are able to manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing too many adverse effects.
You can develop the skills needed to manage ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, for example cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT can, for instance, can help you overcome your negative thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors like procrastination. CBT can also help you understand how to break down big tasks into smaller ones and develop a more structured routine. Marital and family counseling can help you and your loved ones understand and support each other.
A healthy diet will improve your ADHD symptoms and your overall health. Eat a balanced diet, that includes fish, vitamins such as zinc, iron and magnesium, as well as complex carbohydrates. Eating three meals daily is essential. Avoid skipping meals and eating sweet snacks. Eating a well-balanced diet will ensure you have constant energy throughout the day, and increase your mood and ability to concentrate.
Some people with ADHD struggle to sleep enough. A bad night's sleep can cause symptoms to worsen the next day. Establish a regular time for bed, and rise at the same time every day. Avoid drinking caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before going to bed.
Participating in a clinical study can help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Ask your doctor if qualify for clinical trials.