What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD will benefit from combination treatment. The treatments typically are multimodal and may include medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Finding the appropriate dosage and balancing side effects can be a trial and error process.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant approved by FDA that does not have the potential for abuse of stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with medication first. Research has shown that certain medications help with symptoms and can help adults function better at school, work or at home. However, a single medication may not solve all the ADHD-related issues in a person's life, and can sometimes cause side effects. The most effective treatment is when it is part of a complete treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle modifications and treatment.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach adults with ADHD new strategies to manage their behavior. It can help adults and their families learn how to cope with living with someone who has ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people cope with the issues that impulsive or inattentive behaviors create in relationships and families.
Stimulant medicines, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed medications for adult ADHD. They are thought to balance 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 use should consult their doctor. Stimulants may interact with common health conditions, including 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, also known as Strattera is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine-reuptake that doesn't have the same abuse potential as stimulants. It has a slower effect than stimulants, and can cause side effects such as stomach upset or trouble sleeping. However, most people with ADHD find it effective. It is not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or Tourette's syndrome.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from other medications, including mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These medications are also used to treat anxiety and depression. However, they can improve the ability to focus and control impulses of some adults suffering from ADHD.
A good night's sleep and an established routine can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Avoiding sugary and caffeine-rich foods can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD are not treated for their condition. They may not even realize they have it, or their health care providers do not recognize it. They may have trouble completing daily tasks like getting up, making it to work on time, and being responsible at work and in relationships.
ADHD can be treated effectively to help people achieve success in school, at work and in their personal life. Treatment options include medication, psychotherapy (counseling) and lifestyle changes. Combining these methods is usually the best approach.
Stimulants are among the most popular medication used to treat adult adhd. They improve and balance the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are thought to cause the symptoms of ADHD. Other medications, including the nonstimulant atomoxetine, and some antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are less potent than stimulants, but can be more effective in treating ADHD for people who cannot take stimulants due to medical conditions or drug side-effects.
Individual therapy for talk therapy can help those with ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve their relationship 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 beneficial. Counseling for families and marriage can help partners and families recognize the unique challenges of living with someone with ADHD and develop coping strategies that enhance communication and problem-solving.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another kind of treatment for ADHD. This therapy helps people identify and change negative thinking patterns. It can also teach practical strategies for managing stress in life, like money management and budgeting as well as organizational skills, diet changes and exercise. Other methods may include mindfulness meditation to promote mental peace and yoga techniques to improve self-awareness and balance, or relaxation exercises like deep breathing.
The addition of therapy to an existing medication regimen could be highly beneficial, especially for adults. Not everyone suffering from ADHD can benefit from talk therapy. A healthcare professional must examine each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment option. In some instances, it is important to exclude other conditions that could cause similar symptoms of ADHD, such as mood disorders or other mental health issues, as well as physical illness or injury as well as substance abuse or nutritional deficiency.
Counseling
Finding help for ADHD isn't easy. adhd treatment for adults online is crucial to choose an effective treatment plan that includes training, medication, and counseling.
In addition to helping you manage your symptoms, therapy can also teach you ways to deal with the negative impact of ADHD on your life. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in recognizing negative patterns of thinking and emotions. This will help you to improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A therapist can help you learn how to manage issues such as time management, organizing and impulse control. They can also help you deal with emotional issues that can be a result of ADHD such as anxiety or depression. A professional who is knowledgeable about the impact of ADHD on your life can support your loved ones and you realize that your issues may not be due to "laziness" or lack of effort.
Find a therapist who is experienced in treating adult ADHD. Ask your doctor if he or is a specialist in psychotherapy for adult ADHD. You may also consult the directory of the American Psychological Association. Since psychotherapy can be expensive and time-consuming, ensure that your health insurance covers the cost.
It is helpful to find a therapist with experience in a variety of therapy. For example natural lifemanship employs horses to help people learn to manage their energy levels and detect nonverbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation which can help reduce stress and improve control of attention.
You may be interested in participating in a clinical study, which is a type of research study. These studies can offer access to new treatments and help researchers gain knowledge about ways to prevent or treat ADHD. Ask your doctor if a study in clinical research is right for you.
It's also important to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as sleep apnea, depression, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning. It's also important to mention any recent or ongoing drug use, as this could affect your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adults with ADHD should consist of therapy, medication, life skills training, and counseling. Adults can benefit from the same treatment as children, however it might take longer for them to achieve their goals because their bodies and minds have developed. It may also be necessary to treat psychiatric disorders which mimic ADHD symptoms.
For most people with ADHD stimulants are the drug of choice. These help improve attention and reduce impulsivity. However, they can cause adverse effects, like fatigue and sleep problems, which need to be addressed. Additionally, they may interact with certain medications and foods. Start with a low dose, and increase it over 7 days until you can manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing too many adverse effects.
You can develop the skills needed to deal with ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is one example. It can help you to change your negative thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors like procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break down big tasks into smaller ones and establish a more organized routine. Family and marital counseling can assist you and your loved ones get to know and support each other.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. Make sure you eat an energizing diet that contains fish, the nutrients zinc iron, magnesium and iron, and complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to eat regularly, at least three meals per day, and avoid skipping meals or eating sugary snacks. A healthy diet will boost your energy throughout the day and boost your mood.
Some people suffering from ADHD struggle to sleep enough. A bad night of sleep can cause more symptoms the following day. You can improve your sleeping quality by setting a regular time for bed and waking up at the same time every day even on weekends. Avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to sleep.
Participating in a clinical study could help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials and if you are a candidate.