What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD will benefit from a combination treatment. The treatment options are typically multi-modal, encompassing treatment, medication and lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD. Finding the right dosage and balancing side effects can be a challenge.
Atomoxetine, an unstimulant FDA approved, does not have the danger of abuse that is that is associated with stimulants. It can be taken orally.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD tend to be treated with medication first. Certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and allow adults to be more productive at work, school or at home. However, a single medication may not solve all the ADHD-related issues in a person's daily life and can cause some side effects. The most effective treatment is when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults with ADHD develop new skills to manage behavior. It can also assist adults and their family members to deal with the difficulties of living with someone who has ADHD. Marriage and family therapy can help people deal with the issues that impulsive and inattention-seeking behaviors cause in families and relationships.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant drugs like amphetamines and methylphenidate. They appear to balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Before taking stimulants, people with medical conditions or who have a history of substance or alcohol abuse should consult their doctor. The effects of stimulants can be a factor in common health issues, such as heart disease and high blood pressure, which is why it's important to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take.
Nonstimulant medicines are often used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine is also referred to as Strattera, is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor that does not have the same abuse potential as stimulants. It is slower acting than stimulants and can cause side effects such as stomach upset or trouble sleeping. However, the majority of adults with ADHD find it to be effective. It is not recommended for people suffering from Tourette's syndrome or bipolar disorder, depression, or both.
Some people who suffer from ADHD might benefit from other medications, including mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These drugs are also used to treat anxiety and depression. However, they can help improve the ability to focus and control impulses of some adults with ADHD.
A good night's sleep and an established routine can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Avoiding caffeine and sugary food can also make ADHD symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD aren't being treated for their condition. They may not realize they have it, or their health care providers do not recognize it. They struggle with daily tasks like getting up, going to work on time and being accountable in their relationships and at their jobs.
Effective treatment for ADHD can aid those who suffer from the condition to be successful at work, school and in family life. Treatments may include psychotherapy, medication (counseling) and lifestyle modifications. A combination of these approaches is usually best.
The most commonly used medication to treat adult adhd is stimulants. They improve and balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which are believed to cause the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is also treated with other medications, including Atomoxetine which is a nonstimulant and certain antidepressants. These medications are less potent than stimulants, however they are more efficient in treating ADHD for people who cannot take stimulants due to medical conditions or drug side-effects.
Individual talk therapy can teach those with ADHD how to manage their emotions and improve their relationship skills. It can teach strategies for organizing and focus, as well as plan. In addition to individual counseling as well as family therapy, couples and group therapy can be beneficial. Counseling for families and marriage can assist families and partners to understand the unique difficulties of living with a person with ADHD and develop coping skills that help improve communication and problem-solving.
Other forms of treatment for ADHD can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people identify and change negative patterns of thinking. It also teaches you practical strategies to deal with stress in your life including budgeting, financial management as well as eating habits, organizational skills and exercises. Other treatments may employ meditation to help promote calm and yoga techniques to cultivate balance, self-awareness, and physical balance.
It is beneficial to include therapy into a medication regime, especially for adults. Not everyone with ADHD can benefit from talk therapy. A healthcare professional must examine each patient to determine the most effective treatment option. In certain instances, it is essential to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD such as mental health or mood disorder issues, as well as physical illnesses or injuries, drug abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Getting assistance for ADHD can be overwhelming. It's important to seek an intervention plan that is multimodal and includes the use of medication as well as skills training and counseling.
In addition to helping you manage your symptoms, therapy can also teach you ways to manage the negative effects of ADHD on your daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example can help you identify the negative thoughts and emotions. This, in turn, can improve your ability to manage your behaviour.
A therapist can show you how to deal with issues such as time management, organizing and impulse control. They can help you overcome emotional issues that are commonly associated with ADHD such as anxiety or depression. A therapist who is aware of how ADHD affects your life can help you and loved ones realize that your issues aren't due to "laziness" or a lack of effort.
Find a therapist that has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your doctor if he or is a specialist in psychotherapy for adults suffering from 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's also beneficial to locate a therapist who is familiar with various forms of therapy, including natural lifemanship, which employs horses as a partner to teach individuals to control their body's energy and pick up nonverbal cues. Another option is mindfulness mediation which can help reduce stress and improves the ability to regulate attention.
You might be interested in joining an clinical trial which is a research study. These studies may offer access to new treatments, and researchers can discover more about how ADHD can be treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if you are a suitable candidate for a clinical trial.
It is also important to make sure you are free of any other medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) and depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It's also important to mention any current or past alcohol or drug abuse, since it can affect your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
A great treatment plan for adult ADHD includes therapy and medication which includes life skills training and counseling. treatment for adhd in adults are able to benefit from the same treatment as children, however it could take longer for them to work because their bodies and minds have developed. Additionally, psychiatric disorders that mimic ADHD symptoms might need to be treated as well.
For most people with ADHD, stimulants are the drugs of choice. These help increase attention and decrease impulsivity. However, they can cause adverse effects, including fatigue and sleep problems, which require attention. They also can interact with certain medications as well as foods. They are most effective when they start at a low dosage and gradually increased over a period of 7 days until you reach a dosage that helps manage your ADHD symptoms without causing too many adverse side effects.
You can acquire the skills necessary to manage ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT can, for instance, can help you to change your thinking patterns that lead to negative behavior, such as procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break large tasks into smaller ones and establish a more structured routine. Family and marital counseling can help you and your loved ones to understand and support one another.
A healthy diet will improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. A balanced diet which includes fish, nutrients like zinc, iron, and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. It is also important to eat regularly, approximately three meals a day, and avoid having a late lunch or eating sugary snacks. A healthy diet will boost your energy all day long and improve your mood.
Some people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A sleepless night can cause more symptoms the following day. Establish a regular time for bed, and rise at the same time each day. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to bed.
You may be able to find better treatments for your ADHD by taking part in a clinical trial. Talk to your doctor about clinical trials and whether you are a candidate.