What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD will benefit from combination treatment. The treatment options are typically multimodal, including therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
The most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the appropriate dosage and balancing the side effects can be a tinkering procedure.
Atomoxetine is an FDA-approved non-stimulant that does not have the potential for abuse of stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
Medications are generally the first option for adults with ADHD. Research has shown that certain medications improve symptoms and assist adults to perform better at work, school or home. However, a single medication may not reduce all ADHD-related problems in a person's life and can sometimes cause side effects. The most effective medication is when it is part of a complete treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and therapy.
Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can teach people who suffer from ADHD new techniques to manage their behavior. It can also help adults and their family members to deal with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. Marriage and family therapy helps people to deal with the challenges that inattention, impulsive behavior causes in families and relationships.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant drugs like amphetamines or methylphenidate. They are believed to balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Patients with medical problems or a history of drug and alcohol use should talk about these issues with their physician before taking any stimulants. Stimulants may interact with common health conditions, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication.
Nonstimulant drugs are often used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine is also known 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 it can cause side effects like stomach upset and difficulty sleeping. However, most people with ADHD find it to be effective. It is not recommended for people with depression, bipolar disorder or Tourette's syndrome.
Other medications, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers, can be beneficial to those suffering from ADHD. These medications are used to treat other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, however they can also improve concentration and control of impulses in some adults with ADHD.
A good night's sleep and adhering to an established schedule can help improve ADHD symptoms. Avoiding sugary and caffeine-rich foods can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD do not get treated for their condition. They may not even realize they have it, or their health care providers don't recognize it. They may have trouble completing everyday tasks like getting up, going to work on time, and being accountable at work and in their relationships.
ADHD can be effectively treated to help people succeed in school, at work and in their family life. Treatments may include medication, psychotherapy (counseling) and lifestyle modifications. Combining these methods is usually best.
The most common medication used to treat adult adhd is stimulants. They increase and balance levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which are believed to cause the symptoms of ADHD. Other medications, like the non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. These medications work more slowly than stimulants and may be more effective for people who have difficulty taking stimulants because of other medical issues or drug-related side negative effects.
Individual talk therapy can teach people suffering from ADHD how to manage their emotions and improve their relationship skills. It can teach strategies to organize and concentrate, as well as plan. In addition to individual counseling therapy, couples and family therapy can be helpful. Marital and family counseling can help families and couples to understand the particular difficulties of living with someone with ADHD and develop coping strategies that improve communication and problem-solving.
Other types of treatment for ADHD could include cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists people recognize and alter negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach practical strategies for managing life's stresses, such as budgeting and managing money, organizational skills, dietary changes and exercises. Other treatments may employ mindfulness meditation to promote mental peace, yoga techniques to cultivate self-awareness and balance, or relaxation exercises such as deep breathing.
It is beneficial to add therapy to a medication regime, especially for adults. Not all people with ADHD can benefit from talk therapy. A health care provider must evaluate each individual to determine the most effective treatment option. In some cases it is important to exclude other conditions that may have similar symptoms similar to ADHD, such a mental health or mood disorder issues, and physical ailments or injuries, addiction to drugs or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone with ADHD can be a daunting task. Full Write-up to seek 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 teach you how to cope with the negative effects of ADHD in your daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example can help you identify the negative thoughts and emotions. This will help you improve your ability control your behavior.
A therapist can show you how to deal with issues such as time management, organizing and impulse control. They can also assist you to deal with emotional issues that often accompany ADHD like anxiety or depression. A professional who is knowledgeable about the effects of ADHD on your life can assist you and your loved ones and you realize that your issues may not be due to "laziness" or a lack of effort.
When choosing a therapist, seek out a therapist who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your doctor if he or she specializes in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. You may also consult the directory of the American Psychological Association. Psychotherapy can be costly, so make sure your health insurance covers it.
It's beneficial to find a therapist who has experience in a variety of therapy. For example, natural lifemanship uses horses to help people learn to regulate their energy and recognize nonverbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation, which helps people reduce stress and improve attention regulation.
You may be interested in taking part in a clinical research study, which is a type research study. These studies could provide access to new treatments and help researchers gain knowledge about ways to treat or prevent ADHD. Consult your physician to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a clinical study.
You should also make sure you are free of any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) and thyroid disorders, depression and lead poisoning. You should also mention any substance abuse issues in the past or in the present, as it can affect your ability to focus and concentrate.
Education
Treatment for adults with ADHD should consist of therapy, medication and life skills training and counseling. The same methods that work for children generally be effective for adults, however they may take longer to be effective because their bodies and brains have matured. Additionally, psychiatric issues that mimic ADHD symptoms may require treatment too.
The majority of people with ADHD use stimulants as their preferred drug. They enhance attention and reduce the impulsiveness. However, they can cause adverse effects, such as fatigue and sleep problems, which need to be addressed. They can also interact with certain foods and medications. Start with a lower dose and gradually increase it over a period of 7 days to a level where you can manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing too many side effects.
Psychotherapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you techniques to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. For example, CBT can encourage you to alter your thoughts that lead to negative behaviors, such as procrastination. CBT can help you break down large tasks and create a more organized routine. Family and marriage counseling can aid you and your loved ones understand and help each other.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. Try eating a balanced diet that includes fish, the minerals zinc, iron and magnesium, and complex carbohydrates. Aiming to eat three meals per day is important. Avoid cutting out meals or eating sugary snacks. A healthy diet will give you energy throughout the day and boost your mood.
Some people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A bad night of sleep can cause more symptoms the following day. Establish a regular time for bed, and rise at the same time every day. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol before going to bed.
Participating in a clinical trial can help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Consult your physician to determine if you are eligible for clinical trials.