What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a mixture of treatments. These treatments are usually multimodal and may include medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. Finding the right dosage and balancing side effects isn't an easy task.
Atomoxetine, an unstimulant FDA approved does not carry the danger of abuse that is that can be associated with stimulants. It can be taken via mouth.
Medication
Medications are generally the first option for adults with ADHD. Research has proven that certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and can assist adults to perform better at school, work, or at home. Medication alone may not solve all ADHD problems and can have side consequences. The most effective medication is when it is part of a complete treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults with ADHD learn new skills to manage behavior. It can aid families and adults learn how to cope with having a child with ADHD. Therapy for families and marriage helps people deal with the issues that impulsive, inattentive behavior creates in relationships and families.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They appear to balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Patients with medical issues 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, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication.
Nonstimulant medications are sometimes used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine-reuptake that does not have the same potential for abuse as stimulants. It has a slower onset than stimulants and can cause side effects such as stomach upset and difficulty sleeping. However, most adults with ADHD are able to use it effectively. It is not recommended to those suffering from Tourette's Syndrome, depression or bipolar disorder.
Other medications, like mood stabilizers and antidepressants, are also beneficial for certain people suffering from ADHD. These medications are also used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they can improve the attention and impulse control of some adults suffering from 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 disorder. It's possible that they don't realize they have it, or their doctors don't recognize it. They have trouble managing daily tasks like getting up, going to work on time, and being accountable in their relationships as well as at work.
ADHD can be treated effectively to aid people in achieving success in school, at work and in their personal life. Treatments may include psychotherapy, medication (counseling) and lifestyle modifications. Combining these methods is usually best.
The most commonly used medication to treat adult adhd is stimulants. They boost and balance the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that are believed to cause the symptoms of ADHD. Other medications, including the non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These medications are less potent than stimulants, however they are more efficient in treating ADHD in those who are unable to use stimulants due to medical conditions or adverse drug effects.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD how to manage their emotions and improve their relationship skills. It can also help people learn to organize, plan and focus. Family therapy and couples therapy in addition to individual counseling, can be beneficial. Family and marital counseling can help partners and families to understand the particular challenges of living with someone with ADHD and develop coping skills that help improve communication and problem-solving.
Other types of treatment for ADHD could include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals recognize and modify negative patterns of thinking. It also teaches practical methods to manage life's stresses, such as budgeting and managing money and organizational skills, as well as dietary changes and exercise. Other treatments may employ mindfulness meditation to increase mindfulness, yoga techniques to cultivate self-awareness and balance, or relaxation exercises like deep breathing.
It is beneficial to add therapy to the medication regimen, particularly for adults. Not everyone with ADHD can benefit from talk therapy. A doctor must assess each patient to determine the best treatment option. In some cases, it is important to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like mood disorders or other mental health issues in addition to physical injury or illness, substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone suffering from ADHD is a difficult task. It is essential to find an effective treatment plan that includes medication, skill training, and counseling.
In addition to helping you manage your symptoms therapy can also teach you ways to cope with the negative impact of ADHD on 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 teach you how to manage issues like time management, organizing and impulse control. They can assist you in overcoming emotional problems that are typically associated with ADHD such as depression or anxiety. Finding a therapist who can understand 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.
When selecting a therapist, look for someone who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your doctor if he or she specializes in psychotherapy for adults with ADHD. You can also check the directory of the American Psychological Association. Because psychotherapy is expensive, make sure that your health insurance covers the cost.
It's helpful to find a therapist who has experience in a variety of therapy. For example natural lifemanship employs horses to teach people how to manage their energy levels and recognize non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation, which helps people reduce stress and improve their attention control.
You might also be interested in participating in an clinical trial which is a research study. These studies may offer access to the latest treatments, and researchers can learn more about how ADHD is treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if a study in clinical research is the right choice for you.
It is also important to make sure you are free of any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) as well as thyroid disorders, depression, and lead poisoning. You should also disclose any substance abuse issues in the past or in the present since it can impact your ability to concentrate and focus.
Education
A successful treatment plan for adults with ADHD involves medication and therapy that includes life skills education and counseling. The same methods that work for children will generally work for adults, but they might take longer to take effect because their brains and bodies have grown. It may also be necessary to treat psychiatric disorders which mimic ADHD symptoms.
Most people with ADHD opt for stimulants as their primary drug of choice. adult adhd diagnostic assessment and treatment can increase attention and decrease impulsivity. However, they can also cause side effects, including insomnia and fatigue which require attention. They also can interact with some medications and food items. The best results are when stimulants begin at a lower dose, and then gradually increased over the course of 7 days until you reach a level that helps manage your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse side effects.
You can acquire the skills necessary to manage ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, for example cognitive behavioral therapy. For instance, CBT can encourage you to alter your thoughts 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. Counseling for families and marriage helps you and your loved ones to get to know each other better and help them.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms and your overall health. Try to eat healthy, balanced meals that include fish, the vitamins zinc as well as magnesium, iron and complex carbohydrates. Eating three meals daily is essential. Avoid taking a break from meals and eating sugary snacks. A healthy diet will boost your energy all day long and improve your mood.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to sleep enough. A bad night of sleep can worsen symptoms the next day. You can improve your sleep by setting a regular time for bed and waking up at the same time every day even on weekends. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to sleep.
You may be able to discover better solutions for your ADHD by participating in a clinical trial. Consult your physician to determine if you have the ability to participate in clinical trials.