What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a mix of treatments. Those treatments are typically multimodal and may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Stimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Finding the right dosage and balancing side-effects isn't an easy task.
Atomoxetine, an anti-stimulant FDA approved has no danger of abuse that is that is associated with stimulants. It can be taken by mouth.
Medication
The first option for adults with ADHD. Research has proven that certain medications help with symptoms and assist adults to perform better at work, school or at home. The use of medication alone isn't enough to solve all ADHD problems and can have negative side consequences. The most effective medication is when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy as well as lifestyle changes.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist adults suffering from ADHD learn new skills to manage their behavior. It can assist families and adults learn how to deal with living with someone who has ADHD. Marriage and family therapy can assist people in overcoming the issues that impulsive or inattentive behaviors create in families and relationships.
Stimulant drugs, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD. They seem to balance the levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. People with medical problems or a history of drug and alcohol abuse should discuss these issues with their doctor prior to taking any stimulants. These stimulants can interact with common health issues, like high blood pressure and heart disease. Tell your doctor if taking any other medications.
Nonstimulant medications are sometimes used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that does not have the abuse potential of stimulants. It is slower acting than stimulants and can cause side effects such as stomach upset or trouble sleeping. However, most adults with ADHD are able to use it effectively. It is not recommended to those suffering from Tourette's Syndrome as well as bipolar disorder or depression.
Certain people suffering from ADHD might also benefit from other medication such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These drugs are used to treat other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, but they can improve the ability to focus and control impulses in people who suffer from ADHD.
Sleeping enough and adhering to an established schedule can help improve ADHD symptoms. Avoiding sugary and caffeine-rich foods can also make ADHD symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD do not get treated for their condition. It's possible that they don't realize they have it or their doctors don't recognize it. They have difficulty managing everyday tasks like getting up, making it to the office on time, and remaining responsible at work and in their relationships.
ADHD is treatable to aid people in achieving success at school, work and in their personal life. Treatment options include medication, psychotherapy (counseling) and lifestyle changes. Combining these methods is often the best choice.
Stimulants are the most commonly used medication used to treat adult adhd. They increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which are believed to cause the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is also treated with other medications, such as Atomoxetine which is a nonstimulant and certain antidepressants. These medications work slower than stimulants and can be more effective for those who aren't able to take stimulants because of other medical conditions or drug side effects.
Individual therapy can teach people with ADHD how to better 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 help partners and families recognize the particular challenges of living with someone who has ADHD and develop coping strategies that help improve communication and problem-solving.
Other forms of treatment for ADHD can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists people recognize and alter negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach practical strategies to manage life's stresses, such as budgeting and managing money, organizational skills, dietary changes and exercises. Other therapies may use mindfulness meditation to help promote mental calmness, yoga techniques to cultivate balance and self-awareness, or relaxation exercises such as deep breathing.
It can be beneficial to include therapy into a medication regime, especially for adults. However, not everyone suffers from ADHD can benefit from talk therapy alone and a health care doctor should evaluate each patient to see what treatment options are most efficient. In Full Write-up is crucial to exclude other conditions that may have similar symptoms to ADHD like mental health or mood disorder issues as well as physical illnesses or injuries, substance abuse, or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Getting help for ADHD can be overwhelming. It is crucial to find an approach that is multi-modal and includes the use of medication, skills training, and counseling.
In addition to helping 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 recognize the negative thoughts and emotions. This, in turn, can improve your ability to manage your behaviour.
A therapist can show you how to manage issues like time management, organizing, and impulse control. They can assist you in overcoming emotional issues that are commonly associated with ADHD such as depression or anxiety. A therapist who is aware of the way ADHD affects your life can help you and loved ones see that your issues aren't due to "laziness" or a lack of effort.
Find a therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your doctor if he/she she specializes in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. You can also look up the directory of the American Psychological Association. As psychotherapy can be costly so make sure your health insurance covers the cost.
It's also beneficial to find a therapist who is experienced with different types of therapy, including natural lifemanship that uses horses as partners to help individuals to regulate their body's energy levels and detect non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation which helps people reduce stress and improve their attention control.
You might be interested in joining a clinical trial which is an investigational study. These studies may offer access to the latest treatments, and researchers can learn more about how ADHD is treated or prevented. Consult your physician to determine if you are a good 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 disclose any substance abuse issues in the past or present since it can impact your ability to pay attention and focus.
Education
A successful treatment plan for adult ADHD includes therapy and medication which includes life skills training and counseling. The same methods that work for kids will generally be effective for adults, however they may take longer to begin working because their bodies and brains have grown. Additionally, psychiatric disorders that resemble ADHD symptoms could require treatment also.
For the majority of people with ADHD stimulants are the drugs of choice. These medications enhance attention and reduce the impulsiveness. However, they can also cause side effects, like insomnia and fatigue which need to be addressed. Also, adhd in adult women treatment can interact with certain drugs and foods. Start with a lower dose and gradually increase it over the course of 7 days until you reach a point where you can 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, for example, can help you to change your thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors such as procrastination. CBT can assist you in breaking down large tasks and develop an structured routine. Marital and family counseling can assist you and your loved ones to understand and help each other.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. Consume a balanced diet which includes fish, nutrients such as zinc, iron and magnesium, as well as complex carbohydrates. Aiming to eat three meals per day is essential. Avoid cutting out meals or eating sugary snacks. A well-balanced diet will give you steady energy throughout the day and boost your mood and ability to focus.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A poor night's sleep can make symptoms worse the next day. Set a regular bedtime, and wake up at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol prior to bed.
Participating in a clinical trial could help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Consult your physician to determine if you are eligible for clinical trials.