What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD benefit from a mix of treatments. The treatments typically are multimodal and can include therapy, medication and lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants are the most popular medications for ADHD. Finding the right dosage and balancing side effects can be a trial-and-error procedure.
Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant FDA approved does not carry the danger of abuse associated with stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
In general, medications are the first option for adults suffering from ADHD. Studies have shown that certain medications improve symptoms and can help adults function better at school, work or home. Medication alone may not solve all ADHD problems and can have adverse consequences. The most effective medication is when it's part of a larger treatment program that includes therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults with ADHD develop new strategies to manage behavior. It can help adults and their families learn how to deal with living with someone with ADHD. Therapy for families and marriage helps people deal with the issues that impulsive, inattentive behavior creates in relationships and families.
Stimulant medicines, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed medications for adult ADHD. They are thought to balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Patients with medical issues or those who have a history of drug or alcohol use should talk about these issues with their health care provider prior to taking any stimulants. Stimulants may interact with common health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Tell your doctor if taking any other medication.
adhd in adults treatment is sometimes treated with nonstimulant medication. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine release that does not have the abuse potential of stimulants. It works slower than stimulants and may cause negative effects, like stomach upset and trouble sleeping, but it is effective for most adults suffering from ADHD. It is not recommended for people with depression, bipolar disorder or Tourette's syndrome.
Certain people suffering from ADHD might also benefit from other medication such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These medications are used to treat mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, however they can also improve the ability to focus and control impulses in people who suffer from ADHD.
Sleeping enough and keeping a regular routine can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Avoiding sugary and caffeine-rich foods can also make ADHD symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD do not get treated for their disorder. It's possible that they don't realize they suffer from it or that their doctors don't recognize it. They struggle with everyday tasks such as getting up, going to work on time, and being responsible in relationships and at work.
ADHD can be treated effectively to aid people in achieving success in their work, school and in their family life. Treatments include medication, counseling and lifestyle adjustments. Combining these methods is usually the best approach.
The most frequently used medication for adult adhd is stimulants. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters, which are believed to be the reason for ADHD symptoms. ADHD is also treated by other medications, including atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and certain antidepressants. These medications are less potent than stimulants, however they are more effective in treating ADHD for those who are unable to take stimulants due to medical conditions or adverse drug effects.
Individual therapy can teach those with ADHD how to manage their emotions as well as improve their interpersonal skills. It can also teach people how to plan, organize and stay focused. Couples and family therapy, in addition to individual counseling can be helpful. Family and marriage counseling can help partners and families better comprehend the challenges of living with someone suffering from ADHD. They can also devise strategies for coping that improve communication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another method of treating ADHD. It helps patients identify and modify negative thinking patterns. It also teaches practical methods to manage the stresses of life, including budgeting and money management, organizational skills, dietary changes and exercises. Other methods may include mindfulness meditation to promote mindfulness and yoga techniques to improve balance and self-awareness, or relaxation exercises such as deep breathing.
The addition of therapy to the medication regimen can be highly beneficial, especially for adults. Not everyone with ADHD will benefit from a talk therapy. A healthcare professional must evaluate each individual to determine the best treatment option. In certain instances it is essential to exclude other conditions that could cause similar symptoms of ADHD such as mood disorders or other mental health problems and physical injuries or illness as well as substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone suffering from ADHD is a difficult task. It's important to seek an approach that is multimodal and includes the use of medication training for skills, counseling.
Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and teach you how to cope with the negative effects of ADHD in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance can help you identify unhelpful emotions and thinking patterns. This, in turn, will improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A therapist can also provide you with ways to tackle problems like time management, organization, and impulse control. They can assist you in overcoming emotional issues that are commonly associated with ADHD like anxiety or depression. Finding a therapist who can understand how ADHD affects your life can help you and loved ones see that your issues aren't due to "laziness" or a lack of effort.
When choosing a therapist, seek out a therapist who is trained in treating adult ADHD. You might consider asking your doctor if they specialize in psychotherapy for people with ADHD or look up the American Psychological Association's directory. Psychotherapy can be expensive and therefore make sure that your health insurance will cover it.
It's beneficial to find a therapist who has expertise in various types of therapy. For example natural lifemanship employs horses to help people learn to regulate their energy and recognize nonverbal signals. Another option is mindfulness mediation which helps to reduce stress and improves control of attention.
You might also be interested in joining a clinical trial, which is research study. These studies may provide access to new treatments as well as help researchers gain knowledge about ways to treat or prevent ADHD. Ask your doctor if are a suitable candidate for a clinical trial.
It is also important to make sure you are free of any other medical conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) as well as depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It's also important to note any current or past substance abuse, as this could affect your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adult ADHD should consist of therapy, medication, life skills training, and counseling. Adults can benefit from the same therapies as children, however it could take them longer to achieve their goals because their bodies and minds have matured. Additionally, psychiatric disorders that mimic ADHD symptoms may require treatment too.
For the majority of people suffering from ADHD stimulants are the drug of choice. These medications improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. But they can cause side effects, such as sleep and fatigue, which need to be addressed. They also can interact with certain medications as well as foods. Stimulants work best when they start at a low dose and gradually increased over 7 days until you reach a level that can manage your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you strategies to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. CBT can, for instance, can help you to change your thinking patterns that lead to negative behavior, such as procrastination. CBT can help you break down big tasks and create a more structured routine. Marriage and family counseling helps you and your loved one to get to know each other better and support them.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. A balanced diet which includes fish, nutrients like iron, zinc and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. It is also important to eat regularly, approximately three meals a day, and avoid skipping meals or eating sweet snacks. A healthy diet will boost your energy throughout the day and boost your mood.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A bad night's sleep can worsen symptoms the next day. Set a regular bedtime, and rise at the same time each day. Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol before going to sleep.
Participating in a clinical study can help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials and whether you are a candidate.