What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people with ADHD will benefit from a combination treatment. These treatments are usually multimodal, including therapy, medication and lifestyle modifications.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing the side effects isn't an easy task.
Atomoxetine is an FDA-approved non-stimulant that does not have the potential to abuse that stimulants do. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with medication first. Certain medications can improve symptoms and help adults function more effectively at work, school or at home. However, a single medication may not solve all the ADHD-related issues in a person's life, and may cause adverse negative effects. 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 assist adults suffering from ADHD develop new strategies to manage behavior. It can help adults and their families learn to manage living with someone with ADHD. Marriage and family therapy can assist people in overcoming the problems that impulsive and inattentional behaviors can cause in relationships and families.
Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults with ADHD. They appear to balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. When taking stimulants, individuals who suffer from medical conditions or with a history of drug or alcohol abuse should consult their doctor. The effects of stimulants can be a problem for people with health issues, like high blood pressure and heart disease. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications.
Adult ADHD is sometimes treated with nonstimulant medication. Atomoxetine is also referred to as Strattera, is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that doesn't have the same abuse potential as stimulants. It is slower acting than stimulants and can cause side effects like stomach upset and difficulty sleeping. However, most people with ADHD find it effective. It is not recommended for those suffering from Tourette's Syndrome, depression or bipolar disorder.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can benefit from other medications that can help, such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. These drugs are used to treat mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, but they can help improve concentration and control of impulses in adults who suffer from ADHD.
A good night's sleep and adhering to an established schedule can help increase the severity of ADHD symptoms. Avoiding caffeine and sugary food can also make ADHD symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD don't receive treatment for their disorder. It's possible that they don't know they have it or their doctors don't know about it. They have trouble managing daily tasks like getting up, going to work on time and being responsible in relationships and at their jobs.
Effective treatment for ADHD can make it easier for people who suffer from the condition to excel in work, school and family life. Treatments include counseling, medication and lifestyle modifications. Combining these methods is typically the best.
Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for adults suffering from adhd. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They are believed to be the cause of ADHD symptoms. ADHD is also treated by other medications, such as Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant and certain antidepressants. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and may be more effective for those who have difficulty taking stimulants due to medical issues or drug-related side negative effects.
Individual talk therapy can help those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve relationship skills. It can also teach people how to plan, organize and stay focused. Family therapy and couples therapy along with individual counseling can be helpful. Family and marriage counseling can help families and their partners understand the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. They can also devise strategies to cope that improve communication.
Other types of therapy for ADHD may include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps individuals identify and change negative patterns of thinking. It also teaches practical strategies to manage the stresses of life, including money management and budgeting as well as organizational skills, diet changes and exercise. Other therapies may use mindfulness meditation to help promote mindfulness, yoga techniques to cultivate balance and self-awareness, or relaxation exercises such as deep breathing.
The addition of therapy to a medication regimen can be extremely beneficial, especially for adults. Not everyone suffering from ADHD can benefit from talk therapy. A health care provider must examine each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment option. In some instances, it's essential to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like mood disorders or mental health issues, as well as physical illnesses or injuries, drug abuse, or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can be a daunting task. It is essential to find a treatment plan that is multimodal and includes the use of medication as well as skills training and counseling.
In addition to helping manage your symptoms therapy can also teach you strategies to deal with the negative impact of ADHD on your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in recognizing emotional patterns and thoughts that are not helpful. This can help you to improve your ability to control your behavior.
A therapist can teach you how to manage issues such as time management, organization, and impulse control. They can help you overcome emotional difficulties that are often associated with ADHD like depression or anxiety. Having a therapist who understands how ADHD affects your life can help you and loved ones realize that your issues aren't caused by "laziness" or a lack of effort.
When selecting a therapist, seek out a therapist who is trained in treating adult ADHD. You may be able to ask your physician whether they specialize in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD or look up the American Psychological Association's directory. Psychotherapy can be expensive so make sure your health insurance will cover it.
It is also beneficial to choose a therapist that has experience with various types of therapy, such as natural lifemanship that uses horses as partners to help individuals to control their body energy and to pick up nonverbal cues. Another alternative is mindfulness meditation, which can help reduce stress and improve their attention control.
You may also be interested in participating in the clinical trial which is a research study. These studies could provide access to new treatments as well as help researchers gain knowledge about ways to prevent or treat ADHD. Ask adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment if you are a good candidate for a clinical trial.
You should also make sure you are free of any other medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) as well as thyroid disorders, depression, and lead poisoning. It's also worth mentioning any past or current alcohol or drug abuse, since this can interfere with your ability to focus and pay attention.
Education
A successful treatment plan for adult ADHD includes therapy and medication, including life skills training and counseling. The same methods that work for kids will typically work for adults, but they might take longer to be effective because their brains and bodies have grown. Additionally, psychiatric issues that mimic ADHD symptoms may need to be treated also.
For the majority of people suffering from ADHD stimulants are the drugs of choice. They can increase attention and decrease impulsivity. But they can cause side effects, such as fatigue and sleep problems, which require attention. Additionally, they may interact with certain foods and medications. Stimulants work best when they begin at a lower dose and gradually increased over 7 days until you reach a dosage that helps manage your ADHD symptoms without causing too many side effects.
You can learn skills to deal with ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, for example cognitive behavioral therapy. For instance, CBT can encourage you to alter your thoughts that can lead to negative behavior like procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break down big tasks into smaller ones and develop a more organized routine. Family and marital counseling can help you and your loved ones get to know and help each other.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. Try eating a balanced diet that includes fish, the vitamins zinc as well as magnesium, iron and complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to eat regularly, about three meals a day, and avoid taking a break from meals or snacking on sugary foods. Eating a well-balanced diet will give you constant energy throughout the day and improve your mood and ability to focus.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A bad night of sleep can make symptoms worse the next day. Set a regular bedtime and rise at the same time every day. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to sleep.
You might be able discover better solutions for your ADHD through an experimental trial. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials and if you are a candidate.