What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people with ADHD will benefit from combination treatment. These treatments are usually multimodal, which includes medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for ADHD. Finding the appropriate dosage and balancing side effects can be a trial-and-error process.
Atomoxetine is a FDA-approved non-stimulant that doesn't have the potential to abuse that stimulants do. It can be consumed orally.
Medication
Medications are generally the first option for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain medications can improve symptoms and help adults perform better at school, work or at home. However, medication alone may not reduce all ADHD-related problems in a person's life, and may cause adverse effects. Medication is most effective when it is part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist adults suffering from ADHD develop new skills to manage behavior. It can also assist adults and their family members deal with the difficulties of living with someone with ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people deal with the issues that impulsive and inattention-seeking behaviors cause in relationships and families.
Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD. They seem to balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Before taking stimulants, people with medical conditions or with a history of drug or alcohol abuse should speak with their physician. These stimulants can interact with common health issues, like high blood pressure and heart disease. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications.
Adult ADHD is sometimes treated with nonstimulant medication. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine release that is not able to abuse the effects of stimulants. It has a slower effect than stimulants and can have negative effects, like stomach upset and insomnia however, it is effective in most adults with ADHD. It is not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or Tourette's syndrome.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from other medications that can help, such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. These medications are also used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they may enhance the attention and impulse control of some adults suffering from ADHD.
Getting adequate sleep and following the same routine can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms. Avoiding coffee and sweet foods can also make ADHD symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD are not treated for their disorder. It's possible that they don't realize they suffer from it or that their doctors don't know about it. They are having difficulty with everyday tasks such as getting up, getting to work on time and being accountable in relationships as well as at work.
Effective treatment for ADHD can make it easier for people who suffer from the condition to excel in work, school and in family life. Treatment options include medication, psychotherapy (counseling) and lifestyle changes. Combining these methods is usually best.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for adult adhd. They boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals, which are thought to be responsible for the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is also treated by other medications, including Atomoxetine which is a nonstimulant and certain antidepressants. These medications are slower than stimulants, and can be more effective for those who aren't able to take stimulants due to other medical issues or drug-related side negative effects.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve their relationship skills. It can teach strategies to organize, focus and plan. Couples and family therapy, in addition to individual counseling, can be beneficial. Marriage and family counseling helps families and partners to comprehend the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. They can also develop coping strategies that enhance communication.
Other types of therapy for ADHD can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists people recognize and modify negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach practical strategies for dealing with life's stress, such as budgeting and managing money, eating habits, organizational skills and exercise. Other therapies may use meditation to promote mental calmness and yoga techniques to cultivate balance, self-awareness, and physical balance.
It can be beneficial to add therapy to a medication regime, especially for adults. Not all people with ADHD will benefit from a talk therapy. A doctor must examine each patient to determine the most effective treatment option. In some instances it is essential to exclude other conditions that can have similar symptoms of ADHD, such as mood disorders or other mental health issues in addition to physical injuries or illness as well as substance abuse or nutritional deficiency.
Counseling
Finding assistance for ADHD can be a daunting task. It is important to have an effective treatment plan that includes training, medication as well as counseling.
Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and teach you how to cope with the negative consequences of ADHD in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance, can help you recognize negative emotions and patterns of thinking. This will help you to improve your ability to control your behavior.
A therapist can help you learn how to manage issues like time management, organizing and controlling your impulses. They can also assist you to work through emotional difficulties that often accompany ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. A professional who is knowledgeable about the effects of ADHD on your life can support your loved ones and recognize that your issues might not be caused by "laziness" or lack of effort.
Look for a therapist who is experienced in treating adult ADHD. Ask alternative adhd treatment for adults if he or has a specialization in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. You may also consult the directory of the American Psychological Association. Psychotherapy can be costly and therefore make sure that your health insurance covers it.
It's also helpful to locate a therapist who is familiar with various forms of therapy, such as natural lifemanship that uses horses as partners to help people to control their body energy and to recognize non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation, which can help people manage anxiety and improve attention control.
You might be interested in taking part in a clinical study which is a type research study. These studies may provide access to new treatments and aid researchers to learn more about how to treat or prevent ADHD. Ask your doctor if a study in clinical research is appropriate for you.
It's also essential to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep apnea, depression thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning. It's also worth mentioning any current or past alcohol or drug abuse, since this could affect your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
A good treatment plan for adult ADHD involves therapy and medication, including life skills training and counseling. The same methods that work for children will generally work for adults, but they may take longer to take effect due to the fact that their brains and bodies have gotten older. In addition, psychiatric conditions that mimic ADHD symptoms may need to be treated too.
For most people with ADHD stimulants are the medication of choice. They can improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. However, they can also cause side effects, such as sleep and fatigue, which require attention. They can also 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 manages your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse effects.
You can learn skills to deal with ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy. For example, CBT can encourage you to change your distorted thoughts that can lead to negative behavior, such as procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break down big tasks into smaller tasks and create a more organized routine. Family and marriage counseling can aid you and your loved ones get to know and support each other.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms and also improve your overall health. Eat a balanced diet, that includes fish, vitamins such as zinc, iron and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to eat regularly, approximately three meals per day and avoid skipping meals or snacking on sugary foods. A balanced diet will give you an energy level that is constant throughout the day and improve your mood and ability to focus.
Some people with ADHD struggle to sleep enough. A poor night's sleep can worsen symptoms the next day. Establish a regular time for bed, and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to bed.
Participating in a study can help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Ask your doctor if you are eligible for clinical trials.