What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a mixture of treatments. The treatments typically are multimodal and include medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for ADHD. Finding the right dosage and balancing side effects can be a challenge.
Atomoxetine is an anti-stimulant FDA approved, does not have the abuse potential that can be associated with stimulants. It can be taken via mouth.
Medication
Medications are generally the first option for adults suffering from ADHD. Research has proven that certain medications help with symptoms and can assist adults to perform better at work, school or at home. However, medication alone may not solve all the ADHD-related issues in a person's daily life and can sometimes cause side negative effects. The most effective medication is when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults with ADHD learn new skills to manage their behavior. long-term effects of untreated adhd in adults can aid families and adults learn how to deal with living with someone with ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people to deal with the challenges that impulsive, inattentive behavior creates in relationships and families.
Stimulant medicines, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed medications for adult ADHD. They are believed to balance levels of brain chemicals that are known as neurotransmitters. People who have medical issues or an history of drug or alcohol abuse should discuss these issues with their doctor before taking any stimulants. The effects of stimulants can be a problem for people with health conditions, such as 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, also known as Strattera, is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that does not have the same abuse potential as stimulants. It works slower than stimulants and can have adverse effects, including stomach upset and trouble sleeping however it is highly effective in most adults with ADHD. It is not recommended to people with Tourette's Syndrome as well as bipolar disorder or depression.
Other medications, like antidepressants and mood stabilizers, can also be helpful for some people with ADHD. 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.
Sleeping enough and keeping an organized routine can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Avoiding coffee and sweet foods can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD do not get treated for their condition. It's possible that they don't know they suffer from it or that their doctors don't recognize it. They struggle with daily tasks like getting up, going to work on time and being responsible in relationships and at work.
Effective treatment for ADHD can aid those with the condition to succeed in school, work and family life. Treatments include medication, counseling and lifestyle modifications. Combining these approaches is often the best option.
Stimulants are the most commonly used medication used to treat adult adhd. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which are believed to be responsible for ADHD symptoms. Other medications, like the nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These medications work slower than stimulants, and can be more effective for people who have difficulty taking stimulants due to medical issues or drug-related side adverse effects.
Individual talk therapy can teach people with ADHD how to manage their emotions and improve their interpersonal skills. It can also teach people to plan, organize and stay focused. Couples and family therapy, in addition to individual counseling, can be beneficial. Marital and family counseling can help families and couples to understand the particular difficulties of living with a person who suffers from ADHD and develop coping strategies that help improve communication and problem-solving.
Other types of therapy for ADHD could include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals recognize and modify negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach practical methods to manage stress in life, like budgeting and money management as well as organizational skills, diet changes and exercise. Other therapies can employ meditation to improve mental peace and yoga practices to improve self-awareness, balance, and physical balance.
It is beneficial to add therapy to the medication regimen, particularly for adults. However, not everyone suffers from ADHD can benefit from just talk therapy, and a health care provider should evaluate each person to see what treatments are most efficient. In some cases it is essential to exclude other conditions that could cause similar symptoms of ADHD, such as mood disorders or other mental health issues and physical injury or illness or substance abuse, or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Finding help for ADHD can be overwhelming. It is essential to find a treatment plan that is multi-modal and includes a combination of medication training for skills, counseling.
Therapy can aid in managing 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 negative emotions and patterns of thinking. This can help you improve your ability manage your behavior.
A Therapist can also teach you practical strategies to manage problems such as time management, organization, and control of your impulses. They can help you overcome emotional problems that are typically associated with ADHD, such depression or anxiety. A professional who is knowledgeable about the impact of ADHD on your life can help your loved ones and you realize that your issues may not be due to "laziness" or an inability to work.
Find a therapist that has experience in treating adults with ADHD. You might consider asking your doctor if they specialize in psychotherapy for people with ADHD or consult the American Psychological Association's directory. As psychotherapy can be costly and time-consuming, ensure that your health insurance will cover the cost.
It's helpful to find a therapist who has experience in a variety of therapy. For instance the natural lifemanship method uses horses to teach people to manage their energy and detect nonverbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation which can help reduce stress and improve attention regulation.
You might also be interested in joining an clinical trial that is a research study. These studies could offer access to new treatments and researchers can gain knowledge about how ADHD can be treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if are a suitable candidate for a clinical study.
It's also crucial to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as sleep apnea, depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It is also important to mention any drug abuse you've had in the past or currently, as it can affect your ability to concentrate and focus.
Education
Treatment for adults with ADHD should consist of therapy, medication and life skills training and counseling. The same strategies that work for kids will generally be effective for adults, however they may take longer to take effect because their brains and bodies have matured. It could also be necessary to treat psychiatric disorders that resemble ADHD symptoms.
For the majority of people suffering from ADHD, stimulants are the medication of choice. They can increase attention and decrease impulsivity. However, they can cause adverse effects, such as insomnia and fatigue that need to be addressed. They also can interact with some medications and food items. They are most effective when they start at a low dose and gradually increased over a period of 7 days until you reach a level that helps manage your ADHD symptoms without causing too many adverse effects.
You can acquire the skills necessary to deal with ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is one example. It can help you change your distorted thinking that leads to negative behavior, such as procrastination. CBT can assist you in breaking down large tasks and develop a more structured routine. Marital and family counseling can help you and your loved ones to understand and support each other.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms as well as overall health. Make sure you eat an energizing diet that contains fish, the minerals zinc as well as magnesium, iron and complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to eat regularly, about three times a day and avoid taking a break from meals or eating sweet snacks. A well-balanced diet will help you have steady energy throughout the day and boost your mood and ability to concentrate.
Some people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting enough sleep. A bad night of sleep can cause more symptoms the following day. You can improve your sleep by establishing a regular bedtime and waking up at the same time every day even on weekends. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol prior to going to sleep.
Participating in a study can help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Consult your physician to determine if you qualify for clinical trials.