What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a combination of treatments. These treatments are usually multimodal, including treatment, medication and lifestyle changes.
The most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing side-effects can be a challenge.
Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant FDA approved, does not have the danger of abuse that is associated with stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medication first. Research has proven that certain medications improve symptoms and help adults function better at work, school or at home. However, medication alone may not reduce all ADHD-related problems in a person's life and may cause adverse negative effects. Medication is most effective when it's part of an overall treatment plan that includes therapy as well as lifestyle adjustments.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist adults suffering from ADHD develop new strategies to manage behavior. It can assist families and adults learn how to deal with having a child with ADHD. Therapy for families and marriage can help people deal with the problems that impulsive and inattentive behaviors create in families and relationships.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medications like amphetamines and methylphenidate. They appear to balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. People who have medical conditions or a history of drug and alcohol abuse should discuss these issues with their physician prior to taking any stimulants. The effects of stimulants can be a problem for people with health conditions, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications.
Adult ADHD is often treated with nonstimulant drugs. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process that is not able to abuse the effects of stimulants. It has a slower effect than stimulants, and it can trigger side effects like stomach upset and difficulty sleeping. However, most adults with ADHD are able to use it effectively. It is not recommended for people suffering from bipolar disorder, depression or Tourette's disorder.
Other medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants can be beneficial to those suffering from ADHD. These drugs are used to treat other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, however they can also improve attention and impulse control in adults who suffer from ADHD.
Being able to sleep enough and maintaining an organized routine can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Avoiding sugary and caffeine-rich foods can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many people suffering from ADHD do not get treated for their disorder. They may not realize they have it or their health care providers aren't aware of it. They may have trouble completing daily tasks such as getting up, making it to the office on time, and being responsible at work and with friends.
Effective treatment for ADHD can aid those with the condition to succeed at work, school and in family life. Treatments include counseling, medication and lifestyle modifications. Combining these methods is usually best.
The most commonly used medication to treat adult adhd is stimulants. They regulate and enhance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that are thought to be the cause of ADHD symptoms. Other medications, including the nonstimulant atomoxetine, and some antidepressants, are also utilized to treat ADHD. Recommended Web site are more slowly than stimulants and may be more effective for people who have difficulty taking stimulants due to other medical conditions or adverse drug negative effects.
Individual therapy can teach people suffering from ADHD how to better manage their emotions and enhance their relationship skills. It can also teach people how to plan, organize and focus. In addition to individual counseling as well as family therapy, couples and group therapy can be helpful. Marriage and family counseling helps 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 could include cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists people recognize and modify negative patterns of thinking. It also teaches practical strategies for dealing with life's stress, such as budgeting and financial management, the art of organization, diet changes and exercise. Other methods may include mindfulness meditation to promote mindfulness and yoga techniques to develop self-awareness and balance, or relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
It is beneficial to include therapy into a medication regime, especially for adults. However, not all people suffers from ADHD can benefit from a single therapy session and a healthcare professional should assess each patient to see what treatments are most efficient. In some cases it is crucial to identify other conditions that can have similar symptoms to ADHD such as mood disorders or other mental health issues and physical injury or illness or substance abuse, or nutritional deficiency.
Counseling
Helping someone with ADHD is a difficult task. It's important to seek an approach that is multimodal and consists of an array of medications training for skills, counseling.
Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and help you learn how to manage the negative consequences of ADHD in your life. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid you in recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns and emotions. This will aid you in improving your ability to manage your behavior.
A Therapist can also teach you ways to tackle challenges such as time management, organization, and control of your impulses. They can help you overcome emotional difficulties that are often associated with ADHD like anxiety or depression. Having a therapist who understands how ADHD affects your life can help you and family members realize that your problems aren't necessarily because of "laziness" or a lack of effort.
Find a therapist who is experienced in treating adult ADHD. Ask your physician if he or she specializes in psychotherapy for adults with ADHD. You can also check the directory of the American Psychological Association. Psychotherapy can be expensive and therefore make sure that your health insurance policy covers it.
It's also beneficial to find a therapist who has experience with various types of therapy, such as natural lifemanship, which uses horses as partners to teach people to control their body's energy and recognize non-verbal signals. Another alternative 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 of research study. These studies may provide access to new treatments and researchers can discover more about how ADHD is treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if a study in clinical research is the right choice for you.
You should also be sure to rule out any other medical conditions which may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation), depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. It's also important to mention any current or past alcohol or drug abuse, since this can interfere with your ability to focus and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adults with ADHD should include medication, therapy and life skills training and counseling. Adults may benefit from the same treatments as children, but it could take longer for them to achieve their goals because their bodies and minds have matured. Additionally, psychiatric issues that resemble ADHD symptoms might need to be treated as well.
For the majority of people with ADHD, stimulants are the drugs of choice. These medications enhance attention and reduce impulsivity. However, they can also cause side effects, including insomnia and fatigue which need to be addressed. They can also interact with certain foods and medications. Start with a lower dose, and increase it over a period of 7 days until you can manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing any adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you techniques to help you deal with your ADHD symptoms. For example, CBT can encourage you to shift your thinking patterns that can lead to negative behavior like procrastination. CBT can help you break down large tasks and develop a more structured routine. Family and marital counseling can help you and your loved ones understand and support one another.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. Eat a balanced diet, which includes fish, nutrients like zinc, iron, and magnesium, as well as complex carbohydrates. Eating three meals daily is crucial. Avoid taking adhd treatment in adults from meals and eating sugary snacks. A well-balanced diet will ensure you have constant energy throughout the day and improve your mood and ability to focus.
Some people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A bad night's sleep can worsen symptoms the next day. You can improve your sleep by establishing a regular bedtime and getting up at the same time every day even on weekends. Avoid drinking caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before going to bed.
Participating in a clinical study could help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about clinical trials and whether you are eligible for.