What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a combination of treatments. The treatments typically are multimodal and include medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
The most common medication for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing the side effects can be a tinkering procedure.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant approved by FDA that doesn't have the abuse potential of stimulants. It can be taken orally.
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In general, medications are the first option for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and help adults be more productive at work, school or at home. It is not enough to treat all ADHD issues, and it can cause negative side negative effects. The most effective treatment is when it is part of a complete treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and treatment.
Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach adults with ADHD new skills to manage their behavior. It can also assist family members and adults to deal with the difficulties of living with someone with ADHD. Marriage and family therapy helps people to deal with the challenges that inattention and impulsive behavior causes in families and relationships.
Stimulant medicines, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed medications for adult ADHD. They appear to balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Before taking stimulants, those with medical conditions or with a history of drug or alcohol abuse should speak with their physician. Stimulants may interact with common health issues, like high blood pressure and heart disease. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications.
Nonstimulant medications are sometimes used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine release that does not have the abuse potential of stimulants. It has a slower effect than stimulants and can have negative effects, like stomach upset and insomnia, but it is effective in most adults with ADHD. It is not recommended for individuals with depression, bipolar disorder or Tourette's disorder.
Some people with ADHD may benefit from other medications such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These medications are also used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they are able to improve the ability to focus and control impulses of some adults suffering from ADHD.
Getting adequate sleep and following the same routine can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms. It is also important to stay away from sweet and caffeine-rich foods that can make symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD do not get treated for their disorder. They may not be aware that they have it or their health care providers do not recognize it. They may have trouble completing daily tasks such as getting up, going to work on time, and remaining accountable at work and in their relationships.
ADHD can be effectively treated to help people achieve success in school, at work and in their family life. Treatments include medication, counseling and lifestyle adjustments. Combining these strategies is usually the best option.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for adult adhd. They improve and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which are believed to be responsible for the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is also treated with other medications, such as Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant and certain antidepressants. These drugs are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be more effective in treating ADHD in those who cannot take stimulants due to medical conditions or drug side-effects.
Individual talk therapy can teach people with ADHD how to manage their emotions as well as improve their relationship skills. It can teach strategies to organize and concentrate, as well as plan. Family therapy and couples therapy in addition to individual counseling, can be beneficial. Marital and family counseling can help families and couples recognize the unique challenges of living with a person who has ADHD and develop coping strategies that help improve communication and problem-solving.
Other forms of therapy for ADHD may include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps individuals recognize and modify negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach you strategies for dealing the stress of life like budgeting and financial management as well as eating habits, organizational skills and exercises. Other therapies may use mindfulness meditation to promote mental calmness and yoga techniques to improve self-awareness and balance, or relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
It is beneficial to add therapy to a medication regime, especially for adults. However, not everyone with ADHD can benefit from a single therapy session, and a health care provider should evaluate each person to determine which treatment options are most effective. In some instances it is essential to exclude other conditions that may cause similar symptoms of ADHD, such as mood disorders or other mental health problems in addition to physical injuries or illness as well as substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Getting assistance for ADHD can be a daunting task. It's important to seek a treatment plan that is multimodal and includes a combination of medication as well as skills training and counseling.
In addition to helping you manage your symptoms Therapy can also teach you ways to cope with the negative impact of ADHD on your daily life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help you learn to recognize emotional patterns and thoughts that are not helpful. This can help you to improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A Therapist can also teach you practical strategies for dealing with issues such as time management, organization, and impulse control. They can assist you in overcoming 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 your loved ones see that your issues aren't caused by "laziness" or lack of effort.
Find a therapist that has experience treating adult ADHD. You may be able to ask your physician if they specialize in psychotherapy for adults with ADHD or consult the American Psychological Association's directory. As psychotherapy can be costly, make sure that your health insurance will cover the cost.
It is also beneficial to choose a therapist that has experience with various types of therapy, including natural lifemanship that uses horses as partners to help people to control their body's energy levels and detect non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness mediation which helps to reduce stress and improves control of attention.
You may also be interested in joining a clinical trial that is research study. These studies may provide 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 is also important to rule out any other medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation), thyroid disorders, depression, and lead poisoning. It's also important to note any recent or ongoing substance abuse, as this could affect your ability to focus and pay attention.
Education
Treatment for adults with ADHD should consist of therapy, medication, life skills training, and counseling. Adults can benefit from the same treatment as children, but it may take longer for them to achieve their goals because their bodies and minds have matured. It may also be necessary to treat psychiatric disorders that resemble ADHD symptoms.
The majority of people with ADHD choose stimulants as their drug of choice. These medications increase attention and decrease impulsiveness. However, they can cause adverse effects, including insomnia and fatigue that need to be addressed. They also can interact with certain medications and food items. The best results are when stimulants are started at a low dose, and then gradually increased over 7 days until you reach a dose that can manage your ADHD symptoms without too many side effects.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you develop strategies to help you deal with your ADHD symptoms. For example, CBT can encourage you to alter your thoughts that lead to negative behaviors like procrastination. CBT can also assist you in learning to break down large tasks into smaller ones and develop an organized routine. Family and marital counseling can aid you and your loved ones understand and help each other.
A healthy diet will improve your ADHD symptoms and your overall health. Try eating an energizing diet that contains fish, the vitamins zinc, iron and magnesium, and complex carbohydrates. Consuming three meals a day is essential. Avoid skipping meals and eating sugary snacks. A healthy diet will give you energy throughout the day and boost your mood.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A poor night's sleep can make symptoms worse the next day. You can improve your sleep quality 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 bed.
Participating in a study can help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials and whether you are eligible for.