What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people suffering from ADHD benefit from a combination of treatments. These treatments are usually multimodal, including treatment, medication and lifestyle changes.
The most common medication for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing side effects can be a trial-and-error process.
Atomoxetine is a FDA-approved non-stimulant that is not a stimulant and does not carry the potential for abuse of stimulants. It can be taken orally.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated first by medication. Certain medications can ease symptoms and help adults function more effectively at school, work or at home. The use of medication alone isn't enough to solve all ADHD issues, and it can cause adverse effects. Medication is most effective when it's part of an overall treatment program that includes therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach adults with ADHD new strategies to manage their behavior. It can help adults and their families learn how to deal with living with someone with ADHD. Marriage and family therapy can help people cope with the issues that impulsive or inattentive behaviors create in relationships and families.
Stimulant drugs, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD. They are believed to regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. When taking stimulants, individuals with medical conditions and those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse should consult their doctor. Stimulants may interact with common health conditions, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications.
Nonstimulant medications are sometimes used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that doesn't have the same potential for abuse as stimulants. It has a slower effect than stimulants, and it can trigger side effects such as stomach upset or difficulty sleeping. However, most people with ADHD find it effective. It is not recommended for people with Tourette's Syndrome, depression or bipolar disorder.
Other medications, like mood stabilizers and antidepressants, are also beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. These drugs are used to treat mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, but they can also improve concentration and control of impulses in some adults with ADHD.
Getting adequate sleep and following the same routine can improve ADHD symptoms. Avoiding coffee and sweet foods can also make ADHD symptoms worse.
Therapy
Many people suffering from ADHD are not treated for their condition. They may not realize they have it or their health care providers don't recognize it. They may have trouble completing everyday tasks like getting up, making it to work on time, and remaining accountable at work and in relationships.
ADHD is treatable to help people succeed at school, work and in their family life. Treatments can include psychotherapy, 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 improve and balance levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that are believed to trigger the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is also treated by other medications, such as atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and certain antidepressants. These drugs work slower than stimulants and can be more effective for those who are unable to take stimulants due to medical conditions or drug side negative effects.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve their interpersonal skills. It can teach strategies to organize and concentrate, as well as plan. In addition to individual counseling, couples and family therapy can be beneficial. Counseling for families and marriage can help partners and families better comprehend the challenges of living with someone suffering from ADHD. They can also devise strategies for coping to improve communication.
Other forms of treatment for ADHD may include cognitive behavior therapy, which assists people recognize and modify negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach practical strategies for managing stress in life, like money management and budgeting as well as organizational skills, diet changes and exercise. Other treatments may employ meditation to improve mental peace and yoga techniques to cultivate self-awareness and balance as well as physical balance.
Incorporating therapy into the medication regimen can be highly beneficial, especially for adults. Not everyone suffering from ADHD will benefit from talking therapy. first line treatment for adhd in adults must assess each patient to determine the most effective treatment option. In some instances it is crucial to identify other conditions that can have similar symptoms to ADHD, such as mood disorders or other mental health issues in addition to physical illness or injury, substance abuse or nutritional deficiency.
Counseling
Helping someone with ADHD is a difficult task. It is important to choose a multimodal treatment plan that includes training, medication, and counseling.
In addition to helping manage your symptoms therapy can also teach you strategies to cope with the negative impact of ADHD on your daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance can help you identify unhelpful emotions and thinking patterns. In turn, this will help you better manage your behavior.
A therapist can help you learn how to manage issues like time management, organization and controlling your impulses. They can assist you in overcoming emotional problems that are typically associated with ADHD such as depression or anxiety. A therapist who is aware of how ADHD affects your life can help you and loved ones see that your issues aren't caused by "laziness" or a lack of effort.
Find a therapist that has experience treating adult ADHD. You might consider asking your doctor whether they specialize in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD or look up the American Psychological Association's directory. Because psychotherapy is expensive so make sure your health insurance will cover the cost.
It's also helpful to find a therapist who is experienced with different types of therapy, such as natural lifemanship, which uses horses as a partner to teach people to control their body's energy levels and recognize non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness mediation which helps to reduce stress and improve the ability to regulate attention.
You may be interested in joining the clinical trial which is a research study. These studies can offer access to new treatments as well as help researchers discover ways to prevent or treat ADHD. Ask your doctor if a study in clinical research is the right choice for you.
It's also essential to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as sleep apnea, depression thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning. It's also important to mention any past or current alcohol or drug abuse, since this could affect your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
A great treatment plan for adult ADHD involves medication and therapy which includes life skills training and counseling. Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies as children, but it could take them longer to work because their bodies and minds have matured. Additionally, psychiatric disorders that resemble ADHD symptoms may need to be treated as well.
The majority of people with ADHD choose stimulants as their drug of choice. They enhance attention and reduce impulsiveness. They can also cause negative effects, such as fatigue or sleep problems which need to be addressed. They can also interact with certain medications and foods. They are most effective when they begin at a lower dose, and then gradually increased over a period of 7 days until you reach a level that manages your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse effects.
You can develop the skills needed to manage ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy. For instance, CBT can encourage you to alter your thoughts that can lead to negative behavior, such as procrastination. CBT can help you break down big tasks and develop a more organized routine. Family and marital counseling can help you and your loved ones understand and support 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 as well as magnesium, iron and complex carbohydrates. It is also important to eat regularly, about three meals a day and avoid skipping meals or eating sugary snacks. Eating a well-balanced diet will help you have constant energy throughout the day, and increase your mood and ability to focus.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A poor night's sleep can cause symptoms to worsen the next day. Set a regular bedtime, and rise at the same time each day. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to sleep.
Participating in a clinical study can help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about clinical trials and whether you are eligible for.