What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people with ADHD will benefit from combination treatment. The treatment options are typically multi-modal, encompassing therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dose and balancing side effects can be a challenge.
Atomoxetine is an anti-stimulant FDA approved does not carry the abuse potential associated with stimulants. It can be taken by mouth.
Medication
Medications are generally the first option for adults suffering from ADHD. Research has proven that certain medications improve symptoms and aid adults in their performance at work, school or at home. The use of medication alone isn't enough to solve all ADHD problems and can have adverse negative effects. The most effective medication is when it's part of a larger treatment plan that includes therapy as well as lifestyle adjustments.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist adults suffering from ADHD learn new skills to manage behavior. It can assist families and adults learn how to cope with having a child with ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist people in overcoming the issues that impulsive and inattentive behaviors create in relationships and families.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant medications like amphetamines or methylphenidate. They are believed to balance levels of brain chemicals that are known as neurotransmitters. Patients with medical issues or those who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should discuss these issues with their doctor prior to taking any stimulants. Stimulants may interact with common health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Tell your doctor if taking any other medication.
Adult ADHD is often treated with nonstimulant medications. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor that doesn't have the same potential for abuse as stimulants. It works slower than stimulants, and can cause negative effects, like stomach upset and insomnia however it is highly beneficial for the majority of adults with ADHD. It is not recommended to people with Tourette's Syndrome, depression or bipolar disorder.
Some people with ADHD may also benefit from other medication such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These drugs are used to treat mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, but they can help improve concentration and control of impulses in adults who suffer from ADHD.
Being able to sleep enough and maintaining an organized routine can help reduce ADHD symptoms. It's also important to stay clear of caffeine and sugary foods which can make them worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD aren't being treated for their disorder. They may not realize they have it, or their health care providers aren't aware of it. They have difficulty managing daily tasks like getting up, making it to the office on time, and being responsible at work and in relationships.
ADHD can be effectively treated to help people succeed in their work, school and in their family life. Treatments include medication, counseling and lifestyle changes. untreated adhd in adults relationships of these approaches is usually best.
The most commonly used medication for adult adhd is stimulants. They increase and balance the levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that are believed to be responsible for the symptoms of ADHD. Other medications, like the non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. These drugs are less potent than stimulants, but can be more efficient in treating ADHD in those who cannot take stimulants due to medical conditions or adverse drug effects.
Individual therapy for talk therapy can help those with ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve relationship skills. It can teach strategies for organizing, focus and plan. Family therapy and couples therapy in addition to individual counseling can be helpful. Marriage and family counseling helps families and their partners recognize the difficulties of living with someone who suffers from ADHD. They can also devise strategies for coping that improve communication.
Other forms of treatment for ADHD could include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals identify and change negative patterns of thinking. It can also teach you strategies for dealing with life's stress, such as budgeting and financial management and eating habits, organizational skills and exercises. Other therapies may use meditation to help promote calm and yoga techniques to develop balance, self-awareness, and physical balance.
Incorporating therapy into a medication regimen can be extremely beneficial, especially for adults. However, not everyone suffers from ADHD can benefit from talk therapy alone and a health care professional should assess each patient to determine which treatment options are most effective. In some instances it is crucial to exclude other conditions that can have similar symptoms of ADHD such as mood disorders or other mental health issues and physical illness or injury or substance abuse, or nutritional deficiency.
Counseling
Getting assistance for ADHD can be a daunting task. It's important to seek an approach that is multimodal and includes a combination of medication training for skills, counseling.
In addition to helping manage your symptoms therapy can also teach you ways to deal with the negative impact of ADHD on your daily life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid you in recognizing emotional patterns and thoughts that are not helpful. This will help you improve your ability manage your behavior.
A therapist can show you how to deal with issues such as time management, organization, and impulse control. They can also assist you to deal with emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD, such as depression or anxiety. Finding a therapist who can understand how ADHD affects your life can help you and loved ones realize that your issues aren't because of "laziness" or a lack of effort.
When selecting a therapist, seek out a therapist who is trained in treating adult ADHD. Ask your doctor if he/she has a specialization in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. You can also look up the directory of the American Psychological Association. Psychotherapy is expensive, so make sure your health insurance will cover it.
It is also beneficial to choose a therapist that is familiar with various forms of therapy, including natural lifemanship, which uses horses as partners to help people to control their body's energy levels and detect non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation which can help reduce stress and improve control of attention.
You may also be interested in participating in a clinical trial which is research study. These studies could provide access to the latest treatments, and researchers can gain knowledge about how ADHD is treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if are a good candidate for a clinical trial.
It's also essential to rule out any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep apnea, depression thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning. It's also important to mention any recent or ongoing drug use, as it can affect your ability to focus and pay attention.
Education
A good treatment plan for adults with ADHD includes therapy and medication that includes life skills education and counseling. Adults can benefit from the same therapies as children, but it might take longer for them to achieve their goals because their bodies and minds have developed. Additionally, psychiatric disorders that mimic ADHD symptoms could need to be treated too.
Most people with ADHD opt for stimulants as their preferred drug. These drugs increase attention and decrease impulsiveness. They can cause side effects such as fatigue or sleep problems that require attention. They can also interact with certain medications and foods. Start with a low dose, and increase it over 7 days to a level where you can manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing any adverse effects.
You can develop the skills needed to manage ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. For example, CBT can encourage you to alter your thoughts that lead to negative behaviors like procrastination. CBT can assist you in breaking down large tasks and create a more organized routine. Family and marriage counseling can help you and your loved ones to understand each other and support them.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. Try to eat an energizing diet that contains fish, the minerals zinc iron, magnesium and iron, and complex carbohydrates. Consuming three meals a day is important. Avoid skipping meals and eating sweet snacks. A healthy diet will give you energy all day long and improve your mood.
Some people with ADHD have difficulty getting enough sleep. A sleepless night can make symptoms worse the next day. Establish a regular time for bed, and rise at the same time each day. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before the bed.
You may be able to discover better solutions for your ADHD through an experimental trial. Ask your doctor if you qualify for clinical trials.