What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a mix of treatments. The treatment options are typically multimodal, which includes medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing side effects can be a trial and error procedure.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant approved by FDA that doesn't have the potential for abuse of stimulants. It can be consumed orally.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated first with medication. Certain medications can improve symptoms and allow adults to function more effectively at work, school or at home. But, a medication by itself will 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 complete treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and therapy.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can teach people who suffer from ADHD new techniques to manage their behavior. It can also help adults and their family members to deal with the difficulties of living with someone with ADHD. Marriage and family therapy can help people cope with the issues that impulsive or inattentional behaviors can cause in relationships and families.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medications like amphetamines or methylphenidate. They are believed to balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. People with medical issues or those who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should speak with their doctor before taking any stimulants. adhd in adult women treatment of stimulants can be a factor in common health issues like heart disease and high blood pressure, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take.
Adult ADHD is often treated with nonstimulant drugs. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor that doesn't have the same risk of abuse as stimulants. It has a slower effect than stimulants and may cause side effects, such as stomach upset and difficulty sleeping however, it is beneficial for the majority of adults with ADHD. It is not recommended to those suffering from Tourette's Syndrome as well as bipolar disorder or depression.
Other medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants can be beneficial to some people with ADHD. These medications are also used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they may enhance the ability to focus and control impulses of some adults with ADHD.
A good night's sleep and adhering to the same routine can improve ADHD symptoms. Avoiding caffeine and sugary food can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD don't receive treatment for their disorder. They may not realize they have it or their health professionals do not recognize it. They struggle with everyday tasks such as getting up, going to work on time and being accountable in their relationships and at their jobs.
Effective treatment for ADHD can make it easier for people who suffer from the condition to excel at work, school and family life. Treatments can include psychotherapy, medication (counseling) and lifestyle changes. Combining these strategies is usually the best approach.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for adult adhd. They regulate and enhance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that are thought to be responsible for ADHD symptoms. Other medications, including the nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These medications work more slowly than stimulants and may be more effective for people who are unable to take stimulants due to medical issues or drug-related side adverse effects.
Individual therapy for talk therapy can help those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve their relationship skills. It can teach strategies for organizing and concentrate, as well as plan. Family therapy and couples therapy in addition to individual counseling can be helpful. Marital and family counseling can help families and couples to understand the particular difficulties of living with a person with ADHD and develop coping strategies that improve communication and problem-solving.
Other types of therapy for ADHD may include cognitive behavior therapy, which assists people recognize and alter negative patterns of thinking. It also teaches you strategies for dealing with life's stress like budgeting and money management and the art of organization, diet changes and exercises. Other treatments may employ meditation to help promote calm and yoga techniques to cultivate balance, self-awareness, and physical balance.
It is beneficial to add therapy to the medication regimen, particularly for adults. However, not all people with ADHD can benefit from talk therapy alone and a healthcare doctor should evaluate each patient to determine which treatments are most efficient. In certain instances it is essential to rule out other conditions that can have similar symptoms to ADHD such as mood disorders or other mental health issues, as well as physical illness or injury, substance abuse or nutritional deficiency.
Counseling
Helping someone with ADHD is a difficult task. It is crucial to have a multimodal treatment program that includes medication, training for skills, and counseling.
Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and help you learn how to cope with the negative consequences of ADHD in your life. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns and emotions. This will help you to improve your ability to manage your behavior.
A Therapist can also teach you practical strategies to manage issues like time management, organization, and impulse control. They can help you overcome emotional problems that are typically associated with ADHD like anxiety or depression. A counselor who is experienced with the effects of ADHD on your life can assist you and your loved ones and realize that your issues may not be due to "laziness" or an inability to work.
Look for a therapist who has experience treating adult ADHD. You may want to ask your doctor whether they are specialized in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD or look up the American Psychological Association's directory. Psychotherapy can be expensive so make sure your health insurance covers it.
It's beneficial to find a therapist who has experience in different types of therapy. For instance, natural lifemanship uses horses to teach people how to manage their energy levels and pick up non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation which can help reduce stress and improve their attention control.
You may also be interested in participating in the clinical trial that is an investigational study. These studies can provide access to new treatments and researchers can gain knowledge about how ADHD is treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if a study in clinical research is appropriate for you.
It is also important to make sure you are free of any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) and thyroid disorders, depression and lead poisoning. It is also important to mention any drug abuse you've had in the past or present, as it can affect your ability to pay attention and concentrate.
Education
Treatment for adult ADHD should include therapy, medication as well as life skills training and counseling. Adults may benefit from the same treatments as children, but it could take longer for them to work because their bodies and minds have grown. Additionally, psychiatric disorders that resemble ADHD symptoms might need to be treated as well.
For the majority of people with ADHD stimulants are the drugs of choice. They enhance attention and reduce the impulsiveness. But they can cause side effects, including insomnia and fatigue which require attention. They can also interact with some medications and food items. Stimulants work best when they begin at a lower dosage and gradually increased over 7 days until you reach a dose that helps manage your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse side effects.
You can acquire the skills necessary to deal with ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is one example. It can help you to change your negative thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors like procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break down big tasks into smaller ones and develop an organized routine. Family and marriage counseling can assist you and your loved ones to understand and support each other.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms and your overall health. Make sure you eat a balanced diet that includes fish, the minerals zinc, iron and magnesium, and complex carbohydrates. Aiming to eat three meals per day is crucial. Avoid skipping meals and eating sugary snacks. A healthy diet will give you energy all day long and improve your mood.
Some people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting enough sleep. A sleepless night can make symptoms worse the next day. You can improve your sleep by setting a regular bedtime and getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before going to bed.
Participating in a study could help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Ask your doctor if you qualify for clinical trials.