What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
Most people with ADHD benefit from a mix of treatments. These treatments are usually multimodal and include therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing side effects can be a trial and error procedure.
Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant FDA approved does not carry the abuse potential that can be associated with stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.
Medication
Medications are generally the first option for adults suffering from ADHD. Research has shown that certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and can assist adults to perform better at work, school or at home. However, a single medication may not reduce all ADHD-related problems in a person's daily life and can sometimes cause side negative effects. Medication is most effective when it's part of a larger treatment program that includes therapy and lifestyle changes.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults with ADHD develop new strategies to manage their behavior. It can also assist family members and adults deal with the difficulties of living with someone with ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people to deal with the challenges that impulsive, inattentive behavior creates in families and relationships.
Stimulant drugs, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly prescribed medications for adult ADHD. They appear to balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. People who have medical conditions or those who have a history of drug or alcohol use should talk about these issues with their doctor before taking any stimulants. The effects of stimulants can be a problem for people with health conditions, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication.
Adult ADHD is sometimes treated with nonstimulant drugs. Atomoxetine is 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 can cause side effects, such as stomach upset and difficulty sleeping however it is highly effective in most adults with ADHD. It is not recommended for those suffering from bipolar disorder, depression or Tourette's syndrome.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from other medication that can help, such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. These medications are also used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they are able to enhance the attention and control of some adults with ADHD.
Sleeping enough and keeping a regular routine can help improve ADHD symptoms. Avoiding coffee and sweet foods can make symptoms of ADHD worse.
Therapy
Many people with ADHD are not treated for their disorder. It's possible that they don't know they have it or their doctors aren't aware of it. They struggle with everyday tasks such as getting up, going to work on time, and being accountable in relationships and at work.
Effective treatment for ADHD can help people who suffer from the condition to be successful in work, school and family life. Treatments include counseling, medication and lifestyle adjustments. A combination of these approaches is often the best choice.
The most common medication used for adults with adhd is stimulants. They regulate and enhance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They are believed to be the cause of ADHD symptoms. Other medications, like the nonstimulant atomoxetine, and some antidepressants, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These drugs are less potent than stimulants, but they can be more efficient in treating ADHD in those who cannot take stimulants due to medical conditions or drug side-effects.
Individual therapy for talk therapy can help those with ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve relationship skills. It can also teach people to organize, plan and concentrate. Family therapy and couples therapy in addition to individual counseling can be helpful. Marriage and family counseling helps partners and families better understand the challenges of living with someone suffering from ADHD. They can also develop coping strategies to improve communication.
Other types of treatment for ADHD may include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps individuals recognize and modify negative patterns of thinking. It also teaches practical strategies to manage the stresses of life, including money management and budgeting, organizational skills, dietary changes and exercise. Other treatments may employ meditation to improve mental peace 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, adhd treatment for adults medication with ADHD can benefit from talk therapy alone and a healthcare provider should evaluate each person to determine which treatment options are most efficient. In certain instances it is essential to rule out other conditions that can have similar symptoms of ADHD such as mood disorders or other mental health issues, as well as physical illness or injury, substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone with ADHD is a difficult task. It's important to seek a treatment plan that is multimodal and consists of an array of medications, skills training, and counseling.
Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and help you learn how to deal with the negative consequences of ADHD in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance can help you identify unhelpful emotions and thinking patterns. In turn, this will help you better control your behaviors.
A therapist can show you how to manage issues like managing time, organizing and impulse control. They can assist you in overcoming emotional problems that are typically associated with ADHD like depression or anxiety. Finding a therapist who can understand the way ADHD affects your life can help you and your loved ones see that your problems aren't necessarily because of "laziness" or lack of effort.
When choosing a therapist look for someone who is trained in treating adult ADHD. You may be able to ask your physician whether they are specialized in psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD or look up the American Psychological Association's directory. Because psychotherapy is expensive, make sure that your health insurance covers the cost.
It's helpful to find a therapist who has experience in a variety of therapy. For example the natural lifemanship method uses horses to help people learn to regulate their energy and pick up non-verbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation which can help reduce stress and improves attention regulation.
You may also be interested in participating in the clinical trial that is research study. These studies may offer access to the latest treatments, and researchers can learn more about how ADHD is treated or prevented. Ask your doctor if you are a good candidate for a clinical trial.
It's also important to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD and include sleep apnea, depression, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning. You should also disclose any substance abuse in the past or currently, as it can affect your ability to concentrate and focus.
Education
A successful treatment plan for adults with ADHD involves therapy and medication which includes life skills training and counseling. The same treatments that work for kids will often work for adults, but they may take longer to be effective because their brains and bodies have matured. Additionally, psychiatric issues that resemble ADHD symptoms might require treatment also.
For the majority of people suffering from ADHD, stimulants are the drugs of choice. They improve attention and reduce impulsivity. They can cause side effects such as insomnia or fatigue which need to be addressed. They also can interact with certain medications and food items. Stimulants work best when they begin at a lower dose and gradually increased over the course of 7 days until you reach a dose that can manage your ADHD symptoms without causing too many adverse effects.
You can develop the skills needed to deal with ADHD symptoms through psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy. For example, CBT can encourage you to change your distorted thoughts that cause negative behaviors like procrastination. CBT can also help you learn to break down large tasks into smaller tasks and create a more structured routine. Marital and family counseling can aid you and your loved ones get to know and help each other.
A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms and your overall health. Try to eat healthy, balanced meals that include fish, the vitamins zinc as well as magnesium, iron and complex carbohydrates. Aiming to eat three meals per day is crucial. Avoid taking a break from meals and eating sweet snacks. A balanced diet will ensure you have constant energy throughout the day and boost your concentration and mood.
Some people with ADHD struggle to sleep enough. A bad night's sleep can make symptoms worse the next day. Set a regular bedtime, and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid drinking caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed.
Participating in a clinical trial can help you find a better treatment for ADHD. Ask your doctor if have the ability to participate in clinical trials.