What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?
The majority of people with ADHD will benefit from a combination treatment. The treatment options are typically multimodal, including treatment, medication and lifestyle changes.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. Finding the right dosage and balancing side effects isn't an easy task.
Atomoxetine is a FDA-approved non-stimulant that doesn't have the potential for abuse of stimulants. It can be taken via mouth.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated first by medication. Studies have shown that certain medications help with symptoms and can help adults function better at work, school or home. However, a single medication may not reduce all ADHD-related problems in a person's life, and may cause adverse effects. Medication is most effective when it's part of an overall treatment plan that includes therapy and lifestyle changes.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist adults suffering from ADHD develop new skills to manage behavior. It can also help family members and adults to deal with the challenges of living with someone with ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people cope with the problems that impulsive and inattentional behaviors can cause in relationships and families.

Adult ADHD is typically treated with stimulant medications like amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are believed to regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from medical conditions or with a history of drug or alcohol abuse should speak with their doctor. 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're taking any other medications.
Adult ADHD is often treated with nonstimulant medication. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine-reuptake that does not have the same abuse potential as stimulants. It has a slower effect than stimulants and may cause side effects, such as stomach upset and trouble sleeping, but it is beneficial for the majority of adults with ADHD. It is not recommended for people with depression, bipolar disorder or Tourette's syndrome.
Other medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants can also be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. These drugs are also used to treat anxiety and depression. However, they may improve the ability to focus and control impulses of some adults suffering from ADHD.
A good night's sleep and adhering to an established schedule can help improve ADHD symptoms. It's also important to stay clear of sweet and caffeine-rich foods, which can make them worse.
Therapy
Many adults with ADHD do not get treated for their disorder. They may not even realize they have it, or their health professionals do not recognize it. They are having difficulty with daily tasks like getting up, getting to work on time, and being responsible in relationships and at work.
ADHD can be effectively treated to aid people in achieving success in their work, school and in their personal life. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication (counseling) and lifestyle modifications. A combination of these approaches is usually best.
The most commonly used medication for adult adhd is stimulants.
adhd in adults symptoms and treatment 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 some antidepressants, are also utilized to treat ADHD. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and can be more effective for people who are unable to take stimulants due to medical issues or drug-related side adverse effects.
Individual therapy can help those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions and improve relationship skills. It can teach strategies to organize and focus, as well as plan. Couples and family therapy, along with individual counseling, can be beneficial. Marriage and family counseling helps families and partners to recognize the difficulties of living with someone who has ADHD. They can also devise strategies to cope to improve communication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another type of treatment for ADHD. This therapy helps people recognize and alter negative thinking patterns. It can also teach practical strategies to manage stress in life, like money management and budgeting as well as organizational skills, diet changes and exercises. Other therapies can employ meditation to help promote calm and yoga techniques to cultivate self-awareness, balance, and physical balance.
Incorporating therapy into an existing medication regimen could be extremely beneficial, especially for adults. However, not all people with ADHD can benefit from just talk therapy and a health care professional should assess each patient to determine which treatments are most effective. In certain instances it is crucial to identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms of ADHD, such as mood disorders or other mental health issues in addition to physical injuries or illness, substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies.
Counseling
Helping someone with ADHD can be a daunting task. It's important to seek an intervention 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 deal with the negative impact of ADHD on your life. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns and emotions. This, in turn, will improve your ability to control your behaviors.
A therapist can help you learn how to manage issues such as time management, organizing and controlling your impulses. They can also help you deal with emotional issues that often accompany ADHD like anxiety or depression. A therapist who is familiar with the effects of ADHD on your life can assist you and your loved ones and you understand that your problems may not be due to "laziness" or a lack of effort.
Find a therapist who is experienced in treating adult ADHD. Ask your doctor if he/she is a specialist in psychotherapy for adult ADHD. You can also check the directory of the American Psychological Association. Psychotherapy is expensive, so make sure your health insurance covers it.
It's beneficial to find a therapist who has expertise in various types of therapy. For instance natural lifemanship employs horses to help people learn to manage their energy levels and recognize nonverbal signals. Another option is mindfulness meditation, which helps reduce stress and improves attention regulation.
You may also be interested in participating in an clinical trial that is a research study. These studies could provide access to new treatments as well as help researchers learn more about how to treat or prevent ADHD. Ask your doctor if are a good candidate for a clinical trial.
It is also important to rule out any other medical conditions which may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include sleep apnea (sleep deprivation) as well as thyroid disorders, depression and lead poisoning. It's also important to note any recent or ongoing alcohol or drug abuse, since this can interfere with your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Education
A successful treatment plan for adults with ADHD includes therapy and medication which includes life skills training and counseling. Adults are able to benefit from the same treatment as children, however it might take them longer to achieve their goals because their bodies and minds have grown. Additionally, psychiatric issues that mimic ADHD symptoms might need to be treated also.
Most people with ADHD use stimulants as their preferred drug. They improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. They can have adverse effects like fatigue or sleep problems that need to addressed. They can also interact with certain foods and medications. The best results are when stimulants start at a low dose and gradually increased over 7 days until you reach a dosage that helps manage your ADHD symptoms without too many adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you develop skills to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. CBT is one example. It can help you overcome your negative thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors such as procrastination. CBT can help you break down large tasks and develop a more organized routine. Marriage and family counseling helps you and your loved ones to get to know each other better and be a part of their.
A healthy diet can improve your ADHD symptoms and your overall health. Consume a balanced diet that includes fish, vitamins such as zinc, iron and magnesium, in addition to complex carbohydrates. Eating three meals daily is important. Avoid cutting out meals or eating sweet snacks. Eating a well-balanced diet will give you constant energy throughout the day and boost your mood and ability to focus.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to get enough sleep. A sleepless night can worsen symptoms the next day. Set a regular bedtime, and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol prior to going to bed.
You might be able discover more effective treatments for your ADHD by taking part in an experimental trial. Discuss with your doctor about clinical trials and whether you are a candidate.