What is the Best Treatment For ADHD in Adults?

Most people with ADHD benefit from a mix of treatments. Those treatments are typically multimodal and include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Stimulants are the most common medications for ADHD. Finding the appropriate dosage and balancing side effects can be a trial-and-error process.

Atomoxetine is an FDA-approved non-stimulant that does not have the abuse potential of stimulants. It is a pill that can be taken orally.

Medication

Adults with ADHD tend to be treated with medication first. Certain medications can ease symptoms and help adults function more effectively at school, work or at home. However, a single medication may not be able to solve all ADHD-related issues in a person's life and can sometimes cause side consequences. The most effective treatment is when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist adults suffering from ADHD develop new skills to manage their behavior. It can aid families and adults learn how to cope with living with someone who has ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people deal with the issues that impulsive, inattentive behavior causes in families and relationships.

Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They seem to balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. When taking stimulants, individuals with medical conditions or with a history of drug or alcohol abuse should speak with their doctor. Some stimulants can cause common health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take.

Nonstimulant medications are sometimes used to treat adult ADHD. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine-reuptake that does not have the same potential for abuse as stimulants. It works slower than stimulants and may cause adverse effects, including stomach upset and insomnia however it is highly beneficial for the majority of adults with ADHD. It is not recommended to those suffering from Tourette's Syndrome or bipolar disorder, depression, or both.

Some people who suffer from ADHD may also benefit from other medication such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants. These drugs are also used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they are able to help improve the attention and impulse control of some adults suffering from ADHD.

Sleeping enough and keeping a regular routine can help reduce 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 aren't aware of it. They have trouble managing everyday tasks such as getting up, going to work on time, and being responsible in relationships as well as at work.

ADHD can be treated effectively to help people achieve success at school, work and in their family life. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication (counseling) and lifestyle modifications. Combining these methods is usually the most effective approach.

The most common medication used to treat adult adhd is stimulants. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters that are thought to be responsible for ADHD symptoms. ADHD is also treated by other medications, including atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and certain antidepressants. These medications work more slowly than stimulants and may be more effective for people who have difficulty taking stimulants because of other medical conditions or adverse drug negative effects.

Individual therapy can teach those with ADHD how to better manage their emotions and enhance their relationship skills. adhd treatment for adult women can also help people learn to plan, organize and stay focused. In addition to individual counseling therapy, couples and family therapy can be helpful. Marital and family counseling can help families and couples to understand the unique challenges of living with a person who suffers from ADHD and develop coping skills that improve communication and problem-solving.

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 you practical strategies to deal with life's stress including budgeting, money management and organizational skills, diet changes and exercises. Other treatments may employ meditation to promote mental calmness and yoga practices to improve self-awareness, balance, and physical balance.


Adding therapy to an existing medication regimen could be extremely beneficial, especially for adults. Not everyone with ADHD will benefit from a talk therapy. A healthcare professional must examine each patient to determine the best treatment option. In certain instances, it is crucial to exclude other conditions that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD like mental health or mood disorder problems and physical ailments or injuries, drug abuse, or nutritional deficiencies.

Counseling

Finding assistance for ADHD isn't easy. It's important to seek an approach that is multimodal and includes the use of medication, skills training, and counseling.

Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and teach you how to deal with the negative effects of ADHD in your life. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn to recognize emotional patterns and thoughts that are not helpful. This, in turn, will improve your ability to control your behaviors.

A therapist can also provide you with practical strategies to manage problems like time management, organization and impulse control. They can also help you deal with emotional issues that are often associated with ADHD like anxiety or depression. A counselor who is experienced with the effects of ADHD on your life can support your loved ones as well as realize that your issues may not be due to "laziness" or an inability to work.

When choosing a therapist, ensure that they are experienced in treating adults with ADHD. You might want to ask your doctor if they specialize in psychotherapy for people with ADHD or check the American Psychological Association's directory. Because psychotherapy is expensive, make sure that your health insurance will cover the cost.

It is also beneficial to choose a therapist that is experienced with different types of therapy, such as natural lifemanship, which uses horses as partners to help people to control their body's energy and pick up nonverbal cues. Another option is mindfulness meditation which can help reduce stress and improve their attention control.

You might also be interested in participating in an clinical trial that is an investigational study. These studies may provide access to new treatments and aid researchers to gain knowledge about ways to treat or prevent ADHD. Ask your doctor if a study in clinical research is right for you.

It's also important to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD and include sleep apnea, depression, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning. It's also important to note any past or current drug use, as this can interfere with your ability to concentrate and pay attention.

Education

A successful treatment plan for adult ADHD includes therapy and medication that includes life skills education and counseling. The same strategies that work for kids will generally work for adults, but they might take longer to begin working because their brains and bodies have matured. It may also be necessary to treat psychiatric disorders which mimic ADHD symptoms.

Most people with ADHD opt for stimulants as their preferred drug. These help improve attention and reduce impulsiveness. However, they can also cause side effects, like fatigue and sleep problems, that need to be addressed. They can also interact with certain medications and foods. Begin with a low dosage, and increase it over 7 days to a level where you can manage your ADHD symptoms without experiencing any adverse effects.

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you strategies to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. For instance, CBT can encourage you to shift your thinking patterns that cause negative behaviors, such as procrastination. CBT can help you break down big tasks and help you develop an organized routine. Marriage and family counseling helps you and your loved one to understand each other and help them.

A healthy diet can help improve your ADHD symptoms as well as your overall health. A balanced diet which includes fish, nutrients like iron, zinc and magnesium, as well as complex carbohydrates. It is also important to eat regularly, about three meals a day, and avoid skipping meals or snacking on sugary foods. A well-balanced diet will help you have constant energy throughout the day and improve your mood and ability to concentrate.

Certain people with ADHD struggle to sleep enough. A sleepless night can worsen symptoms the next day. Set a regular bedtime and get up at the same time every day. Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol before going to bed.

Participating in a study could help you find better treatment for ADHD. Consult your physician to determine if you have the ability to participate in clinical trials.