ADHD Medications and Other Treatments
ADHD can cause a wide variety of symptoms that can make it difficult for people to be productive at work or school. These issues can be misdiagnosed.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults with adhd no medication develop better ways of thinking and responding to stress. A healthy diet and regular exercise also can help.
Medicines
Many people are reluctant to take medication, however the right medication can make a huge difference. ADHD medications boost brain chemicals that affect attention, concentration and impulse control. Doctors prescribe them in small doses and increase them gradually until the ADHD symptoms are reduced. People who take ADHD medicines have regular checkups to see whether the medication is working and to watch for side effects.
The most common medicine for treating ADHD is stimulants. They are taken orally and come in a variety of forms. These include tablets that can either be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolvable into capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food items; and liquids that can be mixed with water or taken. These medications are typically taken once daily by most people. The most frequently used stimulants are methylphenidate (brand names include Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse). Both stimulants work by stimulating certain parts of the brain to improve concentration and reduce impulse-driven behavior. They are typically prescribed to children who are older than 5but may be prescribed to teenagers and adults who haven't been able to respond to other treatments.
There are other medications that are used to treat ADHD. However, they are not as common in children due to their potential negative side effects. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are antidepressants which can help those suffering from ADHD. They do this by increasing the levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are only used when other treatments are not working. However, they have been linked to a number of deaths due to heart rhythm problems. The most commonly used monoamine oxidese inhibitor is Phenelzine, which is also known as Nardil. Venlafaxine is a newer version of this drug that has been proven to treat ADHD in some patients, but has not been studied as thoroughly as the other forms of ADHD.
Both children and adults can suffer from symptoms similar to ADHD. These include mood disorders, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and other personality disorders, including antisocial personality disorder, which is found at a high rate in adults suffering from ADHD (Mannuzza and co., 1998). If a patient suffers from multiple disorders, such as ADHD and other psychiatric disorders, doctors seek to treat the most severe symptoms of the other disorders prior to attempting medications for ADHD.
Alternative Treatments
Many people with ADHD are not able to find medication helpful, and may seek alternative treatments. These treatments are referred to as alternative or complementary medicine. This includes certain foods, nutritional supplements and exercise, sleep training as well as yoga, meditation and brain-based treatments like neurofeedback. These treatments are a great addition to any ADHD treatment program.
Many people with ADHD say that certain foods can cause symptoms. In general, a well-balanced diet is recommended. Many experts also recommend keeping a food diary to determine if specific food items trigger symptoms. If you notice that ADHD symptoms are getting worse or better after eating certain food items, it is crucial to talk to their doctor who may recommend seeing a dietitian.
Some people with ADHD notice that they feel better when they take certain vitamins or supplements. However there's not a lot of evidence to suggest that these supplements actually work. Before attempting any of these supplements it's best to consult your doctor in case they interfere with certain medications.
Regular exercise is beneficial for everyone, but it seems to be especially beneficial for people with ADHD. Studies have shown that moderate to intense exercise helps the brain release chemicals that aid in controlling the behavior and attention. It is most effective to exercise outside and away from televisions, computers and video games.
A behavioral therapy is a different treatment that doesn't involve medication. This treatment teaches children new ways of being and works best with children who are younger than five. It can be helpful for adults and older children. It is typically coupled with cognitive behavior therapy, which aims at changing negative beliefs and thoughts.
A form of behavior therapy known as sensory integration training is designed to teach the brain to react to sensory messages, such as seeing, hearing and touching. This is a relatively new approach and more research is required. It's worth trying, especially in the case that a person who suffers from ADHD has other mental health problems.
most effective adhd medication for adults can help some patients with ADHD overcome depression and anxiety. It can be offered by therapists who are qualified, or in groups. Psychotherapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help you manage your problems and deal with stress. CBT, for example can help you overcome negative or irrational thoughts such as "I always make mistakes" or "this won't work."
There are a variety of other options for treating adhd that do not require medication. These include creating healthy sleeping habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies and exercising regularly. But, you shouldn't attempt to cut out food items or supplements without seeking medical advice from your physician.
You can also seek help by joining self-help and support groups. These groups can assist you overcome a range of challenges, such as managing relationships, anxiety or low self-esteem. These services can be provided in person via phone or via the internet. Many of these services are free or are cost-free.
Behavioral therapy is usually the first choice for children suffering from ADHD however it is equally beneficial for adults and teens. In a behavioral therapy session, a trained therapist helps you and your child develop strategies to lessen the symptoms of ADHD and improve family functioning. For example, the therapy therapist could teach you to use positive reinforcement and reward systems.
A therapist might also teach you and your child to recognize when symptoms are present and how to calm them down. This is particularly useful for parents who are overwhelmed by the impulsive behaviours of their children. Therapists may also suggest instructing you and your child in relaxation techniques, like meditation or progressive muscle relaxation visualization, and deep breathing.
The behavioral therapy program can also include training for teachers to help them to deal with students who suffer from ADHD. The therapist may instruct you to use "report cards" to let teachers know that your child is meeting their goals for behavior that day. The therapist can then reward the child for good behavior. These kinds of strategies have been shown to improve the functioning of adults and children with ADHD.
Support Groups
Adults with ADHD can find it difficult to comprehend their symptoms and behaviors which can be a challenge. Support groups can help adults with ADHD find understanding and encouragement by others who have similar experiences. They can also learn new coping strategies and improve their lives. Some support groups are run professionally, while others are peer-led. Some support groups offer educational materials, workshops and guest speakers. In addition support groups can provide an environment that allows members to connect and collaborate with others to share their resources.
Online support groups are a great alternative for those who can't attend meetings in person. ADDitude magazine, for example, has an online forum that allows people to interact and exchange advice. The website has a list with professional ADHD coaches as well as other resources. You can also locate online ADHD support groups through your health insurance plan or sites which offer mental health services. For instance Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in a number of companies may cover counseling or therapy for people suffering from mental health issues, including ADHD.
Other sources of support from social networks include friends and family. Let those closest to know that you suffer from ADHD to give them more assistance and support with everyday tasks. For instance, an ADHD spouse could assist with the preparation of meals or cleaning, whereas an acquaintance could be an excellent listener when you're feeling overwhelmed.
Choose a reputable organization when you're considering joining an ADHD support group. Beware of social media forums and sites that allow anyone to post. These forums may offer advice that is not in line with medical guidelines or harmful. Support groups should be part of a complete treatment program that includes therapy, medication and skill-building.