Alternative ADHD Treatment For Adults
While medication is an important part of treatment for adhd, many adults seek alternative remedies to help manage their symptoms. These include supplements for diet biofeedback, mind-body practices like yoga and meditation.
Some of these treatments are clinically proved to be effective. Others need more studies to prove their effectiveness.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is an option to treat adult ADHD symptoms. It employs a combination of cognitive therapy and behavior therapy to teach you how to manage your symptoms, and develop healthier and more productive habits. It also helps you recognize and revise unhelpful patterns of thoughts and actions that can negatively impact your emotional and productivity.
The main purpose of CBT is changing negative self-talk into positive self-talk that can lead to more adaptive behavior and a more positive outlook on life. It is based on the principle that your emotions, thoughts and actions are connected and can impact the one another. This treatment can be done in a single session or in a group. CBT is an active therapy and requires a relationship with your therapist. The program helps you practice new behaviors, such as scheduling appointments and following an agenda, while working with your therapist in rewiring unhelpful cognitive distortions.
One of the most common cognitive errors is the all-or-nothing thinking. This leads to irrational belief that you're a fail if you miss your target. It is important to replace these irrational beliefs with more realistic, helpful thoughts and to concentrate on your achievements instead of your failures. In addition, CBT can help you improve your time management skills. It encourages you to use a planner, implement a filing system, and develop other organizational strategies. These changes will result in more effective and flexible behavior.
In some cases conventional pharmacological treatments such as stimulants and non-stimulants could be required. However, these drugs may cause side effects that cause insufficient tolerance and poor adherence to treatment. Some people find that natural remedies and supplements are helpful in managing their ADHD. However, you should discuss these with your doctor prior to attempting these.
Some people who aren't able to find assistance from a therapist who uses CBT may choose to attend an online therapy. These programs provide self-directed classes as well as unlimited messaging with a therapist or coach. Some online programs allow you to select the therapist that is experienced with ADHD in adulthood.
Medication
There are several methods to treat ADHD. Many people find that a combination of behavioral therapy and medication is the best method to treat their symptoms. Although medications cannot cure ADHD but they can reduce impulsive and hyperactive behavior and improve concentration and focus. The drugs regulate monoamine neurotransmission in the brain. They also improve executive functions which are the capacity of organizing and planning. When combined with adhd treatment for adults medication and exercise, these medications can lead to positive changes in someone's life.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used ADHD medication, being used by 68.5% of the population studied during the follow-up period. The next two were Lisdexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. Other combinations of medications have been tried, including methylphenidate with alpha-2 agonists and atomoxetine with non-stimulant medications, however, these strategies require more study to determine if they are effective.
The stimulant medication can cause side effects such as nausea and upset stomach. They can also trigger an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Children and adolescents may also develop tics. These tics involve repeated movements and sounds, like eye blinking or clearing the throat. They usually affect only one or two parts of the body, however they can be embarrassing for children.
Non-stimulant medications, like Strattera and Qelbree, are less likely to cause these side effects. These medications also boost levels of norepinephrine which is a different brain chemical that helps improve attention and impulse control. They don't cause insomnia or agitation as do stimulants do.
Although medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD, they can also have negative consequences. They can make you feel tired and irritable and can also trigger other health issues, like anxiety or depression. They can also interfere with everyday life and can result in addiction or substance abuse. These drugs are not suitable for everyone, therefore it is crucial to consult an expert before taking these medications.
It is possible to lead a happy life even with ADHD. With the right guidance and support you can be taught to manage your condition and lead an enjoyable life.
Lifestyle changes
In addition to medications and psychotherapy lifestyle changes are an important aspect of treatment for adults with ADHD. These modifications include dietary changes as well as exercise and techniques for managing stress. In some cases these treatments are as effective as medication, and can improve your performance in everyday life.
People suffering from ADHD struggle with adhering to their meal plans, choosing healthy foods, and planning their meals. These issues can affect their overall health and can lead to lower self-esteem, financial issues, and poor work performance. A food diary can help identify which foods and drinks cause symptoms to increase. A diet high in whole grains and fish, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats will improve your mood, energy, and attention. Supplements of vitamin D and omega-3 may enhance the function of the brain and control of impulses. It is recommended to talk to a doctor before trying these supplements, as certain might react differently to ADHD medications.
A therapist can help you learn techniques to manage your ADHD, as well as other mental health issues, such as depression or substance misuse. They can also give you advice about lifestyle change and ways to cope with difficult situations. They can also help you build healthier relationships with other people and find ways to live your life.
In some cases a doctor may prescribe a medication to treat ADHD. The medication is usually given in small doses to minimize side effects and increase effectiveness. You can take it orally or with a patch. There may not be results immediately, so talk to your GP to find out the most effective dosage. It's recommended to have regular check-ups with your GP and a specialist to check the effectiveness of your medication.
Many people with ADHD have issues with their working memory. This is the capacity of a person to recall and utilize information in a short period of time. Certain studies suggest that using computer programs to do brain training can enhance your ability to concentrate, manage impulsive behavior, and solve issues. The most effective brain training programs were developed by experts and tested on ADHD patients.
Counseling
Counseling can help adults with ADHD learn the skills strategies, strategies and structures they need to succeed in adulthood. It can also help them develop a healthy mindset, recognizing that their struggles are not a sign of weakness but rather a neurobiologically-driven response. This can promote self-acceptance and can also help reduce symptoms by reducing anxiety and stress. Getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising regularly, prioritizing self-care and avoiding excessive drinking or using drugs are all good practices to follow.
One popular type of counseling is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which concentrates on changing negative thinking patterns into healthier, more productive ones. It can help people identify and manage their emotions and teach them how to manage their impulses. CBT for instance, can help people to change their "all-or-nothing" thinking. They think they have to be flawless at something or fail.
In addition to psychotherapy, counseling can include other activities such as cognitive behavior therapy mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as Acupuncture. Acupuncture can be extremely beneficial for treating pain and stress-related illnesses, like ADHD. It can help reduce stress hormones and anxiety as well as improve circulation and oxygenation to the brain, and encourage calmness and relaxation. It is important to keep in mind that there is no cure to ADHD. Therefore it is essential to adopt a holistic approach to treatment is necessary.