What Are the Best Treatments for ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that can make life difficult in many ways - it can make it difficult to function at school, work and relationships. The good news is that there are a number of treatments available that can help improve symptoms.

We'll take a look at the most common treatments for ADHD, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. We'll also explore the pros and cons of each treatment option and offer tips for how to find the right treatment for you.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a mental disorder that is characterised by problems with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

It's estimated that around 5% of the population has ADHD, and it affects people of all ages and genders. Certain symptoms of this disorder can make it difficult for people to function in work or school. For instance, people with ADHD tend to become hyperactive, and have a tendency to move around even when it might not be perceived appropriate. Dealing with ADHD can be a crushing experience but it can be managed successfully - such that the symptoms of this condition have a minimal effect on your daily life. 

Symptoms of ADHD

There are three major symptoms of ADHD: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Many people think that hyperactivity is the only symptom of ADHD, but that's not the case.

Inattention symptoms can include being easily distracted, forgetting things, not being able to focus on a task, and losing focus quickly. Impulsivity symptoms can include blurting out comments, being impatient, and not being able to wait your turn. Hyperactivity symptoms can include fidgeting, always being on the go, and talking too much. 

Read more about ADHD symptoms here. 

The Different Types of ADHD

There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.

ADHD - inattentive type: People with ADHD - inattentive may be easily distracted and have difficulty focusing on one task for an extended period of time. They may also be forgetful and lose things often.

ADHD - hyperactive-impulsive type: People with hyperactive-impulsive type may be very restless and have trouble sitting still. They may also be impulsive, blurting out things without thinking, and have a hard time waiting their turn. 

ADHD - combined type: People who have the combined type of ADHD experience both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

Read more about ADHD here. 

Causes of ADHD

One of the things that makes ADHD treatment so difficult is that it's not always clear what's causing the disorder. There are a lot of different theories out there, and scientists are still working to figure out the root cause of ADHD.

Some experts believe that ADHD is caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control movement and emotion, and people with ADHD may not produce enough of it - causing them to have problems with attention, hyperactivity and impulse control. Others believe that ADHD is caused by problems with the way the brain processes information. This may be due to genetics or exposure to environmental toxins. 

There are still other theories out there, but these are two of the most popular ones. Scientists are constantly working to find new ways to treat ADHD, and as they learn more about the causes of the disorder, they'll be able to develop more specific treatments.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to that question as ADHD is a complex disorder with many different types that can manifest in different ways in different people. 

But generally, psychiatrists will look for symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. They might also ask about your family history and do a psychological evaluation to try and get a better understanding of how ADHD is impacting your life. In order to confirm your diagnosis, your psychiatrist may also administer diagnostic tests to you, such as the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) and Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS). These are tests that are designed to measure the severity of ADHD. 

There's no easy answer when it comes to diagnosis, but with the help of a qualified psychiatrist, you can get the treatment you need to manage your ADHD symptoms.

Read more about the diagnosis of ADHD here. 

Available Treatments for ADHD

So, what are the available treatments for ADHD? Well, the most common treatment is medication, which is usually a stimulant. This helps to improve focus and attention, and it can be very effective for some people.

But medication isn't the only treatment available. There are also a number of therapies that can be helpful, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and behavioural therapy. These therapies help to change the way a person thinks and behaves, which can be very helpful for people with ADHD.

There are also a number of supplements that can be helpful for people with ADHD, including omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium. And finally, there's also lifestyle changes that can help, such as getting enough sleep and exercise.

Stimulant Medication for the Treatment of ADHD

Stimulant medication is the most common type of treatment for ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to improve attention and focus.

There are a few different stimulant medication available, and they each work a bit differently. Some of the more common ones include:

• Methylphenidate (brand names include Ritalin, Concerta, and Metadate CD)

• Amphetamine (brand names include Dexedrine, Dextroamphetamine, and Adderall)

• Lisdexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse)

Your psychiatrist will help you determine which one is right for you.

Non-Stimulant Medication for the Treatment of ADHD

There are a few different types of non-stimulant medication that are prescribed for the treatment of ADHD. One of these is atomoxetine, which is a drug that was originally developed to treat depression. It works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain.

Another non-stimulant medication that's used to treat ADHD is guanfacine. This drug works by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system. It's usually prescribed to people who have trouble staying focused and paying attention in school.

There are also a few other non-stimulant medications that can be prescribed for ADHD, including clonidine and bupropion. However, these are not as commonly used as atomoxetine and guanfacine.

Therapy for ADHD

When it comes to ADHD treatment, therapy can be incredibly effective when used in conjunction with medication or other treatments.

There are a few different types of therapy that can be used to treat ADHD. The most common is cognitive-behavioural therapy, or CBT. CBT helps patients learn how to better manage their symptoms by changing the way they think and behave.

Other types of therapy that can be used include family therapy and social skills training. Family therapy is beneficial because it helps families learn how to better support their loved one who has ADHD. Social skills training can help patients learn how to better interact with others. 

If there is still confusion regarding which treatment method to opt for, you can directly get in touch with a psychiatrist or a therapist. They can guide you on which treatment method would work for you. A good way to go about treatment is to look at a combination of all the different methods. Studies show that this can have the best possible outcomes, and helps you overcome symptoms faster and in a more permanent way.