ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and addiction to drugs) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults suffering from ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning due to medication. Due to the various ways that people respond to medication, it is important for individuals with ADHD to find a combination that is effective.
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medication with an extended-release, long-acting medicine every week to decrease the necessity to take it regularly throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also treated successfully with antidepressants such as desipramine. This class of medications can be employed in conjunction with stimulants or alone to enhance their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine can also be used for the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, have the ability to calm and improve focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in certain adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is reduced.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD, as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors, teachers and family members who may nag or criticize them. In addition counseling for marriage and families can help couples suffering from ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can help individuals who suffer from ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the sense of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives and to discover new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective for a variety of disorders, including depression and anxiety. It can be used by itself or in combination with other therapies.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD as it allows them to connect with others who have similar struggles and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or over the phone. One study examined the effects of CBT with that of standard therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvement in self-report measures of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
A number of studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect size. These improvements were linked to diverse approaches, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
It is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment options for adults with ADHD with caution. It is possible that the differences in the results of treatment are due to a variety of factors, such as treatment features and the methods employed. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain that there is too much or little activity - and then instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help to address these problems, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include interpersonal therapy to enhance the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control impulsive, self-destructive, and negative behaviors that could cause problems at work or school.
In some cases psychotherapy may be utilized as an adjunct to medications for adult ADHD treatment for adults. Patients with multiple disorders like addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder should be assessed to ensure that their symptoms aren't aggravated by the medications used to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, have to be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk of complications from medications.
When ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with daily functioning and quality-of-life intensive outpatient programs could be suggested. These programs offer a more intensive and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD improve their ability to manage their time and impulse control, as well as executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express their feelings and uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons more engaging. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and enhances the ability of a person to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It improves the ability of a person to tolerate anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness and other emotional issues that could be causing their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting their work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and could lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you improve your self-esteem and solve the underlying issues. It will also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative beliefs and behaviors. It concentrates on teaching you to employ strategies for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and perceptions of a limited range of choices.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is recommended that you first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then observe its response to the medication prior to treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work and establish routines that are predictable that help you control your time and money and build an optimistic image of yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that may decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. In the same way, yoga and other exercise can help you improve your focus by stabilizing your body in different poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help address the issues that adults suffering from ADHD often cause their spouses, children and other family members. They often complain about being insecure, unorganized, and susceptible to making decisions based on impulsivity. You can strengthen your relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can aid you and your family members understand that the issues are caused by ADHD, rather than an inability to care or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are a range of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. adhd treatment for adults of these medications have been evaluated in trials. These studies have highlighted both the strengths and the limitations of the medication.
Adults with ADHD might experience the same symptoms as children have, but it's difficult to determine because the symptoms of childhood may not persist in adulthood. Adults with ADHD may also not have any family history of the disorder, or may not be aware of symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to help determine whether the symptoms are caused by medical conditions such as a thyroid problem, sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants have the highest reaction rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness range from 70 to 70% to 80%. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also accessible in a transdermal system that allows for continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication that is recommended to be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a second antidepressant which has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that blocks the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its availability in the brain. This drug is known to improve the mood of adults and reduce hyperactivity but it's not as effective at improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.