ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known disorder of the nervous system that affects 44% of the population. It is associated by high rates of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD notice significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. It is important that people who suffer from ADHD discover the right combination of medications that works for them.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medicine with an extended-release long-acting medication once a week to reduce the need to take it often throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated successfully with antidepressants such as desipramine. This class of drugs may be used in conjunction with stimulants, or alone to enhance their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also utilized to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, possess the ability to calm and increase focus and reduce the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. However, these medications can result in a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, family members and others who may nag or criticize them. Marriage and family counseling is a great method to help couples with ADHD better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD aims to improve daily functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can also aid those who suffer from ADHD overcome low self-esteem and sense of failure that often accompanies this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy assists people to change negative thoughts and emotions that are causing difficulties in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven to be effective in treating various disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies or on its own.
CBT can include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD because it allows them to connect with other people who are facing similar issues and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults with ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared with other psychosocial treatments in adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes ranging from medium to large. These improvements were associated with various modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving and mindfulness meditation.
It is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is likely that the differences in outcomes results are due to a variety of factors, including the treatment characteristics and measures used. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain that there is too much or little activity, and teaching the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which could be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy methods that can aid in improving the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to transform negative behaviors and help manage impulsive and self-destructive behaviors that can lead to problems at school or at work.
In certain cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medications for adults with adhd treatment. Patients suffering from co-occurring disorders like addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure their symptoms aren't aggravated by the medications used to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and an history of seizures have to be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk of developing complications from the medication.
In-depth outpatient programs could be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer a more thorough and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD enhance their ability to manage their time, impulse control, executive function, and planning. It teaches them to recognize and express feelings and uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and enhances the capacity of a person's ability to concentrate and regulate emotions. It also enhances an individual's ability to tolerate the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other difficult emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often have difficulties functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you build confidence in yourself and address the root of the issue. It can also help you develop healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults with ADHD, as it helps them to alter their negative attitudes and behaviours. It concentrates on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can cause negative moods, and the perception of limited options.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or diminish the effectiveness of certain drugs used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor its response to medication before proceeding to treatment of the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life, establish predictable routines that help you control your time and money and build an optimistic image of yourself. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that can decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Additionally yoga and other exercises can help you improve your focus by stabilizing your body in different poses.
Family and marriage counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to solve the problems they cause their spouses, kids and other family members. They frequently complain that they are insecure, unorganized, and susceptible to making decisions based on impulsivity. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you establish healthier relationships. It can also help you and your family members realize that the problem is caused by ADHD, rather than the lack of care or a refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is very common. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are a variety of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in studies. These studies have exposed the strengths and weaknesses of the drugs.
Adults with ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, but it isn't always easy to recognize them since childhood symptoms may not persist throughout adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the symptoms are caused by medical conditions like thyroid problems or sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Medications for adults with ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants have the highest response rates for people suffering from ADHD. adhd symptoms adults treatment vary between 70 and 80%. The most frequently used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also accessible in a transdermal system which allows for a continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic and has been shown to be effective in adult patients suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is another antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that blocks the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its use in the brain. This drug has been found to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults. However, it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving concentration or cognitive function.
