ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known disorder of the nervous system that affects around 4,4% of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and addiction to drugs) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have seen significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning when they take medication. It is essential that those with ADHD discover the right combination of medications that is effective for them.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants like amphetamines or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication taken once a day to decrease the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of medications can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to enhance their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, possess a calming effect and can increase focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure if they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is reduced.
Psychotherapy is also useful for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD and resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, family members and others who may nag or criticize them. Family and marriage counseling is also a great way to help couples suffering from ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD aims to improve daily functioning by teaching strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also assist people with ADHD overcome low self-esteem and feelings of failure that often accompanies this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy helps people change their negative thoughts and feelings that cause problems in their life. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating various conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
CBT could include group therapy, which can be especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD as it offers the opportunity to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or via the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting indicators like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
Several studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD and all have shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were linked to diverse modalities like cognitive and interpersonal therapy and social skills training. problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
It is important to compare the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that the differences in the results of treatment are due to a variety of factors, including the treatment characteristics and measures used. Few studies have examined the effectiveness neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while doing cognitive tasks to identify brain areas where there is excessive or inadequate activity. The person then learns to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. treatment for adhd in adults can help with these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include the use of interpersonal therapy to improve the ability of a person to form meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that can create difficulties at school or at work.
In certain cases, psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. People with comorbid conditions like bipolar disorder and substance abuse must be assessed carefully to ensure that they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and an history of seizures need to be treated more aggressively as they are at higher risk for complications from the medication.
When ADHD is severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and quality-of-life intensive outpatient programs might be recommended. These programs offer more thorough and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, aids people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning and executive function. It helps them identify and express their emotions and employs worksheets and exercises to make the lessons more enjoyable. The practice of mindfulness meditation improves CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and regulate emotions. It improves the ability of a person to tolerate stress and arousal. It can help them deal with sadness, anger and other difficult emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. These issues can also impact relationships and can lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help increase self-esteem, address underlying problems and develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps you modify your negative beliefs and behaviors. It focuses on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of possibilities.
Many people with ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or diminish the effectiveness of some treatments for ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbidity first and then monitor its response to medication before proceeding to treatment of the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your work and life, establish predictable routines to manage your money and time and build confidence in yourself. It can help you master ways to relax that could reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can help you focus by stabilizing your body during various postures.
Family and marriage counseling can help adults with ADHD to resolve the issues they create for their spouses, kids and other family members. They frequently complain of being unreliable and disorganized. They also tend to forget things or make impulsive decisions. You can strengthen relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. It can aid you and your family members to understand that the issues are due to ADHD instead of an inability to care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder which is highly frequent. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety and addiction disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the various medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, but it can be difficult to recognize them since childhood symptoms may not persist throughout adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD may not have an ancestral background of the disorder or might not remember the symptoms. It is crucial to take an extensive medical history to determine whether the symptoms are caused by an illness, such as thyroid problems such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision issues.
Medications for adults with ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medications for adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are in the 70 - 80 percent range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also accessible as a transdermal solution, which allows for a continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine is the most studied tricyclic and has been shown to be effective in adult patients suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose medication which should be increased each seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake in the presynaptic cellular transporter which increases its accessibility to the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults. However, it isn't as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.