ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people who suffer from ADHD report significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning when they take medication. Due to the many different ways people respond to medications it is crucial for people with ADHD to discover a combination that is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Some adults can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug used once per day to lessen the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be successfully treated with antidepressants, like desipramine. This class of medications can be used by itself or in conjunction with stimulants to enhance their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as alprazolam as well as clonidine are utilized to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, have an calming effect and are able to improve focus and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. However, these drugs can cause a very low blood pressure if they are suddenly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, family members and others who might nag or criticize them. Additionally counseling for marriage and families can help couples with ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to impart strategies and skills that help improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also assist people with ADHD to overcome the low self-esteem and sense of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists people to change negative thoughts and feelings that cause difficulties in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for a variety of illnesses including anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or on its own.
CBT can include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it enables them to connect with other people who face similar challenges and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or via the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
Several studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD, and all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were attributed to diverse modalities like cognitive and interpersonal therapy and social skills training. problem solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is warranted when comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that the variations in the outcomes reflect a number of variables, including the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used and the background of the patient. Few studies have examined the effectiveness neurofeedback. This method involves wearing a hat with electrodes while doing cognitive tasks to determine brain regions where there is excessive or inadequate activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy approaches that can aid in improving a person’s ability to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to transform negative behaviors and assist in managing self-destructive and impulsive behavior which can lead to issues at school or at work.
In certain cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in combination with medication for adults adhd treatment. Patients suffering from comorbid disorders such as substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder need to be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms aren't aggravated through the use of medications to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and seizures in the past, have to be treated more aggressively as they are more at risk of developing complications from the medications.
If ADHD is serious enough to affect the quality of life and daily functioning intensive outpatient programs might be suggested. These programs provide an organized treatment that is more intense than conventional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which 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 feelings and employs worksheets and exercises to make the lessons more interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation improves CBT and enhances the capacity of a person's ability to concentrate and manage emotions. It also improves a person's capacity to manage stress and arousal. It can help them cope with sadness, anger, and other emotions that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you build confidence in yourself and resolve underlying problems. It will also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and helps them change their negative beliefs and behavior. It is focused on teaching time management techniques and overcoming thinking distortions that can cause negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of options.
Many people with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can exacerbate or decrease the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor its response to medication prior to attempting treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work and establish routines that are predictable that help you manage your time and money, and develop a positive image of yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that can reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Additionally yoga and other exercises can help you improve your focus by ensuring your body is stable in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help address the issues that adults suffering from ADHD frequently create for their spouses, children and other family members. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive choices. You can strengthen your relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. Moreover it can help you and your loved ones realize that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than to an absence of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is extremely common. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatment options. There are a variety of medications available for adults suffering from ADHD, and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the advantages and drawbacks of the drugs.
best treatment for adhd in adults with ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, however it can be difficult to diagnose them because childhood symptoms may not persist throughout adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their family or they may not remember experiencing symptoms. It is important to have an extensive medical history to determine if the symptoms are related to an illness like thyroid issues or sleep apnea, and vision issues.
Adult medications for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medication for treating adults with ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 - 80 percent range. The most commonly used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate may also be administered through a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery during the daytime.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is the most studied tricyclic and has been shown to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from 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 shown to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, but it is not as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.