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 comorbidity (depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medications are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed medications.
Medications
Many people who suffer from ADHD have seen significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medication. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them.
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 hour. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medicine used once per day to lessen the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can be successfully treated with antidepressants, like desipramine. This class of medications can be used together with stimulants or alone to enhance their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious side consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications, originally designed to treat high blood pressure, possess an calming effect and are able to increase focus and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in some adults. However, these medications could result in a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped or reduced in dosage.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD, as well as anger toward supervisors, colleagues teachers, and family members who may nag or criticize them. Additionally counseling for marriage and families can help couples with ADHD to understand each other's issues and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also assist people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feeling of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, helps people change their 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 proven to be effective for many illnesses, including depression and anxiety. It can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or by itself.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD because it allows them to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided in person or over the phone. One study compared the results of CBT with that of traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report measures of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared to other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD. All of these studies demonstrate significant reductions in ADHD symptoms with effects ranging from medium to large. These improvements were associated with diverse modalities like cognitive and interpersonal therapy as well as social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
It is essential to assess the effectiveness of various treatment options for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that differences in outcomes results are due to a variety of factors, including treatment characteristics and the measures employed. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint brain areas in which there is excessive or insufficient activity. The person then learns to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can address these problems that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy techniques which can improve the ability of a person to resolve conflicts and develop meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to change negative behavior and help manage self-destructive and impulsive behavior that can lead to problems at school or work.
In some cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. People who have comorbid conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder and substance abuse should be evaluated with care to make sure they don't have symptoms that cannot be improved by the medication that are prescribed to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and an history of seizures have to be treated more aggressively because they are at a higher risk of developing complications from the medications.
In-depth outpatient programs could be recommended if the person's ADHD is such that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide an organized treatment that is more intensive than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of cognitive therapy, helps adults suffering from ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive function. It helps them recognize and express their emotions and uses worksheets and activities to make the learning more engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to concentrate and manage emotions. It improves the ability of a person to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with sadness, anger and other emotions that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and could result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve underlying problems and develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps you modify your negative beliefs and behaviors. It is focused on teaching you how to use time management strategies and overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and perceptions of limited choices.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor the response to treatment prior to beginning treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life, establish predictable routines, control your time and money, and develop an optimistic image of yourself. It can help you master relaxation methods that may reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. In the same way yoga and other exercises can help you focus better by stabilizing the body in various poses.
Family and marriage counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to resolve the issues they create for their spouses, kids and friends. They often complain about being unreliable and disorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you establish better relationships. Moreover, it can aid you and your loved ones realize that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD instead of an absence of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is highly prevalent. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression and addiction disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatments. There are a variety of medications available for adults suffering from ADHD and some of them have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and weaknesses of the drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, however it can be difficult to recognize them since childhood symptoms might not last until adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also not have a family history of the disorder, or may not be aware of symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by medical conditions like thyroid problems, sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Adult medications for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and other non-stimulant medications. Stimulants have the highest reaction rates for adults with ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness vary from 70% to 80percent. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal device. adhd in adults untreated allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the daytime.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every seven 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 is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer, increasing its availability in brain. The drug is known to improve mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.