ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurological disorder that affects around 4,4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and alcohol abuse) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medications
Many adults with ADHD have seen significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. It is crucial that people with ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medication with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least every week to lessen the need to take it regularly throughout the day.
Antidepressants like desipramine have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of medications can be employed in conjunction with stimulants, or in isolation to boost 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 are also used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming affect and can improve focus, and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in some adults. However, these medications can cause a very low blood pressure if they are abruptly removed or reduced in dosage.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help people overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment against coworkers, teachers, supervisors, and family members that may criticize or nag them. Family and marriage counseling can be a great option to help couples with ADHD better understand each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to teach strategies and skills that help improve functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can also help people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and sense of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives and to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven effective in treating a variety of disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
CBT can include group therapy, which is especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD, as it provides the opportunity to interact with other people who are facing similar issues and discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting indicators like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared to other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies show significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes between medium and large. These improvements were associated with a variety of modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is advised when comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is possible that the different outcomes of the treatments are due to a variety of variables such as treatment characteristics, measures employed and the background of the patient. Few studies have examined the effectiveness neurofeedback. This method involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks in order to determine brain regions where there is excessive or inadequate activity. The person is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these problems, which may be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Some psychotherapy approaches include interpersonal therapy to improve a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to transform negative behaviors and assist in managing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors that can lead to problems at work or school.
In some cases psychotherapy may be utilized in combination with medication for adults with adhd treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders such as bipolar disorder and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to ensure they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medication that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, should be treated with more vigor.
Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended when the person's ADHD is such that it interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer structured treatment that is more intense than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type 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 feelings and uses worksheets and activities to make the learning more enjoyable. The practice of mindfulness meditation improves CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to concentrate and regulate emotions. It improves the ability of a person to manage anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other difficult feelings that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulties functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you build confidence in yourself and address the root of the issue. It can also help you develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps you change your negative beliefs and behavior. It is focused on teaching you how to utilize strategies for managing time and overcoming mental distortions that lead to negative moods and a perception of a limited selection.
Many people with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and then monitor the response to treatment before proceeding to treatment of the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your work and life, establish predictable routines to control your time and money and build a positive image of yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that could reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can also aid in improving your concentration by stabilizing your body during various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help adults with ADHD to solve the problems they cause their children, spouses and others. They frequently complain of being undependable and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. You can strengthen relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can help you and your family members understand that the issues are caused by ADHD instead of an inability to care or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is very prevalent. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatment options. There are a range of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. untreated adhd in adults relationships of these medications have been tested in trials. These studies have revealed the advantages and drawbacks of the drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, but it can be difficult to diagnose them because childhood symptoms might not last into adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their family or they may not even remember having symptoms. It is crucial to take an extensive medical history to determine if the symptoms are caused by a medical condition, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea or hearing and vision issues.
Medications for adults with 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% range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also accessible in a transdermal system that allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. 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 another antidepressant that has been shown to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, increasing its availability in brain. The drug is known to improve the mood of adults and reduce hyperactivity but it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.