ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. signs of untreated adhd in adults is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have significant improvements in symptoms and functioning due to medications. Because of the different ways people respond to medications it is crucial for people with ADHD to find a combination that is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate. These stimulants are available as liquid or tablet form 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 medication taken once a day to lessen the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Antidepressants like desipramine have also been found to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants or alone to enhance their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious adverse consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They are calming and can improve focus, and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in certain adults. However, these medications can cause a drop in blood pressure if they are suddenly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment toward coworkers, supervisors, teachers, and family members that may criticize or nag them. Family and marriage counseling is a great method to help couples suffering from ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can help individuals with ADHD overcome their self-esteem problems and the sense of failure they feel frequently.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, helps people change their negative thoughts and feelings that are causing difficulties in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating many illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used alone or in combination with other therapies.
CBT can include group therapy, which is 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. It can be delivered in person or over the phone. One study compared the effects of CBT with that of conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms and quality of life.
CBT has been compared with other psychosocial treatments in adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies demonstrate significant reductions in ADHD symptoms with effects that range from moderate to large. These improvements were linked to a variety of modalities such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training and mindfulness meditation.
It is crucial to evaluate the efficacy between different treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that the differences in the outcomes are due to a variety of factors, such as treatment features and the methods used. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas of the brain where there is too much or too little activity, and instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from 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 techniques that can aid in improving the ability of a person to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change negative behavior and assist in reducing self-destructive and impulsive behavior that can cause problems at work or school.
In certain situations psychotherapy may be utilized in conjunction with medication for adults with adhd treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders such as bipolar disorder, and substance abuse must be assessed carefully to make sure they don't have symptoms that are not improved by the medication used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, need to be treated with more vigor.
Outpatient intensive programs may 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 intensive and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of cognitive therapy, aids adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning and executive functioning. It helps them identify and express their feelings and employs worksheets and exercises to make the learning more engaging. The practice of mindfulness meditation improves CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and manage emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger, and other emotions that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. In addition to impacting work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and could result in financial issues. 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 ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps you change your negative beliefs and behavior. It concentrates on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions which can lead to negative moods and the perception that there are only a few choices.
Many people suffering from ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can cause or diminish the effectiveness of certain drugs used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended to first treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor its response to the medication prior to treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your work and life and establish routines that are predictable to control your time and money and create a positive image of yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that may decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. In the same way yoga and other forms of exercise can aid in improving your focus by ensuring your body is stable in different poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can address the problems that adults with ADHD often create for their spouses, children and others. They often complain about being erratic and unorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make impulsive decisions. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you establish more harmonious relationships. It can help you and your family members realize that the issues are due to ADHD instead of a lack in caring or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is extremely frequent. It is often accompanied by co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a range of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and weaknesses of the medications.
Adults with ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, however it isn't always easy to recognize them since the symptoms of childhood may not persist until adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of having symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by medical conditions such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants have the highest reaction rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their response rates vary from 70 to 80percent. The most frequently used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate can also be administered via a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the daytime.
Adults with ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication that is recommended to be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, was shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transportationer, increasing its availability in brain. The drug is known to boost mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity but it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive functions as stimulants.