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, 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 drugs are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them.
Stimulants, including amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. These stimulants are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Adults can augment an immediate-release medicine with an extended-release long-acting medication once a week to reduce the need to take it regularly throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of medications can be used by itself or in combination with stimulants to increase 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 agonists like alprazolam and clonidine can also be utilized to treat adults with ADHD. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and may improve focus and reduce the amount of hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. However, these medications can cause a very low blood pressure when they are abruptly removed or reduced in dosage.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, family members and others who may nag or criticize them. Counseling for families and marriage can be a great option to help couples with 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 educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can help individuals with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the sense of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists people in changing their negative thoughts and emotions that cause problems in their life. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating many illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or by itself.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it enables them to connect with other people who are facing similar issues and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided 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 studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies demonstrate significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes between medium and large. These improvements were linked to diverse approaches that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving exercises and mindfulness meditation.
It is essential to assess the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is likely that the differences in the results of treatment result from a variety of factors, including treatment characteristics and the measures employed. Few studies have examined the effectiveness neurofeedback. This method involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint brain areas in which there is a lack or excess of activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include interpersonal therapy to enhance a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage self-destructive, impulsive and negative behavior that can create problems at school or work.
In some instances psychotherapy can be used as an alternative to medications for adult adhd treatment for adults. Patients with comorbid disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs 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. People with certain medical issues such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and seizures in the past, must be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk for complications from the medication.
Outpatient intensive programs may be recommended if the person's ADHD is such that it interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide structured treatment that is more intensive than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of cognitive therapy, aids people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive function. It helps them understand and express their feelings. It utilizes worksheets and activities to make the learning more enjoyable. The training in mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and manage emotions. It increases the capacity of a person to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness, and other emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you to improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It will also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD, as it helps them to alter their negative thoughts and behavior. It focuses on teaching time management techniques and overcoming thinking distortions that can lead to negative moods and the perception of limited choices.
Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can exacerbate or reduce the effectiveness of some drugs used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and then monitor its response to medication prior to attempting treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn ways to organize your life and your work, establish routines that are predictable, manage time and money and build confidence in yourself. It can also help you learn ways to relax that could reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly, yoga and other exercise can aid in improving your focus 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 others. They often complain of being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive choices. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you develop better relationships. Furthermore it can help you and your loved ones to understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than to an absence of care or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly frequent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by other disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. adhd treatment adults and medication treatments are available as treatment options. There are many medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and limitations of the drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, however it isn't always easy to diagnose them because the symptoms of childhood may not persist until adulthood. Adults with ADHD might not have a family background of the disorder or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the symptoms are caused by an illness like thyroid problems or sleep apnea. It could also be due to issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective drugs to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are in the 70%-80 percentage range. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also administered through a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery during the daytime.
Adults with ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine is one of the most studied tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective in adult patients suffering from ADHD. It is a low-dose medication that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL another antidepressant, has been proven to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and blocks the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its use in the brain. This drug has been found to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults, but it is not as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.