ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known disorder of the nervous system that affects 44% of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs, as well as significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have significant improvement in their symptoms and performance due to medications. Due to the many different ways that people react to medications, it is crucial for people with ADHD to find a combination that is most effective.
Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed medications for adults with ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form, and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication used once per day to decrease the requirement for frequent doses 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 may be used in conjunction with stimulants or on their own to boost their effects. However, they could 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 people suffering from ADHD. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can improve focus, and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in some adults. However, these drugs can cause a very low blood pressure when they are suddenly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy is also useful for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD, as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors, teachers and family members who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Marriage and family counseling can be a great option to help couples with ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by teaching strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also help people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
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 act. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of disorders including anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or by itself.
untreated adhd in adults depression may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it allows them to connect with other people who face similar challenges and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or via the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
Several studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect size. These improvements were attributed to diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy, social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is warranted when comparing the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is likely that differences in the results of treatment result from a variety of factors, such as treatment features and the methods employed. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain where there is too much or little activity - and then instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques that can aid in improving the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control impulsive, self-destructive, and negative behaviors that could create problems at work or school.
In certain situations psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. Patients suffering from comorbid disorders such as addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder must be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms aren't made worse by medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history or seizures, should be treated more aggressively.
If ADHD is severe enough to interfere with everyday functioning and quality of life intensive outpatient programs could be recommended. These programs provide structured therapy that is more intense than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of cognitive therapy, helps adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning and executive functioning. It helps them understand and express their emotions and uses worksheets and activities to make the learning more engaging. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT, and it improves the ability of people to concentrate and control their emotions. It also improves a person's capacity to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with anger, sadness and other emotions that may be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD experience difficulties 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 can help increase self-esteem, address the root of your issue and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps them to alter their negative attitudes and behavior. It is focused on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can lead to negative moods and the perception of a limited number of possibilities.
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or diminish the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor the effect of medication prior to beginning treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can teach you how to manage your life and your work, set up regular routines, manage your time and money, and create a positive self-image. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that can reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can also help you improve focus by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Family and marriage counseling can help address the issues that adults suffering from ADHD frequently create for their spouses, children and other family members. They often complain about being unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. You can build stronger relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. Additionally it can help you and your loved ones realize that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD instead of an absence of care or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is extremely frequent. It is often associated with other disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are a range of medications available for adults with ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the medications.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might experience the same symptoms as children have, but it's difficult to diagnose because childhood symptoms might not persist in adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their families or they may not even remember having symptoms. It is important to have an extensive medical history in order to determine if the symptoms are related to an illness such as thyroid problems or sleep apnea, and vision problems.
Medications for adults with ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and other non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medication to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are in the 70 - 80 percentage range. The most commonly used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also available as a transdermal solution, that allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
symptoms of adhd in adults treatment for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants which work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low-dose medication which should be increased each seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, was shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its use in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, however it is not as effective as stimulants in improving cognitive performance or concentration.