ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is associated by high rates of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs, and significant social, emotional and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed medications.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have seen significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. Due to the various ways people respond to medications it is essential for those with ADHD to determine a mix that works best.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. 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 can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug used once per day to lessen the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD are also treated successfully with antidepressants such as desipramine. This class of medications can be used on its own or in conjunction with stimulants to enhance their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as an increased heart rate, 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, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, can have a calming effect and can increase focus and reduce the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is decreased.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD, as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, and family members who might nag or criticize them. Marriage and family counseling can be a great option to help couples suffering from ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to help people learn skills and strategies that improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also aid those who suffer from ADHD overcome low self-esteem and sense of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy assists people to change negative thoughts and feelings that are causing problems in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective for a variety of conditions such as anxiety and depression. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT can include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD as it allows them to connect with others 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 standard therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated 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 associated with a variety of modalities such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is advised in comparing the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is likely that differences in the outcomes are due to a variety of factors, including the treatment characteristics and the measures used. There are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This method involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while doing cognitive tasks to pinpoint brain areas in which there is excessive or insufficient activity. The person is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy techniques that can aid in improving a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and develop lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to alter negative behaviors and help manage self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can cause problems at school or at work.
In certain situations, psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. Patients with comorbid disorders such as addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened by medications used to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and an history of seizures have to be treated more aggressively as they are at a higher risk of complications from medications.
In-depth outpatient programs could be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it significantly interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer structured treatment that is more intensive than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage their time, impulse control, organizing, and executive function. It helps them identify and express their feelings. It uses worksheets and activities to make the learning more enjoyable. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and enhances a person's ability to focus and regulate their emotions. It also improves a person's ability to tolerate the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness and other difficult emotions that may be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and lead to financial issues. my sources that addresses these issues can help you improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps them change their negative thoughts and behaviors. It focuses on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can cause negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few possibilities.
Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and monitor the response to treatment prior to attempting treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can teach you ways to organize your life and your work, create routines that are predictable, manage time and money and build a positive self-image. It can help you learn relaxation methods that may reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similarly, yoga and other exercise can help you improve your focus by stabilizing the body in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can assist adults suffering from ADHD to resolve the issues they cause their children, spouses and friends. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make impulsive decisions. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you build healthier relationships. Furthermore it can aid you and your loved ones to understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than a lack of caring or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a frequent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults with ADHD and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the advantages and drawbacks of the medication.
Adults with ADHD have the same symptoms as children, but it can be difficult to identify them since the symptoms of childhood may not persist into adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD might not have any family background of the disorder or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to help determine whether the symptoms are due to a medical condition like thyroid problems or sleep apnea. It could also be due to vision and hearing problems or lead poisoning.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medications for adults suffering from ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 - 80 percent range. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be administered via a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to work in adult ADHD patients. 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 shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its use in the brain. The drug is known to boost mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive functions as stimulants.