ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and substance abuse) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medicines
Many people who suffer from ADHD have seen significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medication. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD find the combination of medications that is effective for them.
Stimulants, including amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Some adults can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication taken once a day to reduce the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used by itself or in combination with stimulants to boost their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, can have an calming effect and are able to increase focus and reduce the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults. However, these medications could result in a drop in blood pressure when they are abruptly stopped or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, family members and others who might nag or criticize them. In addition counseling for marriage and families can help couples with ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to teach strategies and skills that help improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help people who suffer from ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the feeling of inadequacy they feel frequently.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists people to change negative thoughts and emotions that cause difficulties in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating many illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or by itself.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for adults with ADHD because it allows them to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults who have ADHD. untreated adhd in female adults helped improve self-reporting measures such as symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
A number of studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD and all have shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were linked to diverse approaches, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
It is important to compare the efficacy between different treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is likely that the variations in the outcomes reflect a number of variables, including the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain that there is too much or little activity, and instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can address these problems that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include the use of interpersonal therapy to improve the ability of a person to form meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to transform negative behaviors and assist in reducing self-destructive and impulsive behavior that can cause problems at work or school.
In some cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. People who have comorbid conditions such as bipolar disorder, and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to make sure they don't have symptoms that cannot be improved by the medication that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and an history of seizures need to be treated with more vigor because they are at a higher risk of developing complications from the medications.
When ADHD is severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and quality-of-life intensive outpatient programs could be suggested. These programs offer a more intensive and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, aids people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive functioning. It helps them understand and express emotions and uses exercises and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation improves CBT and enhances the capacity of a person's ability to concentrate and manage emotions. It also enhances an individual's capacity to manage anxiety and stress. It can help them deal with anger, sadness and other emotions that could be causing their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. These issues can also impact relationships and cause financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you to improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It can also help you develop healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative thoughts and behaviors. Particularly, it focuses on teaching you to utilize time management strategies and overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and perceptions of limited choices.
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or exacerbate the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbidity first and observe its response to medication prior to beginning treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your work and life, establish predictable routines, manage your time and money and create confidence in yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation methods that may reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other workouts can help you improve focus by ensuring your body is stable in different poses.
Family and marriage counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to solve the problems they cause their children, spouses and others. They frequently complain that they are insecure, unorganized, and prone to making impulsive decisions. You can strengthen relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. Moreover, 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 prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression and addiction 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 strengths and weaknesses of the drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, however it can be difficult to identify them since the symptoms of childhood may not persist throughout adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their families or they may not remember experiencing symptoms. It is important to have an extensive medical history to determine whether the symptoms are caused by a medical condition, like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing and vision problems.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medications to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70%-80 percentage range. The most frequently used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery during the day.
Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that target norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine is the most studied tricyclic and has been shown to be effective in adult patients with ADHD. It is a medication with a low dose that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is noticed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant which has been proven to be effective in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer which increases its accessibility to the brain. The drug is known to improve the mood of adults and reduce hyperactivity however it's not as effective in improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.