ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known disorder of the nervous system that affects around 4,4% of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed medications.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have significant improvements in their symptoms and performance due to medication. It is crucial that people with ADHD discover the right combination of medications that is effective for them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as amphetamines or 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. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medicine with an extended release, long-acting medicine once a week to reduce the requirement to take it regularly throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated effectively with antidepressants, such as desipramine. This class of drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to enhance their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, have an calming effect and are able to increase focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can cause very low blood pressure when they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is decreased.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with their feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD and anger toward supervisors, colleagues teachers, family members and others who might nag or criticize them. Marriage and family counseling is also a great way to help couples with ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to teach skills and strategies that improve functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can help those who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the feeling of failure they often feel.
adhd in adults symptoms and treatment (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives and to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective for a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or by itself.
CBT can involve group therapy, which is particularly helpful for adults with ADHD because it gives the opportunity to interact with other people who have similar struggles and to discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures such as symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
CBT has been compared to other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies demonstrate significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes between medium and large. These improvements were linked to diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that different outcomes of the treatments reflect a number of variables that include treatment characteristics, measures employed and the background of the patient. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This method involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while doing cognitive tasks to pinpoint brain areas in which there is a lack or excess of activity. The individual then learns to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy techniques which can improve the ability of a person to manage conflicts and create meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control self-destructive, impulsive and negative behaviors that can cause problems at school or work.
In some cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. Patients with comorbid disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs need to be evaluated carefully to ensure that they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history or seizures, need to be treated more aggressively.
Outpatient intensive programs may be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it significantly interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer a more thorough and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, helps adults suffering from ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive functioning. It helps them identify and express their emotions and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the learning more interesting. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT, and it improves the ability of people to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It also improves a person's ability to tolerate the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with sadness, anger and other emotions that could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often have difficulties functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and cause financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you to improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It will also help you develop healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative beliefs and behaviors. It concentrates 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 have depression or anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its reaction to the medication prior treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn ways to organize your life and work, establish regular routines, manage your time and money, and create a positive self-image. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that can reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly yoga and other forms of exercise can help you improve your focus by ensuring your body is stable in different postures.
Marriage and family counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to resolve the issues they cause their children, spouses and others. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. You can build stronger relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. It can also help you and your family members realize that the issues are caused by ADHD and not a lack in caring or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is very prevalent. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatments. There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, but it isn't always easy to recognize them since childhood symptoms may not persist until adulthood. Adults with ADHD may also not have any family background of the disorder or may not be aware of symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are due to medical conditions such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea. It could also be due to vision and hearing problems or lead poisoning.
Adult medications for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants have the highest reaction rates for adults with ADHD. Their response rates vary from 70 to 70% to 80%. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also administered through a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery during the daytime.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is the most studied tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose medication and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, has been proven to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer which increases its accessibility to 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 concentration or cognitive function.