ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity, including anxiety, depression and substance abuse and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed medications.
Medications
Many people who suffer from ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medication. continue reading this is essential that those with ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Some adults supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medicine that is taken daily to reduce the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated effectively with antidepressants, like desipramine. This class of drugs can be used by itself or in conjunction with stimulants to increase their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine can also be utilized to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in certain adults. However, these drugs can cause a drop in blood pressure if they are suddenly removed or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD as well as anger toward supervisors, colleagues teachers, and family members who might nag or criticize them. Additionally counseling for families and marriages can help couples suffering from ADHD to understand each other's issues and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the feeling of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, assists people in changing their negative thoughts and emotions that cause problems in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. It can be used by itself or in combination with other therapies.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it enables them to meet others who face similar challenges and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided in person or via the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment 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 suffering from ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were linked to a variety of modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving exercises and mindfulness meditation.
It is essential to assess the efficacy between different treatment options for adults with ADHD with caution. It is possible that the differences in the outcomes are due to a variety of factors, including the treatment characteristics and measures employed. There are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness neurofeedback. This method involves wearing a hat with electrodes while performing 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 suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques that can aid in improving a person’s ability to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that could cause problems at work or school.
In certain cases, psychotherapy is used as an adjunct to the medication used for adhd in adults treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders such as depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened by medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, must be treated more aggressively.
In-depth outpatient programs could be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer a more intense and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage time management, impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express their feelings. It uses worksheets and activities to make the learning more enjoyable. Mindfulness meditation training enhances CBT and enhances the ability of people to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with sadness, anger, and other emotional issues which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting their work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and could cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you improve your self-esteem, resolve the root of your issue and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative thoughts and behaviors. Particularly, it focuses on teaching you to use strategies for managing time and overcoming mental distortions that lead to negative moods and perceptions of limited choices.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or diminish the effectiveness of certain treatments for ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbidity first and monitor its response to medication prior to beginning treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your work and life by establishing predictable routines to control your time and money and build an optimistic image of yourself. It can help you learn ways to relax that could reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can address the issues adults suffering from ADHD frequently create for their spouses, children and others. They frequently 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 educated on ADHD can help you develop healthier relationships. Additionally it can aid you and your loved ones to understand that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD rather than to a lack of caring or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by other disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatment options. A wide range of medications are available to adults suffering from ADHD and a few of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the medication.
Adults who suffer from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, but it isn't always easy to identify them since childhood symptoms may not persist until adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of experiencing symptoms. It is crucial to take a thorough medical history to determine if the symptoms are related to a medical condition, like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing and vision problems.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. The stimulants have the highest response rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their response rates range from 70 to 70% to 80%. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery during the daytime.
Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is a second antidepressant that 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 transporter, increasing its availability in brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults, but it isn't as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.