ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurological disorder that affects around 4,4% of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed medications.
Medications
Many people who suffer from ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning when they take medication. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD discover the right combination of medications that works for them.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form, and can be taken as often 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 decrease the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated successfully with antidepressants such as desipramine. This class of medications can be used on its own 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 agonists such as alprazolam and clonidine are also used for the treatment of adults with ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, possess an calming effect and are able to improve focus and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults. However, these medications can cause a very low blood pressure when they are abruptly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual talk 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. Family and marriage counseling is a great method to help couples suffering from ADHD better understand each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by teaching strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also assist people who suffer from ADHD overcome low self-esteem and sense of failure that often accompanies this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that create difficulties in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has been found to be effective in treating a variety of illnesses, including depression and anxiety. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD because it allows them to connect with other people who face similar challenges and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or via phone. One study compared the effects of CBT against traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms and quality of life.
Several studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD, and all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect sizes. adhd treatment for adults medication were attributed to diverse approaches such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving, and mindfulness meditation.
It is important to compare the effectiveness of various treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that differences in outcomes results are due to a range of factors, including treatment characteristics and measures employed. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a technique that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain where there is too much or too little activity - and then instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help address these problems, which may be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy methods which can improve the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and develop lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to alter negative behaviors and help manage self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can lead to problems at school or work.
In some cases psychotherapy may be used as an adjunct to medications for adult adhd in adults treatment. People with comorbid conditions such as bipolar disorder and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to ensure 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 of seizures, should be treated with more vigor.
Outpatient intensive programs may be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it significantly hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide more thorough and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, assists people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive function. It helps them understand and express emotions and uses exercises and worksheets to make the learning interesting. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and improves the ability of people to concentrate and control their emotions. It also increases a person's ability to tolerate anxiety and stress. It helps them deal with sadness, anger, and other difficult feelings that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. In addition to affecting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and may lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you to improve your self-esteem and resolve underlying problems. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches them how to change their negative beliefs and behaviors. It focuses on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that can cause negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of choices.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric disorders can exacerbate or decrease the effectiveness of some treatments for ADHD. It is recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor the reaction to the medication prior treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can teach you how to manage your life and your work, create predictable routines, manage time and money, and create a positive self-image. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that can decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other workouts can help you improve concentration by ensuring your body is stable in various postures.
Family and marriage counseling can address the problems that adults with ADHD frequently cause their spouses, children and their families. They frequently complain that they are unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. You can strengthen relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. Additionally it can help you and your loved ones realize that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD rather than to the lack of compassion or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly common neurobiological disorder. It is often associated with comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. A variety of medications are available for adults with ADHD, and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and the limitations of the medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, however it isn't always easy to recognize them since childhood symptoms might not last into adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD may not have a family background of the disorder or might not remember the symptoms. It is crucial to take an extensive medical history to determine if the symptoms are due to an illness, like thyroid issues or sleep apnea, and vision issues.
Treatments for adults suffering from 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 responsiveness rates are in the 70 - 80 percentage range. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also administered through a transdermal system. This allows for continuous medication delivery during the day.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has shown to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every seven days until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic cellular transporter, increasing its availability in brain. This drug is known to boost mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity however, it's not as effective at improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.