ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known condition of the nervous system that affects 4,4% of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, substance abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medications are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults suffering from ADHD notice significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning due to medication. It is important that people suffering from ADHD discover the right combination of medications that works 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 often as every three to four hours. Adults can augment an immediate-release medicine with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least every week to decrease the need to take it regularly throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated successfully with antidepressants such as desipramine. This class of drugs can be used on its own or in combination with stimulants to boost their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. 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. These medications can result in very low blood pressure if they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is reduced.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy helps those with ADHD deal with feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment toward coworkers, supervisors, teachers, and family members that may criticize or nag them. Additionally counseling for families and marriages can help couples suffering from ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also help people who suffer from ADHD overcome low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, assists people in changing their negative thoughts and feelings that cause difficulties in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven to be effective in treating various illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it enables them to connect with other people who are facing similar issues and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or via phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults with ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared with other psychosocial treatments in 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 associated with a variety of modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving and mindfulness meditation.
It is important to compare the efficacy between different treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is likely that the differences in the outcomes result from a variety of factors, including treatment characteristics and the measures used. There are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint brain areas in which there is excessive or insufficient activity. The person then learns to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include interpersonal therapy to improve a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to change negative behavior and assist in reducing self-destructive and impulsive behavior which can lead to issues at work or school.
In some cases psychotherapy may be utilized in combination with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. Patients with comorbid disorders like bipolar disorder and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to ensure they do not have symptoms that are not improved by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, need to be treated with more vigor because they are at higher risk of developing complications from the medications.
In-depth outpatient programs could be suggested if the individual's ADHD is such that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer a more intensive and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD enhance their ability to manage their time and impulse control, as well as organizing, and executive function. It helps them recognize and express their feelings. It utilizes worksheets and activities to make the lessons more interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and enhances the capacity of a person's ability to concentrate and regulate emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness and other difficult emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to impacting work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and could lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you improve your self-esteem, resolve the root of your issue and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps them to alter their negative beliefs and behavior. adhd in adults treatment concentrates on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can lead to negative moods and the perception of a limited number of options.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or diminish the effectiveness of some drugs used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor its response to medication prior to attempting treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you learn how to manage your life and work, establish routines that are predictable, manage time and money, and create confidence in yourself. treatment for add adhd in adults can also help you master relaxation techniques that could reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly yoga and other exercises can help you improve your focus by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Family and marriage counseling can help adults with ADHD to overcome the problems they create for their spouses, kids and friends. They frequently complain of being unstable, unorganized, forgetful and prone to making impulsive decisions. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you establish healthier relationships. It can aid you and your family members to understand that the problems are due to ADHD instead of a lack in caring or a refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is highly common. It is often associated with co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults suffering from ADHD and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and drawbacks of the various medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have the same symptoms that children do, but it is difficult to identify since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of experiencing symptoms. It is important to have an extensive medical history to determine if the symptoms are caused by an illness such as thyroid problems such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision issues.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective drugs to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80% range. The most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also accessible as a transdermal solution, that allows for continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication and should be increased by 50 mg every seven days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic cellular transporter which increases its accessibility to the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, however it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving concentration or cognitive function.