ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression and substance abuse as well as significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD have seen significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning when they take medication. Because of the different ways that people react to medications, it is crucial for people with ADHD to discover a combination that is effective.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as 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 supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication used once per day to reduce the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can be treated successfully with antidepressants like desipramine. This class of medications can be employed in conjunction with stimulants or in isolation to boost their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and may improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in certain adults. These medications can result in extremely low blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is reduced.
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 anger toward supervisors, colleagues, teachers and family members who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Family and marriage counseling is a great method to help couples suffering from ADHD to better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD overcome their self-esteem problems and the feeling of inadequacy they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, assists people to change negative thoughts and emotions that are causing problems in their life. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven to be effective in treating various conditions, including depression and anxiety. untreated adhd in adults depression can be used in conjunction with other therapies or by itself.
CBT could include group therapy, which is particularly helpful for adults with ADHD as it offers the chance to connect with others who have similar struggles and to learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided in person or over the phone. One study compared the results of CBT against standard therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments led to improvement in self-report assessments of functioning, symptoms, 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, with effect sizes that range from moderate to large. These improvements were attributed to various modalities, including cognitive and interpersonal therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is required when comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that differences in outcomes results result from a variety of factors, such as treatment characteristics and the measures employed. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method 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. Then, instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help to address these issues, which could be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Some psychotherapy approaches include interpersonal therapy to enhance the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage impulsive, self-destructive, and negative behaviors that can create problems at work or school.
In some cases psychotherapy may be utilized in conjunction with medication for adults with adhd treatment. Patients with co-occurring disorders like addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure that their symptoms aren't aggravated by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, must be treated with more vigor.
Outpatient intensive programs may be recommended if the person's ADHD is so severe that it significantly hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer a more intensive and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage their time, impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express their emotions and utilizes activities and worksheets to make the lessons interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and regulate emotions. It also enhances an individual's ability to tolerate stress and arousal. It can help them cope with sadness, anger, and other emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. These issues can also impact relationships and lead to financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you to improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It can also help you develop healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative beliefs and behavior. It is focused on teaching time management techniques and overcoming thinking distortions which contribute to negative moods, and the perception of limited possibilities.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or increase the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbidity first and then monitor its response to medication before proceeding to treatment of the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your life and work by establishing predictable routines, control your time and money, and develop a positive image of yourself. untreated adhd in adults relationships will also help you learn relaxation techniques that may decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can aid in improving your concentration by ensuring your body is stable in different poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help adults with ADHD to overcome the problems they cause their children, spouses and other family members. They frequently complain that they are unstable, unorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. You can strengthen relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. Furthermore it can aid you and your loved ones to understand that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD instead of the lack of compassion or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by other disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are a range of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been evaluated in trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and drawbacks of the various medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, however it isn't always easy to diagnose them because the symptoms of childhood may not persist into adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their families or they may not even remember having symptoms. It is essential to take a thorough medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are related to an illness such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea or hearing and vision problems.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80 percent range. The most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system which permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants which work on norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine is the most studied tricyclic and has been shown to be effective in adult patients with ADHD. 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 which has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transportationer and increasing its presence in the brain. This drug is known to boost mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, but it's not as effective in improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.