ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurological disorder that affects 4,4 percent of the population. It is associated by high rates of comorbidity, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, and significant social, emotional and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.
Medications
Many adults suffering from ADHD have significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning due to medication. Due to the many different ways people respond to medications it is essential for those with ADHD to discover a combination that is most effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate. adhd treatment in adults are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medicine with an extended-release, long-acting medicine once a week to reduce the need to take it regularly throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to boost their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, have the ability to calm and enhance focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure when they suddenly stop, or the dosage is decreased.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy helps them to overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment against coworkers, supervisors, teachers, and family members that may criticize or nag them. Additionally, marriage and family counseling can help couples with ADHD to understand each other's issues and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching skills and strategies. adhd treatment for adults can help individuals with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the feeling of inadequacy they feel frequently.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives. It also helps to learn new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for a variety of disorders such as anxiety and depression. It can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies.
CBT can include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for adults with ADHD as it allows them to connect with other people who have similar struggles and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or over the phone. One study compared the results of CBT with that of 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 have shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect size. These improvements were attributed to diverse modalities like cognitive and interpersonal therapy, social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is required when comparing the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is likely that differences in outcomes results are due to a variety of factors, including treatment characteristics and the measures employed. There are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness neurofeedback. This method involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks to identify brain areas where there is excessive or inadequate activity. The person is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help address these issues, which could be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques which can improve a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that can create problems at work or school.
In certain cases psychotherapy may be utilized in conjunction with medications for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. People who have 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 ameliorated by the medications used to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and an history of seizures need to be treated more aggressively as they are at a higher risk for complications from the medications.
Outpatient intensive programs may be suggested if the individual's ADHD is such that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer structured treatment that is more intense than conventional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, assists adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive functioning. It teaches them to recognize and express emotions and utilizes exercises and worksheets to make the learning interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to concentrate and manage emotions. It also enhances an individual's ability to tolerate the effects of stress and arousal. It can help them deal with anger, sadness and other emotions that could be causing their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and may result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you improve your self-esteem and resolve underlying problems. It can also help you develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps you modify your negative beliefs and behaviors. Particularly, it concentrates on teaching you to employ strategies for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and a perception of a limited range of choices.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or even increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbidity first and then monitor the effect of medication prior to attempting treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn methods to organize your life and work, set up regular routines, manage your time and money, and create confidence in yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that can decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. In the same way yoga and other forms of exercise can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in different poses.
Family and marriage counseling can address the issues people with ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and their families. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make impulsive choices. You can build stronger relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. Moreover, it can help you and your loved ones understand that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD instead of the lack of compassion or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder which is extremely prevalent. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. The use of medication and psychosocial interventions is available as treatment options. A wide range of medications are available for adults suffering from ADHD and some of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the medication.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have the same symptoms that children do, but it can be difficult to diagnose since childhood symptoms may not last into adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD may also not have an ancestral background of the disorder or might not remember the symptoms. It is important to have a thorough medical history to determine whether the symptoms are due to a medical condition, like thyroid issues such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision issues.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants have the highest reaction rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness range between 70 and 70% to 80%. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the daytime.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is the most studied tricyclic and has been shown to be effective in adult patients suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose drug and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, thereby increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been proven to boost mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity but it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive functions as stimulants.