ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is accompanied with a high rate of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs, as well as significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed medications.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medications. It is important that people suffering from ADHD discover the right combination of medications that is effective for them.
Stimulants, including methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. 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 supplement their immediate-release medicine with an extended release, long-acting medicine every week to lessen the requirement to take it frequently throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated successfully with antidepressants such as desipramine. This class of drugs can be used alone or in combination with stimulants to enhance their effects. They can 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 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, possess the ability to calm and enhance focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in some adults. However, these medications could cause a drop in blood pressure when they are abruptly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy helps people deal with feelings of embarrassment, shame, and resentment against coworkers, teachers, supervisors, and family members that might criticize or nag them. Marriage and family counseling can be a great option to help couples with ADHD to better understand each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to impart skills and strategies that improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the feeling of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives and to discover new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or by itself.
CBT could include group therapy, which can be particularly helpful for adults with ADHD because it gives the chance to connect with others with similar challenges and to learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or via phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures such as symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments in adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies show significant reductions in ADHD symptoms with effects that range from moderate to large. These improvements were attributed to diverse approaches such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving exercises, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is advised in comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is likely that the differences in the results of treatment are due to a variety of factors, including the treatment characteristics and measures used. There are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing a hat with electrodes while performing cognitive tasks to identify brain areas where there is excessive or insufficient activity. The individual then learns to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer 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. Certain psychotherapy methods include interpersonal therapy to improve the ability of a person to form meaningful relationships and to 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 school or at work.
In some cases psychotherapy can be used as an alternative to medications for adult ADHD treatment for adults. Patients suffering from comorbid disorders such as substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened by medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history or seizures, should be treated with more vigor.
Intensive outpatient programs might be suggested if the individual's ADHD is such that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide structured therapy that is more intense than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, helps adults suffering from ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive functioning. It teaches them to recognize and express emotions, and it uses exercises and worksheets to make the lessons interesting. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT and enhances the ability of people to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It also enhances an individual's ability to handle stress and arousal. It can help them deal with sadness, anger and other difficult emotions that could be causing their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. In addition to affecting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and may cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you build confidence in yourself and resolve underlying problems. It can also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative beliefs and behavior. It concentrates on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions which contribute to negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few options.
Many people with ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended that you first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its response to the medication before treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn methods to organize your life and your work, set up regular routines, manage your time and money, and create a positive self-image. It can also help you learn techniques for relaxation that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Additionally yoga and other exercises can help you focus better by ensuring your body is stable in different postures.
Family and marriage counseling can address the issues adults suffering from ADHD frequently cause their spouses, children and others. They frequently complain of being unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. You can build stronger relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. Additionally it can aid you and your loved ones understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD instead of a lack of caring or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been evaluated in studies. These studies have highlighted both the advantages and drawbacks of the drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may have the same symptoms as children do, but it can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of childhood may not last into adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of having symptoms. effects of untreated adhd in adults is important to determine if the symptoms are due to a medical condition such as thyroid issues, sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants have the highest response rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness vary from 70 to 80%. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also accessible in a transdermal system which allows for a continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a medication with a low dose that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is noticed.
Bupropion XL is another antidepressant that has been shown to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. This drug is known to boost mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity however, it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.