ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a prevalent condition of the nervous system that affects 44% of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD experience significant improvements in symptoms and performance due to medications. It is crucial that people who suffer from ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them.
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. untreated adhd in adults can be taken every three to four hour. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medication with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least every week to lessen the need to take it regularly throughout the day.
Antidepressants like desipramine have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used by itself or in conjunction with stimulants to boost their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, can have an calming effect and are able to improve focus and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. However, these medications can result in a drop in blood pressure when they are abruptly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy is also useful for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD, as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, family members and others who may nag or criticize them. Family and marriage counseling is a great method to help couples suffering from ADHD better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to impart strategies and techniques that enhance performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also help people with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives. It also helps to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of conditions including anxiety and depression. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or by itself.
CBT can include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD as it allows them to connect with others who are facing similar issues and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults with ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared to other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes between medium and large. These improvements were attributed to a variety modalities including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy, social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
It is important to compare the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is likely that differences in outcome results depend on a variety of factors that include treatment characteristics, measures employed, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain where there is too much or too little activity - and then instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques that can help improve the ability of a person to resolve conflicts and build meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to alter negative behaviors and assist in managing self-destructive and impulsive behavior that can lead to problems at school or work.
In some instances psychotherapy can be used as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd treatment for adults. People with comorbid conditions such as bipolar disorder, and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to make sure they don't suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medication that are prescribed to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, need to be treated more aggressively as they are at higher risk of developing complications from the medication.
Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide an organized treatment that is more intensive than conventional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD enhance their ability to manage time management, impulse control, organizing, and executive function. It helps them recognize and express their feelings. It employs worksheets and exercises to make the lessons more engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and improves the ability of a person's ability to concentrate and manage emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person to tolerate the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing 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 their work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and could result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you improve your self-esteem and solve the underlying issues. It will also help you develop healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches them how to change their negative thoughts and behaviours. Particularly, it focuses on teaching you to employ strategies for managing time and overcoming mental distortions that lead to negative moods and perceptions of a limited range of choices.
Many people with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and then monitor the effect of medication before proceeding to treatment of the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn how to manage your life and work, establish regular routines, manage your time and money, and create an optimistic self-image. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that may decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similarly, yoga and other exercise can help you focus better by stabilizing the body in different poses.
Family and marriage counseling can address the problems that people with ADHD often create for their spouses, children and others. They often complain of being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make decisions impulsively. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you develop more harmonious relationships. It can aid you and your family members understand that the problems are caused by ADHD and not a lack in caring or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often associated with co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. The use of medication and psychosocial interventions is available as treatment options. There are a variety of medications available to adults suffering from ADHD and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have highlighted both the strengths and the limitations of the drugs.
Adults with ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, but it can be difficult to identify them since the symptoms of childhood may not persist into adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD may also not have an ancestral history of the disorder, or may not be aware of symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to help determine whether the symptoms are caused by medical conditions such as thyroid issues or sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medication to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 - 80% range. The most popular stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also accessible in a transdermal system which permits continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low-dose medication that is recommended to be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, has been proven to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and is able to block the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been found to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults. However, it is not as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.