ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common condition of the nervous system that affects 44 percent of the population. It is associated with a high rate of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and significant social, emotional and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD have significant improvements in symptoms and functioning as a result of medication. It is important that people suffering from ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them.
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed medications for adults with ADHD. These stimulants are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medication with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least once a week to reduce the necessity to take it frequently throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated effectively with antidepressants, such as desipramine. This class of medications can be utilized together with stimulants or alone to enhance their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like a rapid heartbeat, 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 drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, have the ability to calm and increase focus and reduce the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults. These medications can cause very low blood pressure if they suddenly stop, or the dosage is decreased.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD, as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, and family members who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. In addition counseling for families and marriages can help couples with ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to impart strategies and techniques that enhance function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the feeling of failure they feel frequently.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that create difficulties in their lives and to learn new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as acting. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for a variety of illnesses 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 especially beneficial for adults with ADHD as it allows them to connect with other people who face similar challenges and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or via phone. In untreated adhd in adults relationships , CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies demonstrate significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes ranging from medium to large. These improvements were attributed to diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is warranted when comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is likely that the differences in the outcomes are due to a range of factors, including the treatment characteristics and the measures used. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain where there is too much or too little activity. Then, instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues, which may be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Some psychotherapy approaches include the use of interpersonal therapy to improve the ability of a person to form meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to alter negative behaviors and assist in managing self-destructive and impulsive behavior that can cause problems at work or school.
In certain cases psychotherapy can be utilized as an adjunct to medications for adult adhd in adults treatment. People who have comorbid conditions such as bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs need to be evaluated carefully to make sure they don't have symptoms that are not ameliorated by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, need to be treated with more vigor because they are at a higher risk for complications from the medication.
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 more thorough and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD improve their abilities to manage time management, impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them identify and express their feelings and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the lessons more interesting. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and control their emotions. It increases the capacity of a person's ability to handle the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with anger, sadness, and other difficult feelings that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and lead to financial issues. adhd symptoms in adults treatment that addresses these issues will help you build confidence in yourself and address the root of the issue. It will also help you develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps them change their negative attitudes and behaviors. It focuses on teaching you to employ strategies for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and a perception of limited choices.
Many people with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or even increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and then monitor its response to medication before proceeding to treatment of the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn methods to organize your life and your work, establish regular routines, manage your time and money, and create confidence in yourself. It can help you learn relaxation methods that may reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in different poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help adults with ADHD to solve the problems they cause their spouses, kids and others. They frequently complain that they are unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and prone to making impulsive decisions. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you build better relationships. It can help you and your family members realize that the problems are due to ADHD and not a lack in caring or a refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly frequent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatments. There are a range of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have highlighted the strengths and drawbacks of the drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might experience the same symptoms as children do, but it is difficult to diagnose since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. Adults with ADHD may also not have a family history of the disorder or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by a medical condition such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea. It could also be due to hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medication for treating adults with ADHD and their response rates are in the 70%-80 percentage range. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also available as a transdermal solution, which permits continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been proven 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 shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transporter, thereby increasing its availability in the brain. This drug is known to improve mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity but it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.