ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medications
Many adults with ADHD notice significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning when they take medication. It is crucial that people who suffer from ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them.
Stimulants, including amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Adults can augment an immediate-release medication with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least once a week to reduce the requirement to take it frequently throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can be treated effectively with antidepressants, such as desipramine. This class of medications can be used on its own or in conjunction with stimulants to boost their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also utilized to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can improve focus, and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in some adults. These medications can result in extremely low blood pressure if they suddenly stop, or the dosage is decreased.
Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD and resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, and family members who may nag or criticize them. Marriage and family counseling can be a great option 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 teach strategies and skills that help improve functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can also assist people who suffer from ADHD to overcome the low self-esteem and sense of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that cause difficulties in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective for a variety of conditions such as anxiety and depression. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT may involve group therapy, which can be particularly beneficial for people with ADHD, as it provides the chance to connect with others who have similar struggles and to learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or via the phone. One study compared the effects of CBT against traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvements in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
A number of studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD, and all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect size. These improvements were associated with diverse approaches such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving training and mindfulness meditation.
It is important to compare the efficacy between different treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that the variations in the outcomes are due to a variety of variables such as treatment characteristics, measures employed and the background of the patient. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to identify areas of the brain where there is too much or too little activity - and then teaching the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. adhd symptoms adults treatment can help with these issues, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy methods which can improve the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to transform negative behaviors and help manage impulsive and self-destructive behaviors which can lead to issues at school or at work.
In certain cases psychotherapy may be utilized in conjunction with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. Patients suffering from comorbid disorders such as addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure that their symptoms aren't aggravated by medications used 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 more at risk for complications from the medications.
If ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with daily functioning and quality-of-life, intensive outpatient programs may be recommended. These programs offer structured treatment that is more intensive than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of cognitive therapy, helps people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning and executive functioning. It teaches them to recognize and express feelings and uses activities and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It also improves a person's ability to handle stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other emotional issues that 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 cause financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you to improve your self-esteem and resolve underlying problems. It can also help you develop healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults with ADHD, as it teaches them how to change their negative thoughts and behaviours. Particularly, it is focused on teaching you how to use strategies for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and the perception of a limited range of choices.
Many adults with ADHD also have comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or decrease the effectiveness of certain treatments for ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor the effect of medication prior to attempting treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life by establishing predictable routines that help you manage your time and money and create an optimistic image of yourself. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that could reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. In the same way yoga and other exercises can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help address the issues that people with ADHD often cause their spouses, children and their families. They often complain about being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive decisions. You can strengthen relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can help you and your family members understand that the issues are due to ADHD and not the lack of care or a refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. The use of medication and psychosocial interventions is available as treatments. There are a variety of medications available for adults suffering from ADHD and a few of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the advantages and drawbacks of the medication.
Adults who suffer from ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, however it can be difficult to recognize them since childhood symptoms might not last into adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their families or they may not remember having symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the symptoms are due to medical conditions like thyroid problems or sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Medications for adults with ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective drugs for treating adults with ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70%-80 percentage range. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system which allows for a continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants which work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been shown to work in adult ADHD patients. adhd symptoms adults treatment is a medication with a low dose that is recommended to be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, was shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that 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, but it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.