ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known disorder of the nervous system that affects 44 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and alcohol abuse) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed medications.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning due to medication. It is important that people suffering from ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. These stimulants are available as tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Adults can augment an immediate-release medicine with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least every week to decrease the necessity to take it frequently throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can also be successfully treated with antidepressants, like desipramine. This class of drugs may be employed in conjunction with stimulants or on their own to boost their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine. here. are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can improve focus, and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in some adults. However, these medications could result in a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly stopped or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment towards co-workers and supervisors, teachers and family members who might nitpick or criticize them. Additionally, marriage and family counseling can help couples with ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also help people with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feelings of failure that often accompanies this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as acting. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating many illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or alone.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for adults with ADHD because it allows them to connect with others who face similar challenges and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared with 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. here. were linked to a variety of modalities that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is advised when comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is possible that the different outcomes of the treatments are due to a variety of variables, including the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used and the background of the patient. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks to determine brain regions where there is a lack or excess of activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include interpersonal therapy to enhance a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to alter negative behaviors and assist in reducing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors which can lead to issues at school or work.
In some cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medications for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. People with multiple disorders like depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure their symptoms aren't made worse through the use of medications to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and seizures in the past, must be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk of developing complications from the medication.
Outpatient intensive programs may be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it significantly hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer more intensive and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, aids adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning and executive function. It helps them recognize and express feelings, and it uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT, and it improves the ability of people to concentrate and manage their emotions. It also improves a person's capacity to manage stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness and other emotional issues which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help boost your self-esteem, solve underlying problems and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD and teaches them how to change their negative thoughts and behaviours. In particular, it is focused on teaching you how to employ strategies to manage your time and eliminate thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and perceptions of a limited selection.
Many adults with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or exacerbate the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended to treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its response to the medication prior to treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your work and life by establishing predictable routines, manage your time and money and build confidence in yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that can reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can also help you concentration by ensuring your body is stable in different poses.
Marriage and family counseling can address the problems that adults suffering from ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and their families. They often complain about being unreliable and disorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. You can strengthen relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can help you and your family members to understand that the issues are due to ADHD instead of a lack in caring or a refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is extremely prevalent. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatments. A variety of medications are available for adults suffering from ADHD, and some of them have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and the limitations of the medication.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have the same symptoms that children have, but it's difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of childhood may not last into adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder, or might not remember the symptoms. It is important to have an extensive medical history to determine if the symptoms are related to an illness, like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing and vision problems.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. The stimulants have the highest response rates for adults with ADHD. Their response rates vary between 70 and 80%. The most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also available in a transdermal system, that allows for continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been proven to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, has been shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its use in the brain. This drug has been proven to boost mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.