ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a prevalent neurological disorder that affects around 4,4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and addiction to drugs) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medications are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medications
Many people with ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medications. It is crucial that people who suffer from ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as amphetamines or methylphenidate. They are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Some adults can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug used once per day to reduce the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated effectively with antidepressants, such as desipramine. This class of medications can be employed together with stimulants or in isolation to boost their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also utilized to treat adults with ADHD. These medications, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, have a calming effect and can enhance focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is decreased.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them to overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment toward coworkers, teachers, supervisors and family members who might criticize or nag them. In addition counseling for marriage and families can help couples with ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also aid those who suffer from ADHD overcome low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy assists people in changing their negative thoughts and feelings that cause difficulties in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating various illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other treatments.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD because it enables them to connect with other people who have similar struggles and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or over the phone. doctors who treat adhd in adults near me compared the results of CBT with that of traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments led to improvements in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms and quality of life.
Several studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were attributed to a variety modalities including cognitive and interpersonal therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
It is important to compare the efficacy between different treatment options for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that the differences in outcome results reflect a number of variables that include treatment characteristics, measures used, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to determine areas of the brain where there is too much or too little activity, and instructing the individual to control 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 contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques that can help improve the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and develop lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage self-destructive, impulsive and negative behaviors that can cause problems at school or work.
In some instances psychotherapy may be used as an adjunct to medications for adult ADHD treatment for adults. People with co-occurring disorders like addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure their symptoms aren't made worse by medications used to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and an history of seizures have to be treated more aggressively because they are at a higher risk of developing complications from the medications.
Outpatient intensive programs may be recommended if the person's ADHD is so severe that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer an organized treatment that is more intensive than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage their time, impulse control, organizing, and executive function. It helps them identify and express their emotions and uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons more enjoyable. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and improves the ability of a person's ability to concentrate and regulate emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person's ability to handle the effects of stress and arousal. It can help them cope with sadness, anger and other emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often have difficulties functioning at home and at work. These issues can also impact relationships and cause financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help increase self-esteem, address the root causes of your issues and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative beliefs and behaviors. In particular, it focuses on teaching you to utilize strategies to manage your time and eliminate the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and the perception of a limited range of choices.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or reduce the effectiveness of certain treatments for ADHD. It is therefore recommended to treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor its reaction to the medication prior treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn how to manage your life and work, establish regular routines, manage your money and time and develop a positive self-image. It can help you master relaxation methods that may reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other workouts can aid in improving your concentration by ensuring your body is stable in various poses.
Marriage and family counseling can help adults with ADHD to resolve the issues they create for their children, spouses and other family members. They often complain about being insecure, unorganized, and prone to making impulsive decisions. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you establish healthier relationships. It can also help you and your family members to understand that the problem is caused by ADHD and not the lack of care or a refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is very prevalent. It is often associated with other disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults with ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the medication.
Adults suffering from ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, however it isn't always easy to recognize them since childhood symptoms may not persist until adulthood. Adults with ADHD may also not have any family history of the disorder, or may not be aware of symptoms. It is essential to take an extensive medical history in order to determine if the symptoms are due to an illness such as thyroid problems such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision problems.
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 within the 70-80 percent range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also administered through a transdermal system. This allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine is one of the most studied tricyclic, and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low-dose medication which should be increased each seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a second antidepressant that has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer which increases its accessibility to the brain. This drug has been proven to improve mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity however, it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.