ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known condition of the nervous system that affects 44% of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medications
Many people with ADHD notice significant improvements in symptoms and functioning as a result of medication. It is crucial that people who suffer from ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them.
Stimulants, including methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. These stimulants are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medicine with an extended release, long-acting medicine once a week to reduce the necessity to take it frequently throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be successfully treated with antidepressants, like desipramine. This class of medications can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to increase their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications, originally designed to treat high blood pressure, have the ability to calm and increase focus and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in certain adults. However, these medications could result in a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly removed or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help those with ADHD overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment toward coworkers, supervisors, teachers and family members who might nitpick or criticize them. Counseling for families and marriage is a great method to help couples suffering from ADHD to better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to teach strategies and skills that help improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also assist people with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and sense of failure that often accompanies this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives. It also helps to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating many disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used by itself or in combination with other therapies.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it enables them to connect with others who are facing similar issues and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided 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 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 linked to a variety of modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training and mindfulness meditation.
It is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is possible that the differences in outcomes results are due to a range of factors, including the treatment features and the methods employed. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain where there is too much or too little activity. Then, instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which could be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Some psychotherapy approaches include the use of interpersonal therapy to improve a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to transform negative behaviors and help manage impulsive and self-destructive behaviors that can lead to problems at work or school.
In certain cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in combination with medication for adults adhd treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders like bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs should be evaluated with care to ensure they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medication used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, need to be treated with more vigor.
When ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with the quality of life and daily functioning intensive outpatient programs could be suggested. These programs provide more thorough and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as organizing, and executive function. effects of untreated adhd in adults helps them understand and express their emotions, and it uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons engaging. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT, and it improves the ability of a person to concentrate and control their emotions. It also enhances an individual's ability to handle anxiety and stress. It helps them deal with anger, sadness, and other difficult feelings which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve the root of your issue and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps them to alter their negative beliefs and behaviors. Particularly, it focuses on teaching you to utilize strategies for managing time and overcoming mental distortions that lead to negative moods and the perception of a limited selection.
Many people with ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or diminish the effectiveness of some drugs used to treat ADHD. It is recommended to treat the most severe comorbidity and then observe its reaction to the medication prior treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your life and work by establishing predictable routines to manage your money and time and build confidence in yourself. It can help you learn relaxation methods that may reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can also help you improve focus by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can address the issues people with ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and other family members. They often complain about being unreliable and disorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive choices. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you establish healthier relationships. It can also help you and your family members to understand that the problems are caused by ADHD, rather than the lack of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is highly frequent. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety and addiction disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatment options. A variety of medications are available to adults suffering from ADHD and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, but it isn't always easy to recognize them since childhood symptoms may not persist into adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their families or they may not remember having symptoms. It is important to have a thorough medical history to determine whether the symptoms are due to an illness like thyroid issues or sleep apnea, and vision problems.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective drugs for treating adults with ADHD and their response rates are in the 70%-80 percentage range. The most popular stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate can also be administered via a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is noticed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, has been proven to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its availability in the brain. This drug has been shown to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, but it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving cognitive performance or concentration.