ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied with a high rate of comorbidity, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning due to medication. Due to the various ways people respond to medications it is crucial for people with ADHD to discover a combination that is effective.
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. These stimulants are available as tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication used once per day to reduce the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs may be employed in conjunction with stimulants, or alone to enhance their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious adverse consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, can have an calming effect and are able to enhance focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in certain adults. These medications can lead to extremely low blood pressure if they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is reduced.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy helps them to overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment against coworkers, supervisors, teachers and family members who might nitpick or criticize them. Family and marriage counseling is also a great way to help couples suffering from ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to teach skills and strategies that improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also help people who suffer from ADHD to overcome the low self-esteem and feeling of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that cause difficulties in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has proven to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. It can be used alone or in combination with other therapies.
CBT can include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it allows them to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or over the phone. One study compared the results of CBT against conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared to other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes between medium and large. These improvements were linked to various modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is required when comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is likely that differences in outcomes results are due to a range of factors, including the treatment features and the methods used. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain where there is too much or little activity - and then instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help with these problems, which may be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include interpersonal therapy to improve the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that could create problems at school or work.
In some instances psychotherapy can be used as an adjunct to medication for adult ADHD treatment for adults. Patients suffering from comorbid disorders such as depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened through the use of medications to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history or seizures, need to be treated more aggressively.
Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide an organized therapy that is more intense than conventional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, aids people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning and executive function. It teaches them to recognize and express feelings and uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT and enhances a person's ability to focus and control their emotions. doctors that treat adhd in adults increases a person's ability to tolerate the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other emotions that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and cause financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you to improve your self-esteem and solve the underlying issues. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps you modify your negative beliefs and behaviors. It concentrates on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can lead to negative moods and the perception of a limited number of choices.
Many adults with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or increase the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor the response to treatment prior to beginning treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work and establish routines that are predictable, manage your money and time, and develop an optimistic image of yourself. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that could reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can help you focus by ensuring your body is stable in different poses.
Marriage and family counseling can help address the issues that people with ADHD frequently cause their spouses, children and their families. They frequently complain that they are insecure, unorganized, and prone to making impulsive decisions. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you establish better relationships. It can aid you and your family members realize that the issues are caused by ADHD and not a lack in caring or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is very frequent. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are a range of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been tested in studies. These studies have exposed the advantages and drawbacks of the medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have the same symptoms that children do, but it is difficult to determine because childhood symptoms might not persist in adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also not have any family history of the disorder, or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to help determine whether the symptoms are due to an illness such as a thyroid problem, sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants have the highest response rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their responsiveness rates range between 70 and 80percent. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal device. This allows for continuous medication delivery during the daytime.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is another antidepressant that has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been shown to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults, however it is not as effective as stimulants in improving cognitive performance or concentration.