ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurological disorder that affects 4,4% of the population. It is associated by high rates of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and substance abuse and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.
long-term effects of untreated adhd in adults suffering from ADHD notice significant improvement in their symptoms and performance as a result of medication. Due to the various ways people respond to medications it is essential for those with ADHD to discover a combination that is effective.
Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication used once per day to decrease the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs may be utilized together with stimulants or in isolation to boost their effects. However, they may 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 used for the treatment of people suffering from ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming affect and can improve focus, and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in certain adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure when they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced.
Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help people to overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment against coworkers, supervisors, teachers and family members who might nitpick or criticize them. Counseling for families and marriage is a great method to help couples with ADHD to better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to help people learn strategies and skills that help improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the sense of failure they feel frequently.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives. It also helps to learn new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has proven to be effective for a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies or by itself.
CBT can involve group therapy, which is particularly helpful for adults with ADHD as it offers the opportunity to meet others with similar challenges and to discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or by phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report indicators like symptoms, functioning, 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 size. These improvements were attributed to diverse approaches, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that differences in outcome results reflect a number of variables, including treatment characteristics, measures used as well as the backgrounds of the patients. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain where there is too much or little activity, and instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help to address these problems, which may be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy methods that can help improve a person’s ability to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change negative behavior and assist in reducing self-destructive and impulsive behaviors which can lead to issues at work or school.
In certain situations psychotherapy is sometimes used in combination with medication for adults adhd treatment. People with co-occurring disorders like depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure that their symptoms aren't made worse by the 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 with more vigor because they are more at risk for complications from the medication.
Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended if the person's ADHD is such that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer a more intensive and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, helps adults suffering from ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive functioning. It helps them identify and express their emotions and employs worksheets and exercises to make the learning more interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation improves CBT and improves the ability of a person to focus and manage emotions. It increases the capacity of a person to tolerate stress and arousal. It helps them deal with anger, sadness, and other emotional issues which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. In addition to affecting work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and may cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve 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 helps you change your negative beliefs and behaviors. It focuses on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions which contribute to negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few possibilities.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or diminish the effectiveness of some treatments for ADHD. It is therefore recommended that you first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then observe its response to the medication before treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can teach you how to manage your life and work, establish predictable routines, manage time and money, and create an optimistic self-image. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that may reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also help you concentration by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help adults with ADHD to resolve the issues they cause their spouses, kids and friends. They often complain of being unreliable and disorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. You can build stronger relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can also help you and your family members realize that the issues are due to ADHD, rather than the lack of care or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults suffering from ADHD, and some of them have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have highlighted the strengths and limitations of the drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, however it can be difficult to recognize them since childhood symptoms might not last until adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their family or they may not even remember having symptoms. It is crucial to take an extensive medical history to determine if the symptoms are caused by a medical condition, like thyroid issues or sleep apnea, and vision problems.
Read the Full Guide for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and other non-stimulant medications. The stimulants have the highest response rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness vary from 70% to 70% to 80%. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system which allows for a continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective in adult patients with ADHD. It is a low dose drug and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every seven days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant which has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and works by blocking the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic transporter, thereby increasing its availability in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, but it isn't as effective as stimulants in improving cognitive performance or concentration.