ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. inattentive adhd treatment adults like methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medications
Many people with ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medication. Due to the various ways that people respond to medication, it is crucial for people with ADHD to find a combination that works best.
Adults with 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. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medicine with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least every week to lessen the requirement to take it frequently throughout the day.
Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants, or in isolation to boost their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam as well as clonidine are utilized to treat adults with ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, can have a calming effect and can improve focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in certain adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure when they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy helps people overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment towards co-workers and teachers, supervisors, and family members that may criticize or nag them. Additionally counseling for marriage and families can help couples with ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to impart skills and strategies that improve functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can also aid those with ADHD overcome low self-esteem and feeling of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists people to change negative thoughts and feelings that cause problems in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating many conditions, including depression and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies or by itself.
CBT can include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD as it allows them to connect with others who have similar struggles and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or via phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared to other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies show significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes ranging from medium to large. These improvements were linked to a variety modalities including cognitive and interpersonal therapy as well as social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is advised in comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is possible that the differences in the results of treatment result from a variety of factors, including treatment characteristics and the measures employed. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain where there is too much or too little activity - and then instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques that can help improve the ability of a person to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change negative behavior and assist in managing self-destructive and impulsive behavior which can lead to issues at work or school.
In some instances psychotherapy can be used as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd treatment for adults. People with comorbid disorders such as substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure that 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 of seizures, must be treated more aggressively.
When ADHD is severe enough to interfere with everyday functioning and quality of life intensive outpatient programs could be suggested. These programs offer structured treatment that is more intense than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, assists people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive functioning. It teaches them to recognize and express feelings and uses exercises and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT, and it improves the ability of a person to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It increases the capacity of a person to tolerate stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other emotional issues that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and could result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you build confidence in yourself and resolve underlying problems. It will also help you develop healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative beliefs and behavior. It focuses on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can lead to negative moods and the perception of limited options.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric conditions can cause or diminish the effectiveness of some treatments for ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and observe the effect of medication prior to attempting treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can teach you ways to organize your life and work, set up regular routines, manage your time and money, and create a positive self-image. It can help you master techniques for relaxation that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also help you improve focus by stabilizing your body during various postures.
Counseling for families and marriage can help adults with ADHD to overcome the problems they cause their children, spouses and friends. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make impulsive choices. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you build better relationships. Furthermore it can help you and your loved ones understand that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD rather than to a lack of caring or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. A variety of medications are available to adults suffering from ADHD and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have highlighted the strengths and limitations of the medications.
Adults who suffer from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, but it isn't always easy to recognize them since childhood symptoms may not persist until adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD may also not have an ancestral history of the disorder or may not be aware of symptoms. It is essential to take a thorough medical history to determine if the symptoms are caused by a medical condition, like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing and vision issues.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most effective drugs for adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are within the 70-80 percent range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also accessible as a transdermal solution, which permits continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most studied 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 seven days until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a second antidepressant which has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been shown to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, however it is not as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.