ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and substance abuse) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medications are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.
Medications
Many people with ADHD notice significant improvements in symptoms and performance due to medication. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them.
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Adults can augment an immediate-release medicine with an extended-release, long-acting medicine once a week to reduce the need to take it often throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can also be successfully treated with antidepressants, like desipramine. This class of drugs can be used by itself or in combination with stimulants 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.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, possess the ability to calm and increase focus and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in some adults. However, these drugs can result in a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly removed or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD as well as anger toward supervisors, colleagues, teachers and family members who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Family and marriage counseling is also a great way to help couples with ADHD better understand each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to help people learn strategies and skills that help improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also aid those who suffer from ADHD to overcome the low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives. It also helps to develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or on its own.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for people with ADHD as it allows them to connect with others who face similar challenges and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD. All of these studies show significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes that range from moderate to large. These improvements were linked to diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy as well as social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is likely that the differences in outcomes results are due to a variety of factors, including treatment characteristics and the measures used. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain that there is too much or too little activity. Then, instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help address these issues, which may be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy approaches that can help improve the ability of individuals to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage impulsive, self-destructive, and negative behaviors that can create problems at school or work.
In certain cases, psychotherapy is used as an adjunct to the medication used for adhd treatment for adults. Patients with multiple disorders like addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder must be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, need to be treated more aggressively.
In-depth outpatient programs could be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it significantly interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer more intense and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, organizing, and executive function. untreated adhd in female adults symptoms helps them understand and express feelings and uses activities and worksheets to make the lessons interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and improves the ability of a person to focus and manage emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person's ability to handle the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness, and other emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you improve your self-esteem and solve the underlying issues. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping methods.
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 you to employ time management strategies and overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and the perception of limited choices.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or even increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. It is recommended to treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its response to the medication prior to treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn how to manage your life and your work, set up routines that are predictable, manage time and money, and create a positive self-image. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that can decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other workouts can help you improve focus by ensuring your body is stable in various poses.
Marriage and family counseling can address the issues adults suffering from ADHD frequently cause their spouses, children and other family members. They often complain about being erratic and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make impulsive choices. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you build better relationships. It can also help you and your family members to understand that the problem is caused by ADHD instead of the lack of care or a refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is very prevalent. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity, including anxiety, depression and addiction disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication 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 with ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, but it isn't always easy to diagnose them because childhood symptoms may not persist until adulthood. Adults with ADHD may also not have any family history of the disorder, or may not remember symptoms. It is crucial to take a thorough medical history to determine whether the symptoms are due to an illness, like thyroid issues such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision problems.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 - 80 percentage range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate may also be administered through a transdermal system. This allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the daytime.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. 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 another antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in adults with 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 is known to boost mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, however it's not as effective at improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.