ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medications
Many people with ADHD have significant improvements in their symptoms and performance 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, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Adults can augment an immediate-release medication with an extended-release, long-acting medicine every week to decrease the need to take it often throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can be treated successfully with antidepressants such as desipramine. This class of drugs can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants, or in isolation to boost their effects. They can also increase the danger of serious side effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine can also be utilized to treat adults with ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, possess an calming effect and are able to improve focus and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. However, these drugs can cause a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly removed or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, family members and others who might nag or criticize them. Marriage and family counseling is also a great way to help couples suffering from ADHD better understand each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to help people learn skills and strategies that improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also help people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and sense of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy assists people to change negative thoughts and feelings that cause difficulties in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has proven to be effective for many illnesses including anxiety and depression. It can be utilized 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 meet others who have similar struggles and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or via the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report indicators like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
CBT has been compared to other psychosocial treatments in adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes between medium and large. These improvements were attributed to various modalities, including cognitive and interpersonal therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is required in comparing the efficacy of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is likely that the differences in the results of treatment are due to a variety of factors, such as treatment characteristics and measures used. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain that there is too much or little activity - and then instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these problems, which may be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include interpersonal therapy to enhance the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to change negative behavior and assist in managing self-destructive and impulsive behavior that can cause problems at work or school.
In some instances psychotherapy may be utilized as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd treatment for adults. Patients suffering from multiple disorders like depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder should be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms aren't made worse through the use of medications to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and seizures in the past, have to be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk of complications from medication.
Intensive outpatient programs might be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it significantly affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide structured treatment that is more intensive than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, assists adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive functioning. It helps them understand and express their emotions and utilizes exercises and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and manage their emotions. It also enhances an individual's ability to tolerate anxiety and stress. It can help them cope with anger, sadness, and other emotional issues that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often have difficulties functioning at home and at work. These issues can also impact relationships and lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you increase self-esteem, address the root of your issue and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative thoughts and behaviors. It focuses on teaching time management techniques and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods, and the perception of limited options.
Many adults with ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or reduce 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 manage your life and work by establishing predictable routines that help you manage your money and time, and develop confidence in yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that may decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. In the same way yoga and other forms of exercise can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in different poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can assist adults suffering from ADHD to solve the problems they cause their children, spouses and others. They often complain of being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make decisions impulsively. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you develop more harmonious relationships. It can aid you and your family members understand that the problem is due to ADHD and not an inability to care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly common neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and addiction disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatment options. There are a range of medications available for adults with ADHD. Certain of these medications have been tested in studies. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the various medications.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may experience the same symptoms as children do, but it can be difficult to diagnose since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD may not have an ancestral background of the disorder or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to determine if the symptoms are caused by medical conditions such as a thyroid problem, sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medication for adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are in the 70%-80% range. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed.
treatment for adhd in adults , has been shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its presence in the brain. This drug is known to improve mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity, however it's not as effective in improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.