ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a prevalent neurological disorder that affects around 4,4 percent of the population. It is associated with a high rate of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and substance abuse and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have significant improvement in their symptoms and performance due to medications. Because of the different ways people respond to medications it is essential for those with ADHD to find a combination that is effective.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Some adults supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication taken once a day to lessen the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of medications can be used on its own or in combination with stimulants to boost their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam as well as clonidine are used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These medications, originally 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 some adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is reduced.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD and anger toward supervisors, colleagues, teachers and family members who might nag or criticize them. Counseling for families and marriage is a great method to help couples with ADHD to better understand each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to impart skills and strategies that improve functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can also assist people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feelings of failure that often accompanies this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives and to learn new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as acting. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven effective in treating many disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT may involve group therapy, which is particularly helpful for adults with ADHD because it gives the opportunity to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or by phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults with ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report indicators like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD and all have shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were attributed to diverse approaches that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving exercises and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is possible that the differences in the results of treatment are due to a variety of factors, including the treatment features and the methods employed. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This method involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint brain areas in which there is a lack or excess of activity. The person then learns to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues, which may be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include the use of interpersonal therapy to improve the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. adult adhd diagnosis and treatment is designed to help people manage self-destructive, impulsive and negative behaviors that can create problems at work or school.
In some instances psychotherapy may be utilized as an adjunct to medication for adult ADHD treatment for adults. People with comorbid conditions such as bipolar disorder and substance abuse must be assessed carefully to ensure they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and seizures in the past, must be treated more aggressively as they are at a higher risk of complications from medication.
Outpatient intensive programs may be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it significantly hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer a more intensive and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, aids people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive function. It helps them understand and express feelings and utilizes exercises and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and enhances the ability of a person to concentrate and manage their emotions. It also increases a person's ability to tolerate stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness, and other emotional issues which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you to improve your self-esteem and solve the underlying issues. It will also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, as it teaches them how to change their negative thoughts and behavior. It focuses on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions which can cause negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of possibilities.
Many people with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. It is recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then observe its response to the medication before treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work, establish predictable routines, control your time and money and create a positive image of yourself. It can help you master techniques for relaxation that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also 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 create for their children, spouses and other family members. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive decisions. You can build stronger relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. It can aid you and your family members realize that the problems are due to ADHD, rather than the lack of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is highly common. It is often associated with comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatments. There are a range of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in studies. These studies have highlighted both the advantages and drawbacks of the medications.
Adults with ADHD have the same symptoms as children, but it isn't always easy to identify them since childhood symptoms may not persist throughout adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD might not have an ancestral history of the disorder or might not remember the symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to help determine whether the symptoms are caused by a medical condition such as thyroid issues or sleep apnea. It could also be due to issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medications for adults suffering from ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70%-80% range. The most frequently used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also available in a transdermal system, that allows for continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL another antidepressant, has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic cellular transporter, increasing its availability in brain. This drug has been proven to improve mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive functions as stimulants.