ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is associated with high rates of comorbidity, such as anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs, as well as significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed medications.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD notice significant improvement in their symptoms and performance due to medication. It is important that people who suffer from ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them.
Adults suffering from 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 can supplement their immediate-release medication with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least every week to lessen the necessity to take it often throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can be treated successfully with antidepressants like desipramine. This class of medications can be used on its own or in combination with stimulants to increase their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as alprazolam and clonidine are also utilized to treat adults with ADHD. These medications, originally designed to treat high blood pressure, have an calming effect and are able to increase focus and reduce the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. However, these medications could cause a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy is also useful for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors, teachers and family members who may nag or criticize them. Additionally counseling for marriage and families can help couples suffering from ADHD to understand each other's issues and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also assist people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
internet site (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that cause difficulties in their lives and to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating various illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or alone.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD as it allows them to connect with other people who are facing similar issues and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or by phone. One study compared the effects of CBT with that of conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report assessments of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
A number of studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were attributed to a variety modalities including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy as well as social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is advised when comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is possible that the different outcomes of the treatments depend on a variety of factors, including treatment characteristics, measures employed, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This method involves wearing a hat with electrodes while doing cognitive tasks to determine brain regions where there is excessive or inadequate activity. The person is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. adhd treatment in adults can help with these issues that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Some psychotherapy approaches include interpersonal therapy to improve a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage impulsive, self-destructive, and negative behaviors that could create problems at work or school.
In certain cases psychotherapy can be used as an adjunct to the medication used for adhd in adults treatment. Patients suffering from co-occurring disorders like substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure that their symptoms aren't made worse through the use of medications to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, have to be treated more aggressively as they are at higher risk for complications from the medication.
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 provide structured treatment that is more intensive than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, helps people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive functioning. It helps them understand and express their feelings. It employs worksheets and exercises to make the learning more engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and manage emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person's ability to handle anxiety and stress. It helps them deal with sadness, anger and other emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. These symptoms can also affect relationships and lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve underlying problems and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps you change your negative beliefs and behavior. Particularly, it is focused on teaching you how to utilize time management strategies and overcome mental distortions that lead to negative moods and a perception of limited choices.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor its response to medication prior to attempting treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can teach you methods to organize your life and your work, establish routines that are predictable, manage time and money, and create an optimistic self-image. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that can reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also help you improve concentration by stabilizing your body during various poses.
Marriage and family counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to resolve the issues they cause their children, spouses and other family members. They frequently complain that they are unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and susceptible to making decisions based on impulsivity. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you develop more harmonious relationships. Furthermore it can aid you and your loved ones understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than the lack of compassion or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is highly prevalent. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression and addiction disorders. The use of medication and psychosocial interventions is available as treatments. A wide range of medications are available for adults with ADHD and some of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and limitations of the drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, however it isn't always easy to recognize them since childhood symptoms may not persist into adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD might not have any family background of the disorder or may not be aware of symptoms. It is essential to take an extensive medical history to determine if the symptoms are related to an illness like thyroid issues or sleep apnea, and vision issues.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. The stimulants have the highest response rates for adults with ADHD. Their response rates vary between 70 and 80percent. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal device. This allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the daytime.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication that is recommended to be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, has been proven to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its use in the brain. This drug has been proven to improve the mood of adults and decrease hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive functions as stimulants.