ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied with high rates of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD have significant improvements in symptoms and functioning due to medications. It is important that people suffering from ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms 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 medicine that is taken daily to lessen the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of medications can be used by itself or in combination with stimulants to enhance their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and may improve focus and reduce the amount of hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. However, these medications can cause a very low blood pressure if they are suddenly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy is also useful for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy helps those with ADHD overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment towards co-workers and supervisors, teachers and family members who may criticize or nag them. Marriage and family counseling is also a great way to help couples with ADHD better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can help people with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the sense of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy assists people to change negative thoughts and feelings that cause problems in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been shown to be effective in treating various illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT may involve group therapy, which is especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD as it offers the opportunity to meet others with similar challenges and to learn from others how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided in person or over the phone. One study examined the effects of CBT in comparison to conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD and found that both treatments led to improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms and quality of life.
A number of studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect size. These improvements were attributed to diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy, social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness mediation.
It is important to compare the effectiveness of different treatment options for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that the differences in the results of treatment result from a variety of factors, such as treatment features and the methods employed. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a technique that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain where there is too much or little activity, and teaching the individual to control these patterns.
untreated adhd in adults relationships who suffer from ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues, which could be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy methods that can aid in improving a person’s ability to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that could create problems at school or work.
In some cases psychotherapy may be used as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd treatment for adults. People who have comorbid conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to make sure they don't have symptoms that cannot be improved by the medication used to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, need to be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk of developing complications from the medications.
Outpatient intensive programs may be recommended if the person's ADHD is so severe that it significantly hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide more intensive and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD enhance their ability to manage time management, impulse control, planning, and executive function. It helps them recognize and express feelings and uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and enhances the capacity of a person's ability to concentrate and regulate emotions. It also enhances an individual's ability to tolerate stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger, and other emotions that could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. In addition to impacting work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and can result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve the root causes of your issues and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative beliefs and behavior. It is focused on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of options.
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore symptoms of adhd in adults treatment is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor the effect of medication before proceeding to treatment of the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you learn ways to organize your life and your work, set up routines that are predictable, manage time and money, and create a positive self-image. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that could reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similarly, yoga and other exercise can help you focus better by ensuring your body is stable in different poses.
Marriage and family counseling can help adults with ADHD to overcome the problems they create for their spouses, kids and friends. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make impulsive decisions. You can strengthen your relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. Furthermore, it can aid you and your loved ones to understand that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD rather than to the lack of compassion or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is extremely frequent. It is often associated with comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. symptoms of adhd in adults treatment include medication and psychosocial interventions. A wide range of medications are available for adults with ADHD and a few of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have highlighted both the advantages and drawbacks of the drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD might experience the same symptoms as children have, but it's difficult to determine since childhood symptoms may not last into adulthood. Adults with ADHD might not have any family background of the disorder or may not remember symptoms. It is crucial to take an extensive medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are caused by an illness, like thyroid issues such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision issues.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants have the highest response rates for adults with ADHD. Their responsiveness rates vary between 70 and 80%. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system, which allows for a continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that target norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been proven to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is another antidepressant which has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its availability in the brain. This drug has been shown to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults, however it is not as effective as stimulants in improving cognitive performance or concentration.