ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, substance abuse) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning when they take medication. Because of the different ways that people react to medications, it is crucial for people with ADHD to discover a combination that is effective.
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medicine with an extended release long-acting medicine at least every week to decrease the necessity to take it often throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can be treated successfully with antidepressants like desipramine. This class of drugs can be used on its own or in combination with stimulants to enhance their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious side consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming affect and may improve focus and reduce the amount of hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure if they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is decreased.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD and resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, and family members who may nag or criticize them. In addition counseling for families and marriages can help couples with ADHD to understand each other's issues and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by teaching strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can help individuals with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the sense of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has been found to be effective in treating a variety of disorders, including depression and anxiety. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or alone.
CBT may include group therapy, which can be particularly beneficial for people with ADHD as it offers the chance to connect with others who have similar struggles and to discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or by phone. One study compared the results of CBT against standard therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report assessments of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies show significant reductions in ADHD symptoms with effects ranging from medium to large. These improvements were associated with a variety modalities including cognitive and interpersonal therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is advised in comparing the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is likely that the different outcomes of the treatments depend on a variety of factors, including treatment characteristics, measures employed and the background of the patient. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain where there is too much or little activity, and instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques which can improve a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to transform negative behaviors and assist in managing self-destructive and impulsive behavior that can cause problems at school or at work.
In some instances psychotherapy may be utilized as an adjunct to medications for adult adhd treatment for adults. Patients with comorbid disorders such as substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder should be assessed to ensure their symptoms aren't made worse by the medications used to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, must be treated more aggressively as they are at a higher risk of complications from medication.
If ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with the quality of life and daily functioning, intensive outpatient programs may be suggested. These programs provide structured treatment that is more intense than conventional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage time, impulse control, planning, and executive function. It helps them recognize and express their feelings. It employs worksheets and exercises to make the learning more engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and regulate emotions. It also improves a person's ability to tolerate anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness, and other difficult feelings which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. In addition to affecting work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and can lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, as it helps them change their negative attitudes and behavior. Particularly, it focuses on teaching you to use strategies to manage your time and eliminate the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and a perception of a limited selection.
Full File with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can cause or reduce the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended to first treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor its response to the medication before treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your life and work and establish routines that are predictable to manage your time and money, and develop confidence in yourself. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that could reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly yoga and other exercises can help you focus better by stabilizing the body in different postures.
Family and marriage counseling can address the issues adults suffering from ADHD frequently cause their spouses, children and their families. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make impulsive decisions. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you build better relationships. It can also help you and your family members to understand that the problem is due to ADHD, rather than the lack of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a frequent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by other disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are a variety of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and limitations of the drugs.
Adults with ADHD may have the same symptoms that children do, but it can be difficult to diagnose because childhood symptoms might not persist in adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their families or they may not remember having symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by a medical condition like thyroid problems or sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants have the highest reaction rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their response rates range from 70% to 80%. The most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also accessible as a transdermal solution, which permits continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants which work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is one of the most studied tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose medication that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is noticed.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, has been shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, increasing its availability in brain. inattentive adhd treatment adults has been found to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults, however it is not as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving cognitive performance or concentration.