ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is associated with high rates of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs, as well as significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults suffering from ADHD notice significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning due to medication. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate. These stimulants are available as liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medicine with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least every week to lessen the requirement to take it often throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to boost their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, have the ability to calm and enhance focus and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure when they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy helps those with ADHD deal with feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment toward coworkers, supervisors, teachers, and family members that might criticize or nag them. Counseling for families and marriage is also a great way to help couples with ADHD better understand each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to teach strategies and techniques that enhance performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help people with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the feeling of inadequacy they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists people in changing their negative thoughts and feelings that cause difficulties in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has proven to be effective for a variety of disorders, including depression and anxiety. It can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies.
CBT may include group therapy, which can be especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD, as it provides the opportunity to interact with other people who are facing similar issues and learn from others how they manage their ADHD symptoms. evidence based treatment for adhd in adults can be delivered in person or by phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting indicators like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
CBT has been compared with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms with effects that range from moderate to large. These improvements were attributed to various modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that different outcomes of the treatments reflect a number of variables, including treatment characteristics, measures employed, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain that there is too much or little activity - and then teaching the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that need treatment. Counseling can address these problems that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy techniques that can aid in improving the ability of individuals to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that can create difficulties at school or at work.
In certain cases psychotherapy can be utilized as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd treatment for adults. Patients with comorbid disorders like bipolar disorder and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to ensure that they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history or seizures, must be treated with more vigor.
If ADHD is serious enough to affect the quality of life and daily functioning intensive outpatient programs could be recommended. These programs offer structured therapy that is more intense than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage their time and impulse control, organizing, and executive function. It helps them recognize and express emotions and utilizes activities and worksheets to make the lessons interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and regulate emotions. It also enhances an individual's ability to tolerate stress and arousal. It helps them deal with sadness, anger, and other difficult feelings that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you to improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It can also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps them change their negative attitudes and behaviours. It is focused on teaching you how to employ time management strategies and overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and a perception of a limited range of choices.
Many adults with ADHD also have comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or increase the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. psychological treatment for adhd in adults is therefore recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor the reaction to the medication prior treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life, establish predictable routines, manage your time and money and create a positive image of yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that could reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other workouts can help you concentration by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Family and marriage counseling can address the issues people with ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and others. They often complain about being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive choices. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you develop better relationships. It can help you and your family members understand that the problems are caused by ADHD, rather than the lack of care or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatment options. There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, but it can be difficult to recognize them since childhood symptoms may not persist into adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their families or may not be aware of having symptoms. It is essential to take a thorough medical history to determine whether the symptoms are caused by an illness such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea or hearing and vision problems.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medication for treating adults with ADHD and their response rates are within the 70-80 percentage range. The most popular stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal system. This allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the daytime.
Adults with ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose drug and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL another antidepressant, has been proven to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic cellular transporter, increasing its availability in brain. The drug is known to improve the mood of adults and decrease hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.