ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and alcohol 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 adults with ADHD notice significant improvements in symptoms and functioning due to medications. It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD find the combination of medications that is effective for them.
Stimulants, including methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Some adults supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medicine used once per day to decrease the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated successfully with antidepressants like desipramine. This class of medications can be used by itself or in combination with stimulants to enhance their effects. However, adhd treatment for adults medication could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also used for the treatment of people suffering from ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, possess a calming effect and can enhance focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. However, these medications could cause a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD and anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, and family members who might nag or criticize them. Additionally, marriage and family counseling can help couples with ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to impart strategies and skills that help improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help people who suffer from ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the sense of failure they feel frequently.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, assists people to change negative thoughts and emotions that cause difficulties in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for a variety of illnesses including anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or by itself.
CBT can involve group therapy, which is especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD as it offers the chance to connect with others who are facing similar issues and learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or by phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD, and all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were attributed to various modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy, social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness meditation.
It is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that the variations in the outcomes are due to a variety of variables, including treatment characteristics, measures employed and the background of the patient. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a technique that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain where there is too much or too little activity - and then instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques that can help improve the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to alter negative behaviors and help manage self-destructive and impulsive behavior which can lead to issues at school or work.
In certain situations psychotherapy is sometimes used in combination with medication for adults with adhd treatment. People with comorbid conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs should be evaluated with care to make sure they don't have symptoms that are not improved by the medication that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and seizures in the past, need to be treated more aggressively as they are more at risk for complications from the medications.
If ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with daily functioning and quality-of-life, intensive outpatient programs may be suggested. These programs provide an organized therapy that is more intense than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their ability to manage time management and impulse control, planning, and executive function. It helps them recognize and express their feelings. It employs worksheets and exercises to make the learning more interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and improves the ability of a person's ability to concentrate and manage emotions. It improves the ability of a person to manage anxiety and stress. It helps them deal with sadness, anger, and other emotions that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and cause financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you build confidence in yourself and address the root of the issue. It will also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD and teaches them how to change their negative attitudes and behaviors. It focuses on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that contribute to negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few choices.
Many people with ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and observe the response to treatment prior to attempting treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn methods to organize your life and work, establish predictable routines, manage time and money, and create an optimistic self-image. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that may decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similarly, yoga and other exercise can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in different postures.
Counseling for families and marriage can address the issues adults with ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and other family members. They frequently complain that they are unstable, unorganized, forgetful and prone to making impulsive decisions. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you establish better relationships. Furthermore, it can help you and your loved ones to understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than to a lack of caring or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder which is highly frequent. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatment options. There are a variety of medications available for adults with ADHD and a few of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and the limitations of the medications.
Adults with ADHD may experience the same symptoms that children do, but it is difficult to identify since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their family or they may not even remember experiencing symptoms. It is essential to take a thorough medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are related to a medical condition, like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing and vision problems.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants have the highest response rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness range between 70 and 80percent. The most popular stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also available in a transdermal system, which allows for a continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants which work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is one of the most studied tricyclic, and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed.
adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment , has been shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter which increases its accessibility to the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, however it is not as effective as stimulants in improving cognitive performance or concentration.