ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, 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 drugs are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD report significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning in response to medication. Because of the different ways that people react to medications, it is essential for those with ADHD to discover a combination that is effective.
Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. These stimulants are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Some adults supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug taken once a day to decrease the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be employed in conjunction with stimulants or on their own to boost their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as alprazolam as well as clonidine are used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, possess an calming effect and are able to enhance focus and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. These medications can cause very low blood pressure when they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is reduced.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy helps them overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment against coworkers, teachers, supervisors and family members who might nitpick or criticize them. Marriage and family counseling is also a great way to help couples with ADHD to better understand each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to teach strategies and skills that help improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also aid those who suffer from ADHD to overcome the low self-esteem and feeling of failure that often accompanies this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, helps people change their negative thoughts and emotions that are causing problems in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has proven to be effective in treating a variety of disorders, including depression and anxiety. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT can include group therapy, which is especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD as it offers the opportunity to interact with other people with similar challenges and to discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or via the phone. One study compared the effects of CBT against conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms and quality of life.
CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments in adults with ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes between medium and large. These improvements were linked to diverse approaches that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving exercises and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is required in comparing the efficacy of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is possible that the variations in the outcomes are due to a variety of variables such as 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 determine 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 have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help to address these problems, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy methods that can aid in improving the ability of a person to resolve conflicts and build meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to transform negative behaviors and help manage self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can lead to problems at school or work.
In certain cases, psychotherapy can be used in combination with medication for adults with adhd treatment. Patients with multiple disorders like depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder must be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened by the medications used to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, have to be treated more aggressively as they are more at risk of developing complications from the medications.
Intensive outpatient programs might be suggested if the individual's ADHD is such that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer more intense and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD improve their abilities to manage their time and impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express feelings and uses activities and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. adhd treatment for adults online enhances CBT and improves a person's ability to focus and manage their emotions. It also improves a person's ability to handle anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger, and other difficult feelings that could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to 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 can be a beneficial treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative beliefs and behavior. Particularly, it focuses on teaching you to utilize time management strategies and overcome mental distortions that lead to negative moods and a perception of limited choices.
Many people with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or increase the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbidity first and then monitor the response to treatment before proceeding to treatment of the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your work and life, establish predictable routines that help you control your time and money, and develop confidence in yourself. It can help you master techniques for relaxation that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can help you focus by stabilizing your body during various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help adults with ADHD to solve the problems they create for their children, spouses and friends. They often complain of being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive choices. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you develop better relationships. It can also help you and your family members to understand that the problem is caused by ADHD instead of an inability to care or a refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly frequent neurobiological disorder. It is often associated with other disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatment options. There are a variety of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been evaluated in studies. These studies have highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the medications.
Adults with ADHD might experience the same symptoms as children do, but it is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of childhood may not last into adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of having symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the symptoms are due to medical conditions like thyroid problems, sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80% range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also accessible in a transdermal system that allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has shown to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every seven days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL another antidepressant, has been shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its presence in the brain. This drug is known to improve mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, but it's not as effective in improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.