ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is accompanied with a high rate of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs, and significant social, emotional and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medications are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed medications.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD experience significant improvements in symptoms and performance due to medication. It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD find the combination of medication that works for them.
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed medications for adults with ADHD. They are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medicine that is taken daily to reduce the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs can be employed in conjunction with stimulants, or alone to enhance their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as alprazolam and clonidine can also be used for the treatment of adults with ADHD. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They are calming and may improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in certain adults. These medications can cause extremely low blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is reduced.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with their feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD and anger toward supervisors, colleagues teachers, and family members who might nag or criticize them. Marriage and family counseling can be a great option to help couples with ADHD better understand each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can help people with ADHD overcome their self-esteem problems and the feeling of inadequacy they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives and to learn new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating a variety of illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies.
psychological treatment for adhd in adults could include group therapy, which is particularly helpful for adults with ADHD because it gives the opportunity to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided in person or over the phone. One study compared the effects of CBT with that of standard therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated 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 sizes. These improvements were attributed to diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy, social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness meditation.
It is important to compare the efficacy between different treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is possible that the variations in the outcomes are due to a variety of variables such as the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used, and patient backgrounds. Few studies have examined the effectiveness neurofeedback. This method involves wearing a hat with electrodes while performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint brain areas in which there is excessive or inadequate activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches that can aid in improving a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and develop meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to change negative behavior and assist in reducing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors which can lead to issues at school or work.
In certain cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medications for adults with adhd treatment. Patients suffering from multiple disorders like substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder should be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened 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 developing complications from the medication.
When ADHD is serious enough to affect daily functioning and quality-of-life, intensive outpatient programs may be suggested. These programs provide more intensive and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their ability to manage time management and impulse control, as well as executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express emotions, and it uses activities and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and enhances a person's ability to focus and manage their emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person to tolerate anxiety and stress. It helps them deal with anger, sadness and other emotions that could be causing their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help increase self-esteem, address the root of your issue and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps you modify your negative beliefs and behaviors. It concentrates on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that can cause negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few options.
Many people with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and monitor the response to treatment prior to beginning treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life by establishing predictable routines that help you manage your money and time, and develop a positive image of yourself. It can help you learn relaxation methods that may reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can aid in improving your concentration by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Family and marriage counseling can address the problems that people with ADHD frequently cause their children, spouses, and others. They often complain about being unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and susceptible to making decisions based on impulsivity. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you build better relationships. Furthermore, it can aid 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 highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a variety of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in trials. These studies have highlighted both the advantages and drawbacks of the medications.
Adults with ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, but it isn't always easy to diagnose them because childhood symptoms might not last throughout adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their family or they may not remember having symptoms. It is important to have an extensive medical history to determine if the symptoms are caused by a medical condition, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea or hearing and vision issues.
Adult medications for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and other non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medications to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80 percentage range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also administered via a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic and has been shown to be effective in adult patients suffering from ADHD. It is a low-dose medication that is recommended to be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, was shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic cellular transporter, increasing its availability in brain. This drug has been shown to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults. However, it is not as effective as stimulants in improving cognitive performance or concentration.