ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common disorder of the nervous system that affects 44 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity, including anxiety, depression, and 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 adults with ADHD have significant improvement in their symptoms and performance due to medication. Due to the many different ways that people react to medications, it is essential for those with ADHD to find a combination that is effective.
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed medications for adults with ADHD. These stimulants are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. untreated adhd in adults depression supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug taken once a day to reduce the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated successfully with antidepressants such as desipramine. This class of drugs may be utilized in conjunction with stimulants or on their own to boost their effects. They may also increase the danger of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, can have a calming effect and can increase focus and reduce the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. However, these medications can cause a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly removed or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy is also useful for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual talk therapy helps them deal with feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment towards co-workers and supervisors, teachers, and family members that might nitpick or criticize them. Counseling for families and marriage can be a great option to help couples with ADHD to better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to help people learn strategies and techniques that enhance functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can also aid those with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feelings of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that create difficulties in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as acting. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has proven to be effective for a variety of illnesses, including depression and anxiety. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT can include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for adults with ADHD because it allows them to connect with other people who face similar challenges and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
A number of studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were linked to diverse approaches that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving exercises, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is required in comparing the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is likely that differences in outcome results are due to a variety of variables that include treatment characteristics, measures used and the background of the patient. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach 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. Then, teaching the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can address these problems which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches that can aid in improving the ability of a person to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to change negative behavior and assist in reducing self-destructive and impulsive behavior which can lead to issues at school or work.
In some instances, psychotherapy is used as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd treatment for adults. People with comorbid conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to make sure they don't suffer from symptoms that aren't ameliorated by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, should be treated more aggressively.
If ADHD is serious enough to affect everyday functioning and quality of life, intensive outpatient programs may be recommended. These programs provide more thorough and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, aids people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive function. It helps them understand and express emotions and utilizes exercises and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and improves the ability of people to concentrate and control their emotions. It improves the ability of a person's ability to handle stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other emotional issues that could be causing their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. In addition to affecting work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and could lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve the root of your issue and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative beliefs and behavior. It is focused on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that contribute to negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of options.
Many adults with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that you first treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor the response to the medication prior to treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can teach you how to manage your life and your work, create routines that are predictable, manage time and money and build confidence in yourself. It can help you master relaxation methods that may reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly yoga and other forms of exercise can aid in improving your focus by ensuring your body is stable in different poses.
Family and marriage counseling can help address the issues that people with ADHD frequently cause their spouses, children and other family members. They often complain about being undependable and unorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make decisions impulsively. You can strengthen relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. Furthermore, it can aid you and your loved ones understand that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD instead of the lack of compassion or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is very frequent. It is often accompanied by other disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. The use of medication and psychosocial interventions is available as treatments. There are a range of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the medication.
Adults suffering from ADHD might experience the same symptoms as children do, but it is difficult to diagnose because childhood symptoms might not persist in adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD may also not have any family history of the disorder, or might not remember the symptoms. It is crucial to take a thorough medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are caused by an illness, such as thyroid problems or sleep apnea, and vision problems.
Medications for adults with ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. The stimulants have the highest response rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their response rates vary from 70% to 70% to 80%. The most frequently used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also accessible as a transdermal solution, which allows for a 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 the most studied tricyclic drug and has been proven 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 seen.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, was shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic cellular transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. This 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.