ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known disorder of the nervous system that affects 4,4 percent of the population. Read the Full Guide is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD experience significant improvements in symptoms and performance due to medications. Because of the different ways that people respond to medication, it is important for individuals with ADHD to discover a combination that is most effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Adults can augment an immediate-release medicine with an extended release long-acting medication once a week to reduce the need to take it frequently throughout the day.
Antidepressants like desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used by itself or in combination with stimulants to boost their effects. They can also increase the danger of serious side effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also used for the treatment of people suffering from ADHD. These medications, originally designed to treat high blood pressure, can have an calming effect and are able to increase focus and reduce the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. However, these drugs can cause a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD and anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, family members and others who might be a source of criticism or nagging 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
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can help individuals with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the feeling of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that cause difficulties in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or by itself.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD because it enables them to connect with other people who face similar challenges and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided in person or via 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 attributed to diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy and social skills training. problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is required in comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is possible that the differences in the results of treatment result from a variety of factors, such as treatment features and the methods employed. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to identify areas of the brain where there is too much or little activity, and instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include interpersonal therapy to enhance the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control impulsive, self-destructive, and negative behavior that can cause difficulties at school or at work.
In some cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medication for adults adhd treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders such as substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened by medications used to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and seizures in the past, must be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk of complications from medication.
Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended when the person's ADHD is such that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer structured therapy that is more intense than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD enhance their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning, and executive function. It helps them identify and express their feelings and uses worksheets and activities to make the learning more enjoyable. The practice of mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and improves the ability of a person to focus and manage emotions. It also increases a person's ability to tolerate anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness, and other emotional issues that could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often have difficulties functioning at home and at work. These issues can also impact relationships and cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you improve your self-esteem, resolve the root of your issue and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps you change your negative beliefs and behaviors. In particular, it concentrates on teaching you to employ strategies for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and perceptions of a limited range of choices.
Many adults with ADHD also have comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or decrease the effectiveness of some treatments for ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbidity first and monitor the response to treatment prior to beginning treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work, establish predictable routines, manage your money and time, and develop a positive image of yourself. It can also help you learn ways to relax that could reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other workouts can help you improve concentration by ensuring your body is stable in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can assist adults suffering from ADHD to overcome the problems they cause their children, spouses and others. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive choices. You can build stronger relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. Furthermore, it can aid you and your loved ones to understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than an absence of care or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a frequent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and addiction disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a range of medications available for adults with ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the advantages and drawbacks of the medications.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might experience the same symptoms that children do, but it is difficult to determine since childhood symptoms may not last into adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their families or they may not remember experiencing symptoms. It is important to have an extensive medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are caused by an illness like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing 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 adults with ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness range from 70% to 70% to 80%. The most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also administered through a transdermal system. This allows for continuous medication delivery during the day.
Adults with ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has shown to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a medication with a low dose which should be increased each seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is noticed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, 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 transportationer and increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been shown to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, but it isn't as effective as stimulants in improving cognitive performance or concentration.