ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known disorder of the nervous system that affects 44 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults suffering from ADHD experience significant improvements in symptoms and performance due to medications. Due to the many different ways people respond to medications it is crucial for people with ADHD to discover a combination that is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamines. These stimulants are available as liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medicine with an extended release long-acting medication every week to lessen the requirement to take it frequently throughout the day.
Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been found to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of medications can be used in conjunction with stimulants, or on their own to boost their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, can have an calming effect and are able to enhance focus and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure when they suddenly stop, or the dosage is decreased.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy helps them deal with feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment towards co-workers and supervisors, teachers, and family members that might criticize or nag them. Counseling for families and marriage can be a great option to help couples suffering from ADHD better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can help those who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the feeling of inadequacy they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists people in changing their negative thoughts and emotions that are causing problems in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has been found to be effective in treating a variety of conditions such as anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or by itself.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is especially beneficial for people 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 offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
Several 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 sizes. These improvements were linked to various modalities such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving exercises, and mindfulness meditation.
It is essential to assess the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that the differences in outcome results 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 when performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain where there is too much or too little activity - and then teaching the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Some psychotherapy approaches include interpersonal therapy to enhance the ability of a person to form meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change negative behavior and assist in reducing self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can lead to problems at school or work.
In certain cases psychotherapy can be used as an adjunct to the medication used for adhd treatment for adults. Patients with comorbid disorders such as bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs should be evaluated with care to ensure that they do not have symptoms that are not improved by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, must be treated with more vigor because they are more at risk of developing complications from the medications.
Outpatient intensive programs may be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it significantly affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer an organized therapy that is more intense than conventional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, assists adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive function. It helps them recognize and express feelings and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the learning interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and manage emotions. adult adhd diagnostic assessment and treatment increases a person's ability to handle the effects of stress and arousal. It can help them cope with sadness, anger and other emotional issues which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to impacting work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and can cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you build confidence in yourself and solve the underlying issues. It can also help you develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps them change their negative beliefs and behaviours. It concentrates on teaching you to utilize strategies for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and the perception of a limited range of choices.
Many people with ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and then monitor the response to treatment prior to attempting treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you learn how to manage your life and work, create routines that are predictable, manage money and time and develop an optimistic self-image. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that could reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. In the same way 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 address the problems that people with ADHD frequently create for their spouses, children and other family members. They often complain of being erratic and unorganized. They often forget things or make decisions impulsively. You can build stronger relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. Additionally, it can help you and your loved ones to understand that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD instead of the lack of compassion or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a frequent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a range of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in trials. These studies have highlighted both the strengths and the limitations of the medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD may experience the same symptoms as children do, but it can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of childhood may not persist in adulthood. Adults with ADHD may not have any family background of the disorder or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to help determine whether the symptoms are caused by a medical condition such as thyroid issues or sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and other non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medication for treating adults with ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 - 80% range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system, which allows for a continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants which work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. 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, has been 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. The drug is known to improve the mood of adults and reduce hyperactivity however, it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive functions as stimulants.