ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common disorder of the nervous system that affects 4,4% of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medicines
Many people who suffer from ADHD report significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. It is important that people who suffer from ADHD find the combination of medications that is effective for them.
Stimulants, like 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 hours. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medicine with an extended release, long-acting medicine once a week to reduce the requirement to take it frequently throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated effectively with antidepressants, such as desipramine. This class of drugs may be used in conjunction with stimulants or in isolation to boost their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They are calming and may improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in certain adults. However, these medications can result in a drop in blood pressure when they are abruptly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD and anger toward supervisors, colleagues, teachers and family members who may nag or criticize them. Additionally, marriage and family counseling can help couples with ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can also assist people who suffer from ADHD overcome low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, helps people change their negative thoughts and emotions that are causing problems in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments.
signs of untreated adhd in adults may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it allows them to connect with other people who have similar struggles and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
A number of studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD and all have shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect size. These improvements were attributed to various modalities such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving training 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 that include the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used and the background of the patient. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks in order to pinpoint brain areas in which there is excessive or inadequate activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches which can improve the ability of a person to manage conflicts and create meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to alter negative behaviors and assist in reducing self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can lead to problems at school or at work.
In alternative adhd treatment for adults may be utilized as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd treatment for adults. People with comorbid conditions such as bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs must be assessed carefully to make sure they don't suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medication used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history or seizures, should be treated more aggressively.
When ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with daily functioning and quality-of-life intensive outpatient programs might be recommended. These programs provide more intensive and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD enhance their ability to manage time management, impulse control, planning, and executive function. It helps them recognize and express their emotions and uses worksheets and activities to make the learning interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and enhances the capacity of a person's ability to concentrate and regulate emotions. It improves the ability of a person to manage stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness, and other difficult feelings which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. In addition to affecting their work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and can result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you build confidence in yourself and solve the underlying issues. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps them to alter their negative attitudes and behaviours. It concentrates on teaching you to employ strategies for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and a perception of limited choices.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can exacerbate or decrease the effectiveness of certain treatments for ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and monitor the effect of medication prior to attempting treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life, establish predictable routines, manage your money and time and create a positive image of yourself. It can also help you learn ways to relax that could reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can help you focus by ensuring your body is stable in various poses.
Family and marriage counseling can address the issues adults with ADHD often cause their spouses, children and others. They often complain of being unreliable and disorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make impulsive decisions. You can build stronger relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. Moreover, it can help you and your loved ones to understand that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD rather than an absence of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder. It is often associated with comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults with ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in studies. These studies have revealed the strengths and the limitations of the medications.
Adults with ADHD may have the same symptoms as children do, but it is difficult to determine because the symptoms of childhood may not persist in adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also not have any family background of the disorder or may not be aware of symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the symptoms are caused by medical conditions like thyroid problems or sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants have the highest response rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their responsiveness rates range from 70 to 80%. The most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery during the day.
Adults with ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been proven to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every seven days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, was shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been proven to boost mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.