ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a prevalent disorder of the nervous system that affects around 4,4% of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medications
Many people with ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. Due to the various ways people respond to medications it is essential for those with ADHD to determine a mix that is effective.
Adults with 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 frequently as every three to four hours. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medicine with an extended release long-acting medicine at least every week to lessen the need to take it regularly throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs can be employed in conjunction with stimulants, or in isolation to boost their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious adverse consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as alprazolam and clonidine are also used for the treatment of adults with ADHD. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can help improve focus and reduce the amount of hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure when they suddenly stop, or the dosage is decreased.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD, as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers, teachers and family members who may nag or criticize them. Marriage and family counseling is a great method to help couples with ADHD to better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from 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 inadequacy they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives. It also helps to discover new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating various conditions, including depression and anxiety. It can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or on its own.
CBT could involve group therapy, which is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD as it offers the chance to connect with others who are facing similar issues and discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or by phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures such as symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
Several studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD and all have shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were linked to diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
However, what happens if adhd is left untreated in adults is advised in comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is likely that differences in the outcomes are due to a range of factors, including the treatment characteristics and measures employed. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to determine areas of the brain where there is too much or little activity. Then, instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can address these problems which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include interpersonal therapy to enhance the ability of a person to form meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage impulsive, self-destructive, and negative behaviors that can create problems at work or school.
In certain situations, psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications for adults with adhd treatment. People with comorbid disorders such as depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder should be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened by medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, must be treated with more vigor.
Outpatient intensive programs may be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it significantly hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide more thorough and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage time management and impulse control, as well as planning, and executive function. It helps them understand and express emotions and utilizes activities and worksheets to make the learning interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation improves CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to concentrate and regulate emotions. It also improves a person's capacity to manage anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other emotional issues that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. These issues can also impact relationships and cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help increase self-esteem, address the root causes of your issues and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps them change their negative attitudes and behaviors. It concentrates on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can lead to negative moods and the perception of a limited number of options.
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric disorders can exacerbate or reduce the effectiveness of certain treatments for ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbidity first and monitor its response to medication prior to attempting treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work and establish routines that are predictable to manage your money and time and build a positive image of yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that could decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similarly yoga and other forms of exercise can aid in improving your focus by ensuring your body is stable in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can address the issues people with ADHD frequently create for their spouses, children and other family members. They often complain about being undependable and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you establish more harmonious relationships. It can aid you and your family members realize that the issues are due to ADHD instead of the lack of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are many medications available for adults with ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the medications.
Adults with ADHD may experience the same symptoms as children do, but it is difficult to identify since childhood symptoms may not last into adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their family or they may not remember having symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the symptoms are due to a medical condition such as thyroid issues or sleep apnea. It could also be due to hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Adults with 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 70% to 80%. The most frequently used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal device. This allows for continuous medication delivery during the daytime.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose drug and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is another antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transportationer, increasing its availability in brain. This drug has been found to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults, however it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving cognitive performance or concentration.