ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is associated with a high rate of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs, and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed medications.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning due to medication. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD find the combination of medication that works for them.
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Some adults supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication taken once a day to decrease the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs may be employed together with stimulants or in isolation to boost their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine can also be used for the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They are calming and may improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in certain adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is reduced.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD, as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers, teachers and family members who may nag or criticize them. Counseling for families and marriage can be a great option to help couples suffering from ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to teach strategies and skills that help improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help those who suffer from ADHD overcome their self-esteem problems and the sense of failure they feel frequently.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives and to discover new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective for a variety of conditions such as anxiety and depression. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for people with ADHD because it enables 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 via the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated 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 sizes. These improvements were associated with diverse approaches that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving exercises and mindfulness meditation.
It is crucial to evaluate the efficacy between different treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is possible that the different outcomes of the treatments depend on a variety of factors, including the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used 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 pinpoint areas of the brain where there is too much or too little activity. Then, instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy approaches that can help improve a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and develop meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that could create problems at work or school.
In certain cases, psychotherapy can be used in combination with medication for adults adhd treatment. People with co-occurring disorders like depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder must be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms aren't made worse by medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history or seizures, need to be treated with more vigor.
In-depth outpatient programs could be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it significantly interferes with 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) helps adults with ADHD improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, organizing, and executive function. It helps them recognize and express emotions, and it uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and improves the ability of a person to focus and manage emotions. It increases the capacity of a person's ability to handle anxiety and stress. It can help them cope with sadness, anger and other emotional issues which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from 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 you improve your self-esteem and resolve underlying problems. It will also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD, as it helps them change their negative attitudes and behavior. It is focused on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that can cause negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of options.
Many people with ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended that you first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its reaction to the medication prior treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you learn ways to organize your life and your work, set up regular routines, manage your money and time and develop confidence in yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that may reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. In the same way yoga and other forms of exercise can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in different postures.
Family and marriage counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to solve the problems they cause their spouses, kids and friends. Iam Psychiatry complain of being erratic and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive decisions. You can strengthen relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can also help you and your family members realize that the issues are caused by ADHD instead of the lack of care or refusing 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 abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. A variety of medications are available for adults suffering from ADHD and a few of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have highlighted the strengths and drawbacks of the medications.
Adults with ADHD have the same symptoms as children, but it can be difficult to diagnose them because childhood symptoms might not last until adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD might not have an ancestral history of the disorder or may not be aware of symptoms. It is essential to take a thorough medical history in order to determine if the symptoms are related to a medical condition, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea or hearing and vision issues.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective drugs to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are within the 70-80 percentage range. The most frequently used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate can also be administered through a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic and has been shown to be effective in adult patients suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose medication which should be increased each seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant that has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its availability in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults. However, it isn't as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.