ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common disorder of the nervous system that affects around 4,4% of the population. It is accompanied with high rates of comorbidity, including anxiety, depression and substance abuse and significant social, emotional and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD experience significant improvements in symptoms and performance as a result of medication. It is essential that those with ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form, and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Some adults can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug used once per day to decrease the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Antidepressants like desipramine have also been found to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used by itself or in conjunction with stimulants to increase their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious adverse consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. evidence based treatment for adhd in adults were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can improve focus, and reduce the amount of hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is reduced.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD and resentment toward co-workers, supervisors, teachers and family members who may nag or criticize them. In addition, marriage and family counseling can help couples suffering from ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to help people learn strategies and skills that help improve functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can also aid those who suffer from ADHD to overcome the low self-esteem and feelings of failure that often accompanies this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives. It also helps to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be used by itself or in combination with other treatments.
CBT can involve group therapy, which can be particularly beneficial for people with ADHD, as it provides the chance to connect with others who are facing similar issues and discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or via the phone. One study compared the effects of CBT against traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvement in self-report assessments of functioning, symptoms and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD, and all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were linked to diverse approaches, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving exercises and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the efficacy of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is likely that differences in the outcomes are due to a variety of factors, including the treatment features and the methods employed. There are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This method involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks to determine brain regions where there is excessive or insufficient activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches which can improve a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and develop meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to change negative behavior and assist in managing self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can cause problems at school or work.
In certain situations psychotherapy may be utilized in conjunction with medication for adults with adhd treatment. Patients suffering from co-occurring disorders like depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure their symptoms aren't aggravated by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history or seizures, need to be treated more aggressively.
When ADHD is serious enough to affect the quality of life and daily functioning, intensive outpatient programs may be recommended. These programs provide structured treatment that is more intensive than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD enhance their ability to manage their time and impulse control, as well as planning, and executive function. It teaches them to recognize and express their emotions, and it uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to concentrate and regulate emotions. It increases the capacity of a person's ability to handle anxiety and stress. It helps them deal with anger, sadness and other emotions that may be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. In addition to impacting work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and can result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you to improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It will also assist you in developing healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and helps them change their negative beliefs and behaviors. It focuses on teaching time management techniques and overcoming thinking distortions which contribute to negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few possibilities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric disorders can exacerbate or diminish the effectiveness of some drugs used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and then monitor its response to medication before proceeding to treatment of the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your work and life and establish routines that are predictable to control your time and money, and develop confidence in yourself. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that could decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. In the same way yoga and other forms of exercise can help you improve your focus by stabilizing your body in different postures.
Marriage and family counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to overcome the problems they create for their spouses, kids and others. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you build more harmonious relationships. It can help you and your family members to understand that the problem is due to ADHD and not a lack in caring or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity, including anxiety, depression and addiction disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatments. A variety of medications are available to adults suffering from ADHD and a few of them have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the advantages and drawbacks of the drugs.
Adults with ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, but it isn't always easy to identify them since childhood symptoms may not persist into adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their family or they may not remember having symptoms. It is essential to take a thorough medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are due to a medical condition, like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing and vision issues.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective drugs to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are in the 70%-80 percentage range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be administered through a transdermal system. This allows for continuous medication delivery during the day.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants which work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has shown to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a medication with a low dose that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen.
Bupropion XL is another antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic cellular transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, but it is not as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.