ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known disorder of the nervous system that affects around 4,4 percent of the population. It is associated with a high rate of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse as well as significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed medications.
Medications
Many people with ADHD have seen significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medication. Because of the different ways that people react to medications, it is crucial for people with ADHD to discover a combination that is most effective.
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. These stimulants are available as tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medicine that is taken daily to decrease the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also treated successfully with antidepressants such as desipramine. This class of medications can be used alone or in combination with stimulants to boost their effects. They can also increase the danger of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, 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 medications, originally designed to treat high blood pressure, possess a calming effect and can enhance focus and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults. However, these medications can cause a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly removed or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment toward coworkers, teachers, supervisors, and family members that may criticize or nag them. Marriage and family counseling is also a great way to help couples suffering from ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to impart strategies and techniques that enhance function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD overcome their self-esteem problems and the feeling of inadequacy they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, helps people change their negative thoughts and feelings that are causing difficulties in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective for many conditions, including depression and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or by itself.
CBT may involve group therapy, which is especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD, as it provides the opportunity to meet others who have similar struggles and to discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting indicators like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared with other psychosocial treatments in adults with ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes that range from moderate to large. 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 crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment options for adults with ADHD with caution. It is possible that the differences in the results of treatment are due to a range of factors, such as treatment features and the methods employed. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain where there is too much or little activity, and teaching the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy methods which can improve the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and build meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to alter negative behaviors and help manage self-destructive and impulsive behavior that can lead to problems at school or at work.
In certain cases, psychotherapy can be used in combination with medication for adults with adhd treatment. People with multiple disorders like addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure that their symptoms aren't aggravated by medications used to treat ADHD. adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment who suffer from certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, need to be treated more aggressively as they are more at risk for complications from the medication.
If ADHD is severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and quality-of-life intensive outpatient programs could be suggested. These programs offer a more thorough and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, helps adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive function. It helps them recognize and express their emotions and employs worksheets and exercises to make the learning more engaging. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT, and it improves the ability of a person to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person to manage anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other emotions 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 their work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and could result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you increase self-esteem, address underlying problems and develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults with ADHD and helps them change their negative attitudes and behaviours. Particularly, it concentrates on teaching you to use strategies to manage your time and eliminate mental distortions that lead to negative moods and perceptions of limited choices.
Many adults with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric disorders can exacerbate or diminish the effectiveness of some drugs used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its reaction to the medication prior treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn methods to organize your life and work, establish routines that are predictable, manage time and money and build a positive self-image. It can help you master ways to relax that could reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. In the same way, yoga and other exercise can help you improve your focus by stabilizing the body in different postures.
Counseling for families and marriage can help address the issues that adults with ADHD frequently cause their children, spouses, and others. They frequently complain of being unstable, unorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. You can strengthen your relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can aid you and your family members to understand that the problem is due to ADHD, rather than an inability to care or a refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by other disorders that are comorbid, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are many medications available for adults with ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in trials. These studies have highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of the medications.
Adults with ADHD have the same symptoms as children, but it can be difficult to identify them since the symptoms of childhood may not persist until adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their family or they may not remember experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the symptoms are due to a medical condition like thyroid problems, sleep apnea, vision and hearing problems or lead poisoning.
Adult medications for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medication to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are in the 70 - 80% range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be administered via a transdermal device. This allows for continuous medication delivery during the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine is one of the most studied tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a medication with a low dose that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a second antidepressant that 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 at the presynaptic transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. The drug is known to boost mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, however it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.