ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed medications.
Medicines
Many people who suffer from ADHD have seen significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning when they take medication. Due to the many different ways that people respond to medication, it is essential for those with ADHD to find a combination that works best.
Stimulants, including amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug that is taken daily to decrease the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to enhance their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They are calming and can help improve focus and reduce the amount of hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. However, these drugs can cause a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly removed or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy helps them overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment toward coworkers, supervisors, teachers and family members who may criticize or nag them. In addition counseling for families and marriages can help couples suffering from ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the feeling of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy assists people to change negative thoughts and emotions that are causing difficulties in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven effective in treating many illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. look at these guys is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD because it enables them to connect with others who have similar struggles and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures such as symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
A number of 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 attributed to a variety modalities including cognitive and interpersonal therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is advised in comparing the efficacy of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is likely that the differences in the results of treatment are due to a variety of factors, including the treatment characteristics and measures used. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This method involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks to identify brain areas where there is excessive or insufficient activity. The person is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches that can aid in improving the ability of individuals to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change negative behavior and assist in reducing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors that can lead to problems at work or school.
In some instances psychotherapy can be used as an alternative to medication for adult ADHD treatment for adults. Patients suffering from co-occurring disorders like substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure that their symptoms aren't made worse by the medications used to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and seizures in the past, need to be treated more aggressively as they are more at risk for complications from the medication.
In-depth outpatient programs could be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide an organized therapy that is more intense than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of cognitive therapy, helps adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive functioning. It teaches them to recognize and express emotions, and it uses exercises and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. Mindfulness meditation training enhances CBT, and it improves the ability of people to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It improves the ability of a person's ability to handle the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with sadness, anger and other emotional issues which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and cause financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you improve your self-esteem and solve the underlying issues. It will also help you develop healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative thoughts and behaviors. In particular, it is focused on teaching you how to employ time management strategies and overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and the perception of limited choices.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric disorders can exacerbate or reduce the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore look at these guys is recommended you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and then monitor the response to treatment prior to attempting treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn how to manage your life and work, establish routines that are predictable, manage money and time and develop a positive self-image. It can also help you learn techniques for relaxation that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can also aid in improving your focus by ensuring your body is stable in various postures.
Marriage and family counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to resolve the issues they create for their spouses, kids and others. They often complain of being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive choices. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you build more harmonious relationships. It can also help you and your family members realize that the problems are due to ADHD instead of the lack of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is extremely prevalent. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression and addiction disorders. The use of medication and psychosocial interventions is available as treatments. There are a range of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been tested in studies. These studies have revealed the strengths and drawbacks of the various medications.
Adults with ADHD might experience the same symptoms as children do, but it can be difficult to diagnose because childhood symptoms might not persist in adulthood. Adults with ADHD might not have an ancestral history of the disorder, or may not be aware of symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to determine if the symptoms are caused by an illness such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medication for treating adults with ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 - 80 percent range. The most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate can also be administered through a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the daytime.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that target norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine is one of the most studied tricyclic, and has been proven to be effective in adult patients with ADHD. It is a low dose medicine and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its presence in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults, however it is not as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving concentration or cognitive function.