ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a prevalent condition of the nervous system that affects around 4,4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medications are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medications
Many adults suffering from ADHD experience significant improvements in symptoms and performance due to medications. It is important that people suffering from ADHD discover the right combination of medications that works for them.
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication used once per day to decrease the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD are also successfully treated with antidepressants, like desipramine. This class of drugs can be used in conjunction with stimulants, or on their own to boost their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious side consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They are calming and may improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in certain adults. These medications can cause very low blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is reduced.
Psychotherapy is also useful for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD as well as anger toward supervisors, colleagues teachers, family members and others who might nag or criticize them. In addition, marriage and family counseling can help couples with ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to teach strategies and skills that help improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also help people with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feelings of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that create difficulties in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for a variety of illnesses, including depression and anxiety. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD because it allows them to connect with other people who are facing similar issues and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or via the phone. One study examined the effects of CBT with that of traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
Several studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were associated with diverse approaches, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training and mindfulness meditation.
It is essential to assess the effectiveness of various treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that differences in the outcomes result from a variety of factors, such as treatment features and the methods employed. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to determine areas of the brain where there is too much or too little activity - and then instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy techniques that can help improve the ability of individuals to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive and negative behaviors that could cause difficulties at school or at work.
In some cases psychotherapy may be utilized in conjunction with medication for adults with adhd treatment. People who have comorbid conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs should be evaluated with care to make sure they don't have symptoms that cannot be ameliorated by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history or seizures, must be treated with more vigor.
Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended if the person's ADHD is such that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer a more thorough and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage their time and impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express emotions and utilizes activities and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. Mindfulness meditation training enhances CBT, and it improves a person's ability to focus and regulate their emotions. It improves the ability of a person to tolerate the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other difficult emotions that may be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help boost your self-esteem, solve the root causes of your issues and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative beliefs and behavior. It is focused on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can cause negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few choices.
Many adults with ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor the response to the medication prior to treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can teach you methods to organize your life and your work, create routines that are predictable, manage time and money and build a positive self-image. It can also help you learn relaxation methods that may reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly yoga and other exercises can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in different postures.
Family and marriage counseling can address the problems that adults suffering from ADHD often create for their spouses, children and others. They frequently complain that they are insecure, unorganized, and often prone to making impulsive choices. You can strengthen relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. Additionally, read more can aid you and your loved ones understand that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD instead of the lack of compassion or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is very frequent. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatments. There are many medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in trials. These studies have highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the various medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD might experience the same symptoms as children do, but it can be difficult to identify because childhood symptoms might not last into adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their families or they may not even remember experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to help determine whether the symptoms are caused by medical conditions such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea. It could also be due to hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Adult medications for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. The stimulants have the highest response rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness range between 70 and 80%. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system which allows for a continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every seven days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is a second antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transporter which increases its accessibility to the brain. The drug is known to boost mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity however it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.