ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a prevalent condition of the nervous system that affects 44% of the population. It is associated by high rates of comorbidity, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, as well as significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medications are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed drugs.
treatment for adhd in adults with ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. Due to the many different ways that people respond to medication, it is important for individuals with ADHD to discover a combination that is effective.
Stimulants, including amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form, and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medicine with an extended release long-acting medication every week to lessen the requirement to take it regularly throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated effectively with antidepressants, such as desipramine. This class of drugs can be used alone or in combination with stimulants to enhance their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming affect and can improve focus, and reduce the amount of hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. However, these medications can result in a drop in blood pressure if they are suddenly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD and resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, family members and others who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Additionally, marriage and family counseling can help couples with ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to help people learn strategies and techniques that enhance function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help those who suffer from ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the feeling of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy assists people in changing their negative thoughts and feelings that cause difficulties in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or by itself.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD because it enables them to connect with others who face similar challenges and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. treatment for adhd in adults can be offered in person or over the phone. One study examined the effects of CBT in comparison to standard therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report measures of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments in adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes between medium and large. These improvements were linked to various modalities that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is required in comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is likely that the differences in the outcomes result from a variety of factors, such as treatment characteristics and measures employed. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to identify areas of the brain where there is too much or too little activity. Then, instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include interpersonal therapy to improve a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behavior that can create difficulties at school or at work.
In certain cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in combination with medication for adults adhd treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse must be assessed carefully to make sure they don't have symptoms that cannot be improved by the medication that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, must be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk of developing complications from the medication.
In-depth outpatient programs could be suggested if the individual's ADHD is such that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer structured treatment that is more intense than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning, and executive function. It helps them recognize and express their feelings. It uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons more engaging. Mindfulness meditation training enhances CBT and enhances a person's ability to focus and regulate their emotions. It increases the capacity of a person to tolerate stress and arousal. It can help them cope with sadness, anger and other emotions that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. In addition to affecting work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and can result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you build confidence in yourself and address the root of the issue. It will also help you develop healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD and helps them to alter their negative attitudes and behavior. It focuses on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can cause negative moods, and the perception of limited possibilities.
Many adults with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor the response to the medication prior to treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you learn methods to organize your life and work, set up routines that are predictable, manage time and money, and create confidence in yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that can reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly yoga and other forms of exercise can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in different poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can assist adults suffering from ADHD to overcome the problems they cause their spouses, kids and friends. They often complain about being unstable, unorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you build better relationships. It can help you and your family members to understand that the problems are due to ADHD instead of the lack of care or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is extremely prevalent. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatments. There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in trials. These studies have exposed the advantages and drawbacks of the medication.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have the same symptoms as children do, but it can be difficult to identify because childhood symptoms might not persist in adulthood. Adults with ADHD may also not have a family history of the disorder or might not remember the symptoms. It is essential to take a thorough medical history to determine if the symptoms are caused by an illness, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea or hearing and vision issues.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants have the highest response rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their response rates vary from 70% to 70% to 80%. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery during the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer and increasing its presence in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults, but it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving cognitive performance or concentration.