ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a prevalent condition of the nervous system that affects 4,4 percent of the population. It is associated with high rates of comorbidity, including anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs, and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have seen significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medication. It is crucial that people who suffer from ADHD find the combination of medications that is effective for them.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants like amphetamines or methylphenidate. 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 supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medicine used once per day to decrease the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD are also treated effectively with antidepressants, such as desipramine. This class of drugs may be utilized in conjunction with stimulants or alone to enhance their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can help improve focus and reduce the amount of hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. However, these medications could cause a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help those with ADHD to overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment toward coworkers, supervisors, teachers and family members who might nitpick or criticize them. Family and marriage counseling is a great method to help couples suffering from ADHD better understand each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to teach strategies and skills that help improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also assist people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and sense of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy assists people in changing their negative thoughts and emotions that are causing difficulties in their lives. evidence based treatment for adhd in adults teaches them new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or by itself.
CBT may involve group therapy, which is particularly helpful for adults with ADHD, as it provides the chance to connect with others who are facing similar issues and learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or over the phone. One study compared the results of CBT against standard therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD, and all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were associated with a variety modalities including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy and social skills training. problem solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is required when comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that the differences in the outcomes result from a variety of factors, including the treatment characteristics and the measures employed. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain that there is too much or little activity, and teaching the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques that can aid in improving the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that can cause problems at work or school.
In some instances, psychotherapy is used as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd treatment for adults. People who have comorbid conditions such as bipolar disorder and substance abuse should be evaluated with care to ensure that they do not have symptoms that cannot be improved by the medication used to treat ADHD. evidence based treatment for adhd in adults who suffer from certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and an history of seizures have to be treated more aggressively as they are at a higher risk of developing complications from the medications.
Outpatient intensive programs may be suggested if the individual's ADHD is such that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide structured treatment that is more intense than conventional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD enhance their ability to manage time management and impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express their emotions and employs worksheets and exercises to make the learning more engaging. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT, and it improves a person's ability to focus and manage their emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person to manage anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness, and other emotional issues that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and can lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you to improve your self-esteem and solve the underlying issues. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD and helps them change their negative attitudes and behaviors. It is focused on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can lead to negative moods and the perception that there are only a few possibilities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor the response to treatment before proceeding to treatment of the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life, establish predictable routines, manage your time and money and create a positive image of yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that can reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Additionally yoga and other forms of exercise can help you focus better by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can address the problems that adults with ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and others. They frequently complain of being insecure, unorganized, and susceptible to making decisions based on impulsivity. You can strengthen relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can aid you and your family members understand that the problems are caused by ADHD instead of the lack of care or a refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly common neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatment options. There are a range of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and limitations of the drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have the same symptoms as children do, but it is difficult to diagnose because childhood symptoms might not last into adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their families or may not be aware of experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to help determine whether the symptoms are caused by a medical condition like thyroid problems, sleep apnea, vision and hearing problems or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. The stimulants have the highest response rates for adults with ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness range between 70 and 70% to 80%. The most popular stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also available in a transdermal system, that allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL another antidepressant, was shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been found to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, however it is not as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.