ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied with high rates of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression and substance abuse as well as significant social, emotional and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed medications.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have seen significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning in response to medication. It is important that people suffering from ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Adults can augment an immediate-release medicine with an extended-release long-acting medication every week to lessen the necessity to take it often throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs may be employed in conjunction with stimulants or in isolation to boost their effects. They can also increase the danger of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can improve focus, and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in some adults. However, these drugs can result in a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help people overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment towards co-workers and supervisors, teachers and family members who might nitpick or criticize them. Counseling for families and marriage is also a great way to help couples with ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to teach skills and strategies that improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help those who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the feeling of inadequacy they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, helps people change their negative thoughts and feelings that cause problems in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has proven to be effective for many conditions including anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or on its own.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for adults with ADHD because it enables them to connect with other people who have similar struggles and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or via phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared with other psychosocial treatments in adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes that range from moderate to large. These improvements were linked to diverse approaches that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving exercises, and mindfulness meditation.
psychological treatment for adhd in adults is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is possible that the different outcomes of the treatments reflect a number of variables, including the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used as well as the backgrounds of the patients. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness neurofeedback. This method involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks to determine brain regions where there is a lack or excess of activity. The person then learns to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches which can improve a person’s ability to manage conflicts and create meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to alter negative behaviors and assist in reducing self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can lead to problems at work or school.
In certain cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medications for adults adhd treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders like bipolar disorder and substance abuse should be evaluated with care to ensure they do not have symptoms that are not improved by the medications used to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and an history of seizures have to be treated with more vigor because they are more at risk for complications from the medications.
Outpatient intensive programs may be recommended if the person's ADHD is such that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer 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 identify and express their feelings and uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons more engaging. Mindfulness meditation training enhances CBT and improves the ability of people to concentrate and manage their emotions. It improves the ability of a person to manage stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other difficult feelings which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and could result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps them change their negative thoughts and behaviours. It concentrates on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions which can cause negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of possibilities.
Many adults with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can cause or reduce the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and observe the effect of medication before proceeding to treatment of the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can teach you ways to organize your life and work, set up predictable routines, manage time and money, and create confidence in yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that can reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similarly yoga and other forms of exercise can help you improve your focus by ensuring your body is stable in different poses.
Marriage and family counseling can address the issues people with ADHD frequently cause their children, spouses, and their families. They frequently complain of being insecure, unorganized, and susceptible to making decisions based on impulsivity. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you develop better relationships. It can help you and your family members to understand that the problem is due to ADHD and not a lack in caring or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is extremely prevalent. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and addiction disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are a variety of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and limitations of the various medications.
Adults who suffer from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, but it isn't always easy to diagnose them because childhood symptoms may not persist throughout adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their families or may not be aware of having symptoms. It is crucial to take a thorough medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are related to a medical condition, such as thyroid problems such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision issues.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most effective drugs for treating adults with ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 - 80% range. The most commonly used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate can also be administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the daytime.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants which work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been proven to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low-dose medication which should be increased each seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is noticed.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, has been shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, thereby increasing its availability in the brain. The drug is known to improve mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity however, it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive functions as stimulants.