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 depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medications
Many adults suffering from ADHD experience significant improvements in symptoms and functioning due to medication. It is important that people with ADHD discover the right combination of medications that works for them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form 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 medicine used once per day to lessen the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Antidepressants like desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of medications can be used on its own or in combination with stimulants to increase their effects. They may also increase the danger of serious side effects, such as 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 drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They are calming and can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in certain adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure if they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual talk therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, family members and others who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Additionally counseling for marriage and families can help couples suffering from ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can help people with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the sense of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives. It also helps to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for a variety of conditions such as anxiety and depression. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD as it allows them to connect with others who have similar struggles and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. adhd treatment adults helped improve self-reporting measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD, and all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect size. More suggestions were linked to diverse approaches, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving exercises and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is advised when comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is likely that variations in the outcomes reflect a number of variables such as treatment characteristics, measures employed, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach 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, and instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help to address these issues, which may be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy approaches that can help improve the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and develop meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to alter negative behaviors and assist in reducing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors that can lead to problems at school or 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 need to be evaluated carefully to make sure they don't suffer from symptoms that aren't ameliorated by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history or seizures, need to be treated with more vigor.
When ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with the quality of life and daily functioning intensive outpatient programs could be suggested. These programs provide 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, organizing, and executive function. It helps them understand and express their feelings and uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons more enjoyable. The practice of mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and manage emotions. It also increases a person's capacity to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with anger, sadness and other difficult emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and can lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you improve your self-esteem and solve the underlying issues. It will also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative beliefs and behavior. Particularly, 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 a limited range of choices.
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended to first treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor the response to the medication before treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your life and work, establish predictable routines that help you control your time and money, and develop a positive image of yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that could reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other workouts can help you concentration by ensuring your body is stable in various poses.
Family and marriage counseling can address the problems that people with ADHD often create for their spouses, children and other family members. They often complain about being unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. You can strengthen relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can also help you and your family members to understand that the problems are caused by ADHD and not the lack of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a frequent neurobiological disorder. It is often associated with other disorders that are comorbid, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. A variety of medications are available for adults with ADHD, and some of them have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the advantages and drawbacks of the drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, however it can be difficult to diagnose them because the symptoms of childhood may not persist throughout adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their families or may not be aware of experiencing symptoms. It is important to have a thorough medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are caused by an illness, like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing and vision issues.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medication for treating adults with ADHD and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80 percentage range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system which allows for a continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is one of the most studied tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective in adult patients with ADHD. It is a low dose drug and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every seven days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is another antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, thereby increasing its use in the brain. This drug has been shown to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults. However, it isn't as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.