ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a prevalent neurological disorder that affects 4,4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs, and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medication. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD discover the right combination of medications that is effective for them.
Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medicine with an extended release long-acting medicine at least every week to lessen the need to take it regularly throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD are also successfully treated with antidepressants, such as desipramine. iampsychiatry of medications can be used alone or in combination with stimulants to boost their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam as well as clonidine are used for the treatment of adults with ADHD. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and may improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in some adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure if they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them deal with their feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD, as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers, teachers and family members who might nag or criticize them. In addition counseling for marriage and families can help couples suffering from ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to help people learn strategies and techniques that enhance performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help individuals who suffer from ADHD overcome their self-esteem problems and the feeling of inadequacy they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists people to change negative thoughts and feelings that are causing difficulties in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of conditions such as anxiety and depression. It can be used by itself or in combination with other therapies.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it allows them to connect with others who are facing similar issues and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures such as symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
CBT has been compared with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies show significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes ranging from medium to large. These improvements were linked to diverse approaches, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the efficacy of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that different outcomes of the treatments depend on a variety of factors such as treatment characteristics, measures employed and the background of the patient. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a technique that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain that 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 address these issues, which could contribute to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques that can help improve the ability of a person to resolve conflicts and develop lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to alter negative behaviors and assist in managing self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can lead to problems at school or work.
In certain cases, psychotherapy can be used in combination with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. Patients suffering from multiple disorders like addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened by medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, must be treated with more vigor.
When ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with everyday functioning and quality of life intensive outpatient programs could be suggested. These programs offer more intensive and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, assists people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive function. It helps them identify and express their feelings and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the lessons more enjoyable. The training in mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and improves the ability of a person's ability to concentrate and regulate emotions. It improves the ability of a person's ability to handle stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other difficult feelings that could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting their work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and may lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you build confidence in yourself and address the root of the issue. It will also help you develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps them change their negative attitudes and behaviors. It focuses on teaching time management techniques and overcoming thinking distortions which can cause negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of choices.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and monitor its response to medication before proceeding to treatment of the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can teach you ways to organize your life and work, set up routines that are predictable, manage time and money and build a positive self-image. It can help you master relaxation methods that may reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other workouts can help you improve focus by ensuring your body is stable in various poses.
Marriage and family counseling can help address the issues that adults with ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and other family members. They often complain of being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive decisions. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you build healthier relationships. Additionally it can help you and your loved ones to understand that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD rather than the lack of compassion or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is highly common. It is often associated with comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are a range of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in trials. These studies have revealed the advantages and drawbacks of the medication.
Adults who suffer from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, but it isn't always easy to identify them since childhood symptoms may not persist throughout adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their family or they may not remember having symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by medical conditions such as thyroid issues or sleep apnea. It could also be due to vision and hearing problems or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medications to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 - 80 percent range. The most popular stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also available as a transdermal solution, which permits continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic, and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from 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 a second antidepressant which has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic cellular transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. The drug is known to improve mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, but it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.