ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common disorder of the nervous system that affects 44% of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD have significant improvements in symptoms and functioning due to medication. Due to the various ways that people react to medications, it is essential for those with ADHD to discover a combination that is most effective.
Stimulants, including amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed medications for adults with ADHD. These stimulants are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Some adults supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medicine that is taken daily to decrease the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to enhance their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as rapid heartbeat, 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. best treatment for adhd in adults were initially developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can improve focus, and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in some adults. However, these medications can cause a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual talk therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD and anger toward supervisors, colleagues teachers, family members and others who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Marriage and family counseling can be a great option to help couples with ADHD to better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to help people learn strategies and techniques that enhance function in everyday life. 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 and to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has proven to be effective in treating a variety of illnesses including anxiety and depression. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD as it allows them to connect with others who are facing similar issues and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or via phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were attributed to diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy and social skills training. problem solving training, as well as mindfulness mediation.
It is important to compare the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is likely that differences in the outcomes result from a variety of factors, such as treatment features and the methods used. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks to identify brain areas where there is excessive or insufficient activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help to address these problems, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques which can improve the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and build meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change negative behavior and assist in reducing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors which can lead to issues at work or school.
In some cases, psychotherapy is utilized as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd in adults treatment. People with comorbid conditions such as bipolar disorder and substance abuse should be evaluated with care to ensure they do not have symptoms that are not improved by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, should be treated more aggressively.
Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it significantly hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide structured treatment that is more intensive than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their ability to manage their time, impulse control, organizing, and executive function. It helps them recognize and express their emotions and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the lessons more enjoyable. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and improves a person's ability to focus and manage their emotions. It also increases a person's ability to tolerate stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other emotions that may 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 result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you build confidence in yourself and resolve underlying problems. It will also help you develop healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches them how to change their negative beliefs and behaviours. It is focused on teaching you how to employ strategies for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and the perception of a limited range of choices.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. These psychiatric conditions can cause or diminish the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is recommended to first treat the most severe comorbidity and then observe its response to the medication prior to treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life, establish predictable routines, manage your time and money and build a positive image of yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that may reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other workouts can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in various postures.
Family and marriage counseling can help address the issues that people with ADHD often create for their spouses, children and their families. They frequently complain of being unreliable and disorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive choices. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you build healthier relationships. It can also help you and your family members realize that the problems are due to ADHD and not the lack of care or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder which is extremely frequent. It is often accompanied by co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. A wide range of medications are available for adults with ADHD and some of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and the limitations of the medication.
Adults with ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, however it isn't always easy to diagnose them because childhood symptoms may not persist throughout adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their families or may not be aware of having symptoms. It is crucial to take an extensive medical history in order to determine if the symptoms are due to an illness such as thyroid problems or sleep apnea, and vision problems.
Adult medications for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. The stimulants have the highest response rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their responsiveness rates range between 70 and 80%. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also accessible in a transdermal system, which permits continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic and has been shown to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low-dose medication that is recommended to be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen.
Bupropion XL is a second antidepressant which has been proven to be effective in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transportationer and increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been found to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, but it is not as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving cognitive performance or concentration.