ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity (depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people who suffer from ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning when they take medication. Because of the different ways that people respond to medication, it is essential for those with ADHD to find a combination that is most effective.
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. 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 can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication taken once a day to decrease the need for frequent dosing 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 medications can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants, or on their own to boost their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming affect and may improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in some adults. These medications can result in extremely low blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is decreased.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help them deal with their feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD, as well as anger toward supervisors, colleagues, teachers and family members who might nag or criticize them. Additionally counseling for families and marriages can help couples with ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to impart strategies and skills that help improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also aid those with ADHD overcome low self-esteem and sense of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives and to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating many illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used by itself or in combination with other treatments.
CBT can include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD as it allows them to connect with others who have similar struggles and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or via the phone. One study compared the effects of CBT with that of traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments led to improvement in self-report measures of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments in adults suffering from ADHD. adhd treatment adults iampsychiatry of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms with effects ranging from medium to large. These improvements were associated with diverse modalities like cognitive and interpersonal therapy and social skills training. problem solving training, as well as mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that the different outcomes of the treatments are due to a variety of variables such as treatment characteristics, measures employed as well as the backgrounds of the patients. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while doing cognitive tasks to pinpoint brain areas in which there is a lack or excess of activity. The individual then learns to control 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 be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy methods which can improve the ability of a person to manage conflicts and create meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control impulsive, self-destructive, and negative behavior that can cause difficulties at school or at work.
In some cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medications for adults with adhd treatment. Patients with multiple disorders like depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, need to be treated more aggressively.
Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended when the person's ADHD is such that it interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide more intense and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD enhance their ability to manage their time and impulse control, planning, and executive function. It helps them understand and express emotions and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to concentrate and regulate emotions. It increases the capacity of a person to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with sadness, anger, and other emotional issues that could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you to improve your self-esteem and solve the underlying issues. It can also help you develop healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative thoughts and behaviors. It concentrates on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions which contribute to negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few possibilities.
Many adults with ADHD also have comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its response to the medication prior to treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your life and work, establish predictable routines to manage your time and money, and develop an optimistic image of yourself. It can help you learn ways to relax that could reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. In the same way yoga and other forms of exercise can help you improve your focus by ensuring your body is stable in different postures.
Counseling for families and marriage can assist adults suffering from ADHD to solve the problems they cause their spouses, kids and other family members. They often complain of being unreliable and disorganized. They often forget things or make decisions impulsively. You can strengthen your relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. Moreover, it can aid you and your loved ones to understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD instead of the lack of compassion or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is very prevalent. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults with ADHD and a few of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and drawbacks of the various medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, but it isn't always easy to recognize them since childhood symptoms may not persist throughout adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder, or may not be aware of symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the symptoms are due to a medical condition such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea. It could also be due to hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Medications for adults with ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medication for treating adults with ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 - 80 percent range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery during the daytime.
Adults with ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication 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 effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportation system, thus 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.