ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known condition of the nervous system that affects 4,4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and addiction to drugs) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD notice significant improvements in symptoms and functioning due to medication. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them.
Stimulants, including methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medication with an extended-release, long-acting medicine every week to lessen the necessity to take it regularly throughout the day.
Antidepressants like desipramine have also been found to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of medications can be used by itself or in conjunction with stimulants to enhance their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as alprazolam and clonidine can also be utilized to treat people suffering from ADHD. These medications, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, can have the ability to calm and improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure if they suddenly stop, or the dosage is decreased.
Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD and resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, family members and others who may nag or criticize them. Additionally counseling for marriage and families can help couples with ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can help individuals with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the feeling of inadequacy they feel frequently.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as acting. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating many conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies or by itself.
CBT can include group therapy, which can be particularly beneficial for people with ADHD because it gives the chance to connect with others who have similar struggles and to learn from others how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided in person or over the phone. One study examined the effects of CBT in comparison to traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
A number of studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were associated with a variety modalities including cognitive and interpersonal therapy, social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is advised in comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is likely that differences in outcome results are due to a variety of variables, including treatment characteristics, measures used as well as the backgrounds of the patients. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a technique that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain that there is too much or little activity - and then instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can address these problems that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy methods that can help improve a person’s ability to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change negative behavior and assist in managing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors which can lead to issues at school or at work.
In certain situations psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medication for adults with adhd treatment. People with comorbid conditions like bipolar disorder and substance abuse should be evaluated with care to make sure they don't have symptoms that are not ameliorated by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and an history of seizures have to be treated more aggressively as they are at a higher risk for complications from the medications.
In-depth outpatient programs could be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide structured therapy that is more intense than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, aids adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive functioning. It helps them understand and express their feelings. It employs worksheets and exercises to make the learning more engaging. The practice of mindfulness meditation improves CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to concentrate and manage emotions. It also improves a person's ability to handle anxiety and stress. It can help them deal with sadness, anger and other emotional issues that may be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. In addition to affecting their work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and may lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help increase self-esteem, address the root causes of your issues and develop healthy coping strategies.
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 is focused on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can lead to negative moods and the perception of limited options.
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or diminish the effectiveness of certain treatments for ADHD. It is recommended to first treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor the reaction to the medication prior treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can teach you methods to organize your life and your work, set up regular routines, manage your money and time and develop a positive self-image. It can help you learn ways to relax that could reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can also aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body during various poses.
Marriage and family counseling can help address the issues that adults with ADHD frequently cause their children, spouses, and their families. They frequently complain that they are unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and prone to making impulsive decisions. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you establish healthier relationships. Furthermore it can help you and your loved ones to understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD instead of a lack of caring or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is highly frequent. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are a range of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been tested in trials. More suggestions have exposed the strengths and drawbacks of the various medications.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may experience the same symptoms that children have, but it's difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of childhood may not persist in adulthood. Adults with ADHD might not have an ancestral history of the disorder, or may not remember symptoms. It is important to have a thorough medical history to determine if the symptoms are due to an illness, such as thyroid problems such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision problems.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medications for adults suffering from ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 - 80 percentage range. The most frequently used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate can also be found as a transdermal solution, that allows for continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose drug and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, has been shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been proven to improve mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity, but it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.