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ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, substance abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed medications.
Medications
Many people with ADHD notice significant improvements in symptoms and performance due to medication. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD discover the right combination of medications that works for them.
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Some adults can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug used once per day to reduce the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used in conjunction with stimulants, or in isolation to boost their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam as well as clonidine are used for the treatment of adults with ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, possess an calming effect and are able to enhance focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can cause very low blood pressure if they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is reduced.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD and anger towards supervisors, coworkers, teachers and family members who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Counseling for families and marriage is also a great way to help couples with ADHD better understand each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to help people learn skills and strategies that improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the feeling of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that create difficulties in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating a variety of disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
CBT can include group therapy, which can be especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD, as it provides the chance to connect with others who are facing similar issues and discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments in adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies demonstrate significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes between medium and large. These improvements were associated with diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is advised in comparing the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is possible that the variations in the outcomes reflect a number of variables, including the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used as well as the backgrounds of the patients. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain where there is too much or little activity - and then instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can address these problems that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques that can help improve the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and build meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to transform negative behaviors and assist in reducing self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can cause problems at school or work.
In some cases, psychotherapy can be used in combination with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. Patients with co-occurring disorders like substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure their symptoms aren't made worse by medications used to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, have to be treated more aggressively as they are at higher risk of complications from medication.
If ADHD is serious enough to affect the quality of life and daily functioning, intensive outpatient programs may be recommended. These programs offer more intense and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage time and impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them recognize and express emotions, and it uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT and improves a person's ability to focus and manage their emotions. It improves the ability of a person to tolerate the effects of stress and arousal. It can help them cope with sadness, anger, and other emotions that could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often have difficulties functioning at home and at work. 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 resolve underlying problems. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative beliefs and behaviors. It is focused on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can cause negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of options.
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. These psychiatric conditions can cause or reduce the effectiveness of certain treatments for ADHD. It is therefore recommended that you first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor the reaction to the medication prior treating the other disorder.
effects of untreated adhd in adults can help you manage your work and life, establish predictable routines to manage your money and time and build confidence in yourself. It can help you learn relaxation methods that may reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. In the same way, yoga and other exercise can help you focus better by stabilizing the body in different poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help adults with ADHD to resolve the issues they create for their children, spouses and other family members. They often complain of being erratic and unorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make impulsive choices. You can strengthen relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can aid you and your family members understand that the problem is caused by ADHD, rather than an inability to care or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder which is highly frequent. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. The use of medication and psychosocial interventions is available as treatments. There are a range of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and drawbacks of the medications.
Adults with ADHD may experience the same symptoms that children have, but it's difficult to determine because childhood symptoms might not last into adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their families or they may not even remember experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are due to medical conditions such as thyroid issues or sleep apnea, vision and hearing problems or lead poisoning.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medications for adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are in the 70%-80% range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also accessible as a transdermal solution, which allows for a continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants which work on norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has shown to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is noticed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant that has been shown to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter which increases its accessibility to the brain. This drug has been proven to boost mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, but it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.