ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is associated by high rates of comorbidity, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse as well as significant social, emotional and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medications are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning due to medications. Because of the different ways that people respond to medication, it is essential for those with ADHD to find a combination that works best.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate. These stimulants are available as tablets or liquids 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 lessen 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 medications can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to boost their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, have the ability to calm and enhance focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. However, these medications can result in a drop in blood pressure if they are suddenly removed or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD, as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors, teachers and family members who may nag or criticize them. Marriage and family counseling is a great method to help couples with ADHD to better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD aims to improve daily functioning by teaching strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also help people with ADHD overcome low self-esteem and sense of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, helps people change their negative thoughts and emotions that cause problems in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating many illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or alone.
CBT could include group therapy, which is especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD as it offers the chance to connect with others with similar challenges and to learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or via the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
Several studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD and all have shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were associated with diverse approaches such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving training and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is advised when comparing the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is likely that differences in the results of treatment result from a variety of factors, including the treatment characteristics and measures employed. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This method involves wearing a hat with electrodes while doing cognitive tasks to identify brain areas where there is excessive or inadequate activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help to address these issues, which may be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy approaches that can aid in improving a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and develop lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that can cause problems at school or work.
In some instances, psychotherapy is used as an alternative to medications for adult adhd in adults treatment. People who have comorbid conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to ensure they do not have symptoms that cannot be improved by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and seizures in the past, must be treated with more vigor because they are at a higher risk for complications from the medication.
If treat adhd without medication adults is severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and quality-of-life intensive outpatient programs might be suggested. These programs provide more intensive 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, as well as executive function, and planning. It helps them recognize and express their feelings. It utilizes worksheets and activities to make the lessons more interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and regulate emotions. It also improves a person's capacity to manage stress and arousal. It can help them cope with sadness, anger and other emotional issues that could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. In addition to affecting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and could cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you build confidence in yourself and solve the underlying issues. It can also help you develop healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps you change your negative beliefs and behaviors. It is focused on teaching time management techniques and overcoming thinking distortions that can lead to negative moods and the perception that there are only a few choices.
Many people suffering from ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended that you 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, establish regular routines, manage your money and time and develop an optimistic self-image. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that may reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Additionally yoga and other exercises can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing the body in various poses.
Marriage and family counseling can address the problems that people with ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and other family members. They often complain of being erratic and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make impulsive decisions. You can strengthen your relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. Additionally, it can help you and your loved ones understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than a lack of caring or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is highly frequent. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. alternative adhd treatment for adults of medications are available for adults with ADHD and a few of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and limitations of the medications.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, but it can be difficult to diagnose them because childhood symptoms might not last until adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD may not have an ancestral history of the disorder or may not be aware of symptoms. It is essential to take a thorough medical history in order to determine if the symptoms are caused by an illness, like thyroid issues such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision problems.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants have the highest response rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their responsiveness rates range between 70 and 80percent. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also accessible in a transdermal system which permits continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL another antidepressant, was shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been found to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults, but it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving concentration or cognitive function.