ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common condition of the nervous system that affects 4,4% of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medications are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medications
Many people who suffer from ADHD have seen significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. It is crucial that people with ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them.
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly prescribed medications for adults with ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form, and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication that is taken daily to reduce the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to enhance their effects. They may also increase the danger of serious side consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications, originally designed to treat high blood pressure, possess an calming effect and are able to enhance focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. However, these drugs can cause a very low blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD, as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, and family members who might nag or criticize them. In addition counseling for marriage and families can help couples suffering from ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to teach strategies and techniques that enhance functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can also help people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feeling of failure that often accompanies this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that cause difficulties in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been shown to be effective in treating various conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or alone.
CBT may also include group therapy. adhd treatment for adults medication is especially beneficial for people with ADHD as it allows them to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided in person or via the phone. One study examined the effects of CBT against traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments led to 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 with ADHD and all have shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were attributed to a variety of modalities that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is required when comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that the differences in outcome results reflect a number of variables such as 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. This technique involves wearing a hat with electrodes while doing cognitive tasks to determine brain regions where there is excessive or inadequate activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy approaches which can improve the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and develop lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that could create problems at work or school.
In certain situations, psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications for adults with adhd treatment. People with multiple disorders like substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder should be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history or seizures, need to 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 offer structured therapy that is more intense than conventional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD enhance their ability to manage time management, impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express their feelings. It uses worksheets and activities to make the learning more interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to concentrate and manage emotions. It also improves a person's ability to tolerate anxiety and stress. It helps them deal with sadness, anger, and other emotions which 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 conditions can cause problems with relationships and can lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you boost your self-esteem, solve the root causes of your issues and develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps you modify your negative thoughts and behaviors. In particular, it is focused on teaching you how to utilize time management strategies and overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and the perception of a limited selection.
Many adults with ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and then monitor the effect of medication prior to beginning treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you learn how to manage your life and your work, set up regular routines, manage your time and money and build a positive self-image. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that may reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Additionally yoga and other exercises can help you improve your focus by ensuring your body is stable in different postures.
Counseling for families and marriage can address the problems that adults suffering from ADHD frequently cause their spouses, children and others. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make impulsive choices. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you establish better relationships. Furthermore it can aid you and your loved ones understand that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD rather than to the lack of compassion or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder which is very prevalent. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are adhd in adults untreated of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and drawbacks of the drugs.
Adults with ADHD may experience the same symptoms that children do, but it can be difficult to identify because the symptoms of childhood may not last into adulthood. Adults with ADHD may also not have an ancestral history of the disorder, or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by an illness such as a thyroid problem, sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medications for adults suffering from ADHD and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80% range. The most commonly used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also available in a transdermal system, that allows for continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants which work on norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. 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 another antidepressant, has been shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its presence in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults. However, it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving cognitive performance or concentration.