ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medication. It is important that people with ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamines. 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 may supplement an immediate-release medication with an extended-release, long-acting medicine once a week to reduce the necessity to take it often throughout the day.
Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of medications can be used by itself or in combination with stimulants to enhance their effects. However, how to get treated for adhd in adults could 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 with alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, have the ability to calm and enhance focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can cause extremely low blood pressure if they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD, as well as anger toward supervisors, colleagues teachers, and family members who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Additionally counseling for families and marriages can help couples suffering from ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to teach strategies and techniques that enhance function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also help people who suffer from ADHD overcome low self-esteem and feeling of inadequacy that can be a result of 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 and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective for a variety of disorders including anxiety and depression. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it allows them to connect with others who face similar challenges and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or via the phone. One study compared the effects of CBT in comparison to traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments led to improvements 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 sizes. These improvements were attributed to various modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy and social skills training. problem solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
It is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is likely that differences in the outcomes are due to a range of factors, including the treatment characteristics and the measures employed. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain where there is too much or too little activity, and teaching the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which may be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include interpersonal therapy to improve the ability of a person to form meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to transform negative behaviors and assist in managing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors that can cause problems at work or school.
In certain cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medications for adults with adhd treatment. People with multiple disorders like addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, should be treated with more vigor.
If ADHD is severe enough to interfere with the quality of life and daily functioning, intensive outpatient programs may be recommended. These programs provide an organized treatment that is more intensive than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD enhance their ability to manage time, impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express emotions, and it uses exercises and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and improves a person's ability to focus and regulate their emotions. It improves the ability of a person's ability to handle anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness and other emotions that may 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 cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you boost your self-esteem, solve underlying problems and develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative beliefs and behaviors. It concentrates on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that contribute to negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few options.
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid anxiety or depression. 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 its response to medication prior to beginning treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work, establish predictable routines that help you manage your money and time, and develop a positive image of yourself. It can also help you learn techniques for relaxation that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can help you improve concentration by ensuring your body is stable in different poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can address the problems that people with ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and other family members. They often complain about being undependable and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make impulsive choices. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you develop healthier relationships. Furthermore, it can aid you and your loved ones realize that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD instead of an absence of care or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is highly common. It is often associated with comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. The use of medication and psychosocial interventions is available as treatment options. A wide range of medications are available for adults suffering from ADHD, and some of them have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the advantages and drawbacks of the medications.
Adults who suffer from ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, but it can be difficult to identify them since childhood symptoms might not last into adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their family or they may not even remember experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to help determine whether the symptoms are due to a medical condition like thyroid problems or sleep apnea, vision and hearing problems or lead poisoning.
Adult medications for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants have the highest response rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness vary between 70 and 80percent. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system which permits continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective in adult patients with ADHD. It is a medication with a low dose that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, has been proven to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and is able to block the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic transporter, thereby increasing its availability in the brain. This drug has been proven to improve mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, however it's not as effective in improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.