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 rates of co-morbidity (depression, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medications are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed medications.
treatment for inattentive adhd in adults with ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medications. Because of the different ways people respond to medications it is important for individuals with ADHD to discover a combination that works best.
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed medications for adults with ADHD. These stimulants are available as tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Adults can augment an immediate-release medicine with an extended release, long-acting medicine every week to decrease the requirement to take it frequently throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD are also treated effectively with antidepressants, such as desipramine. This class of medications can be used alone or in combination with stimulants to boost their effects. They can also increase the danger of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also utilized to treat people suffering from ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, possess the ability to calm and improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can cause very low blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is reduced.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help people overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment toward coworkers, supervisors, teachers and family members who may criticize or nag them. In addition, marriage and family counseling can help couples with ADHD to understand each other's issues and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to help people learn skills and strategies that improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also help people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feeling of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that create difficulties in their lives and to discover new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating various disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other treatments.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD as it allows them to connect with others who face similar challenges and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or via the phone. One study examined the effects of CBT in comparison to standard therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvement in self-report assessments of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD and all have shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were associated with diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness mediation.
It is essential to assess the effectiveness of various treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that differences in outcome results depend on a variety of factors, including treatment characteristics, measures employed as well as the backgrounds of the patients. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to determine areas of the brain where there is too much or too little activity. Then, instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. adhd symptoms and treatment in adults can help to address these issues, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches that can aid in improving the ability of a person to manage conflicts and create meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control impulsive, self-destructive, and negative behaviors that could create problems at work or school.
In some instances, psychotherapy is used as an adjunct to medications for adult ADHD treatment for adults. Patients with co-occurring disorders like substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder need to be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened by medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, must be treated with more vigor.
If ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with daily functioning and quality-of-life, intensive outpatient programs may be recommended. These programs offer an organized treatment that is more intense than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of cognitive therapy, helps people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning and executive functioning. It helps them understand and express their emotions and uses activities and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and improves the ability of a person to focus and regulate emotions. It improves the ability of a person to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It can help them deal with sadness, anger and other emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting their work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and may result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping methods.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches them how to change their negative beliefs and behaviors. In particular, it focuses on teaching you to employ strategies for managing time and overcoming mental distortions that lead to negative moods and the perception of a limited range of choices.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. These psychiatric conditions can cause or decrease the effectiveness of some treatments for ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor the response to treatment prior to attempting treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life, establish predictable routines, control your time and money and build an optimistic image of yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that can reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can help you improve focus by stabilizing your body during various postures.
Family and marriage counseling can help adults with ADHD to resolve the issues they create for their children, spouses and other family members. They frequently complain of being insecure, unorganized, and prone to making impulsive decisions. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you build more harmonious relationships. Furthermore, it can help you and your loved ones understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than to an absence of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder. It is often associated with comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. A wide range of medications are available for adults with ADHD, and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and the limitations of the drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, however it isn't always easy to identify them since the symptoms of childhood may not persist until adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to help determine whether the symptoms are caused by an illness such as thyroid issues or sleep apnea. It could also be due to issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medication to treat adults suffering from ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80 percent range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also accessible in a transdermal system that allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a medication with a low dose that is recommended to 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-agonist which works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transporter, increasing its availability in brain. This drug has been shown to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults. However, it isn't as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.