ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is accompanied with a high rate of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse as well as significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. It is crucial that people who suffer from ADHD find the combination of medication that works for them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medication with an extended-release, long-acting medicine every week to lessen the need to take it regularly throughout the day.
evidence based treatment for adhd in adults and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used on its own or in combination with stimulants to increase their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These medications, originally designed to treat high blood pressure, can have the ability to calm and improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is decreased.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD and resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, and family members who may nag or criticize them. In addition, marriage and family counseling can help couples with ADHD to understand each other's issues and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to help people learn strategies and techniques that enhance function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also assist people who suffer from ADHD overcome low self-esteem and feelings of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives. It also helps to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or on its own.
CBT could include group therapy, which can be particularly beneficial for people with ADHD as it offers the opportunity to interact with other people who are facing similar issues and learn from others how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or via phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
Several 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 sizes. evidence based treatment for adhd in adults were attributed to diverse approaches, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
It is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment options for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that differences in outcome results depend on a variety of factors, including the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This method involves wearing a hat with electrodes while doing cognitive tasks to pinpoint brain areas in which there is excessive or inadequate activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can address these problems that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches which can improve the ability of a person to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive and negative behaviors that can create difficulties at school or at work.
In some cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. Patients with comorbid disorders such as substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder must be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened by the medications used to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and an history of seizures need to be treated more aggressively because they are more at risk of developing complications from the medication.
evidence based treatment for adhd in adults may be suggested if the individual's ADHD is such that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide an organized therapy that is more intense than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD improve their ability to manage their time and impulse control, as well as planning, and executive function. It helps them understand and express feelings and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the learning interesting. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and enhances the ability of a person to concentrate and manage their emotions. It also improves a person's ability to tolerate anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness and other emotional issues that may be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to impacting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and could lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you to improve your self-esteem and resolve underlying problems. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and helps them to alter their negative attitudes and behavior. In particular, it focuses on teaching you to employ strategies to manage your time and eliminate the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and a perception of a limited selection.
Many adults with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended that you first treat the most severe comorbidity and then observe its response to the medication prior to treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn methods to organize your life and work, set up regular routines, manage your time and money, and create confidence in yourself. It can help you learn relaxation methods that may reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Additionally yoga and other exercises can help you improve your focus by stabilizing your body in different poses.
Family and marriage counseling can help address the issues that adults with ADHD frequently 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 choices. You can strengthen relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. Additionally it can aid you and your loved ones realize that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than a lack of caring or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder which is very prevalent. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety and addiction disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. A wide range of medications are available to adults suffering from ADHD and a few of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have highlighted the strengths and drawbacks of the various medications.
Adults with ADHD may experience the same symptoms as children do, but it is difficult to identify because childhood symptoms might not persist in adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD may also not have any family background of the disorder or may not be aware of symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the symptoms are caused by an illness such as a thyroid problem, sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants have the highest response rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their response rates vary from 70 to 80percent. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery during the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose drug and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is another antidepressant which has been proven to be effective in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its availability in the brain. This drug is known to improve mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.