ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a prevalent disorder of the nervous system that affects 44 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and 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 medications.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medication. Because of the different ways that people respond to medication, it is crucial for people with ADHD to find a combination that works best.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. These stimulants are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Some adults can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medicine taken once a day to decrease the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Antidepressants like desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of medications can be employed together with stimulants or alone to enhance their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also utilized to treat people suffering from ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can improve focus, and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in certain adults. However, these drugs can cause a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped or reduced in dosage.
Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with their feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors, teachers and family members who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Additionally counseling for families and marriages can help couples with ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to teach strategies and skills that help improve performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help individuals who suffer from ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the sense of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy assists people to change negative thoughts and feelings that cause difficulties in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. adhd in adults symptoms and treatment -term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating various illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies or alone.
CBT can include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD as it allows them to connect with others who are facing similar issues and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or via phone. One study compared the effects of CBT against traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments in adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes that range from moderate to large. These improvements were attributed to various modalities such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is advised in comparing the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is possible that the different outcomes of the treatments depend on a variety of factors such as treatment characteristics, measures used, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain that there is too much or little activity, and instructing the person to manage 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 contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy approaches that can help improve the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and develop meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to change negative behavior and assist in reducing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors which can lead to issues at school or work.
In some instances psychotherapy can be utilized as an adjunct to the medication used for adhd treatment for adults. Patients with comorbid disorders such as bipolar disorder and substance abuse should be evaluated with care to ensure they do not have symptoms that cannot be improved by the medication used to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and seizures in the past, must be treated more aggressively as they are at a higher risk of developing complications from the medication.
Intensive outpatient programs might be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer more intensive and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of cognitive therapy, aids adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive function. It teaches them to recognize and express emotions, and it uses worksheets and activities to make the learning interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation improves CBT and improves the ability of a person to focus and regulate emotions. It also increases a person's ability to handle stress and arousal. It helps them deal with sadness, anger and other emotional issues that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. In addition to affecting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and may lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help increase self-esteem, address the root of your issue and develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps you modify your negative thoughts and behaviors. It focuses on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can cause negative moods, and the perception of limited choices.
Many adults with ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric conditions can cause or decrease the effectiveness of certain treatments for ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and then monitor the response to treatment prior to beginning treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your life and work, establish predictable routines that help you manage your money and time and create confidence in yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that may reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also help you focus by stabilizing your body in different poses.
Marriage and family counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to overcome the problems they cause their spouses, kids and other family members. They often complain about being erratic and unorganized. They often forget things or make decisions impulsively. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you build healthier relationships. It can aid you and your family members realize that the problem is due to ADHD and not an inability to care or a refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder which is extremely frequent. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a variety of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and limitations of the drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may experience the same symptoms as children have, but it's difficult to identify because childhood symptoms might not last into adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their families or they may not remember experiencing symptoms. It is crucial to take an extensive medical history to determine whether the symptoms are caused by an illness like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing and vision issues.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. The stimulants have the highest response rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their response rates range between 70 and 80percent. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate may also be administered through a transdermal system. This allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the daytime.
Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, was shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its availability in the brain. The drug is known to improve the mood of adults and decrease hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.