ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. doctors who treat adhd in adults as methylphenidate and amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed medications.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD notice significant improvement in their symptoms and performance due to medication. Due to the various ways that people respond to medication, it is essential for those with ADHD to determine a mix that is most effective.
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medicine with an extended release long-acting medication once a week to reduce the requirement to take it regularly throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of medications can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants, or on their own to boost their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, have an calming effect and are able to enhance focus and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults. These medications can cause extremely low blood pressure if they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced.
Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help them deal with their feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD and anger towards supervisors, coworkers, teachers and family members who may nag or criticize them. Marriage and family counseling can be a great option to help couples suffering from ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the feeling of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives. It also helps to learn new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating various illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or on its own.
CBT may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD because it allows them to connect with others who face similar challenges and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or by phone. One study compared the results of CBT with that of standard therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvement in self-report assessments of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared with other psychosocial treatments in adults with ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes ranging from medium to large. These improvements were associated with various modalities, including cognitive and interpersonal therapy and social skills training. problem solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is advised in comparing the efficacy of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is possible that the differences in the outcomes result from a variety of factors, including the treatment features and the methods used. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas of the brain where there is too much or little activity, and teaching the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help address these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy methods that can aid in improving the ability of individuals to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to transform negative behaviors and help manage impulsive and self-destructive behaviors which can lead to issues at work or school.
In certain cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medications for adults with adhd treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders such as bipolar disorder and substance abuse must be assessed carefully to make sure they don't have symptoms that are not improved by the medications used to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and seizures in the past, have to be treated more aggressively because they are more at risk of developing complications from the medications.
Outpatient intensive programs may be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it significantly hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide structured therapy that is more intense than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of cognitive therapy, assists adults suffering from 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 worksheets and activities to make the lessons more interesting. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT, and it improves the ability of a person to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It also increases a person's ability to tolerate stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other emotional issues which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulties functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve the root causes of your issues and develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative beliefs and behavior. It is focused on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods, and the perception of limited possibilities.
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. 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 comorbidity first and observe its response to medication prior to attempting treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work by establishing predictable routines to control your time and money and create a positive image of yourself. It can help you master ways to relax that could reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help adults with ADHD to overcome the problems they cause their children, spouses and other family members. They often complain about being undependable and unorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make impulsive decisions. You can strengthen your relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. Additionally, it can help you and your loved ones understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD instead of an absence of care or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly frequent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity, such as anxiety, depression and addiction disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults with ADHD. Certain of these medications have been tested in studies. These studies have highlighted the strengths and limitations of the various medications.
Adults with ADHD might experience the same symptoms as children have, but it's difficult to identify since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their families or they may not even remember having symptoms. It is crucial to take a thorough medical history to determine if the symptoms are due to an illness like thyroid issues or sleep apnea, and vision problems.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medication for treating adults with ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80 percent range. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also available as a transdermal solution, that allows for continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been proven 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 noticed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, was shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake in the presynaptic cellular transporter which increases its accessibility to the brain. This drug has been shown to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults. However, it is not as effective as stimulants in improving cognitive performance or concentration.