ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common disorder of the nervous system that affects around 4,4% of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and substance abuse as well as significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed drugs.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms and performance as a result of medication. It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD find the combination of medication that works for them.
Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication used once per day to decrease the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD are also treated effectively with antidepressants, like desipramine. This class of drugs can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants or in isolation to boost their effects. However, they 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 using alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in some adults. However, these medications could result in a drop in blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped or reduced in dosage.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD and resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, family members and others who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Counseling for families and marriage is also a great way to help couples with ADHD to better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD aims to improve daily functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. 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) is also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, assists people in changing their negative thoughts and feelings that are causing problems in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating various illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT can include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD because 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 over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report 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 size. These improvements were linked to a variety modalities including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy and social skills training. problem solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is warranted when comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that the differences in the results of treatment are due to a variety of factors, such as treatment characteristics and measures employed. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain that there is too much or too little activity. Then, instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy methods that can aid in improving the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and develop meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage self-destructive, impulsive and negative behavior that can create difficulties at school or at work.
In certain cases, psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. Patients suffering from comorbid disorders such as addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history or seizures, need to be treated more aggressively.
When ADHD is severe enough to interfere with everyday functioning and quality of life, intensive outpatient programs may be suggested. These programs provide an organized treatment 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, impulse control, planning and executive functioning. It helps them understand and express their emotions and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the lessons more engaging. The practice of mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and enhances the capacity of a person's ability to concentrate and manage emotions. It also enhances an individual's ability to tolerate anxiety and stress. It can help them deal with anger, sadness and other emotional issues 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 work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and could result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve the root of your issue and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative thoughts and behaviors. Particularly, it is focused on teaching you how to utilize time management strategies and overcome thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and the perception of a limited selection.
Many people with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can exacerbate or decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended to treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its reaction to the medication prior treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you learn how to manage your life and work, establish predictable routines, manage money and time and develop confidence in yourself. It can help you master techniques for relaxation that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similarly, yoga and other exercise can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing the body in various poses.
Marriage and family counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to overcome the problems they create for their spouses, kids and other family members. They frequently complain of being unstable, unorganized, forgetful and susceptible to making decisions based on impulsivity. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you build healthier relationships. It can also help you and your family members realize that the problems are due to ADHD instead of a lack in caring or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. A wide range of medications are available for adults suffering from ADHD and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and limitations of the drugs.
doctors that treat adhd in adults who suffer from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, however it isn't always easy to identify them since childhood symptoms may not persist throughout adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of having symptoms. long-term effects of untreated adhd in adults is necessary to determine if the symptoms are due to an illness such as thyroid issues or sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. The stimulants have the highest response rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness range between 70 and 80%. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system, which permits continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are mostly 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 medication with a low dose that is recommended to be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, has been proven to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its availability in the brain. The drug is known to improve mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity but it's not as effective at improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.