ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common disorder of the nervous system that affects 44% of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD experience significant improvements in symptoms and functioning as a result of medication. Due to the many different ways that people respond to medication, it is crucial for people with ADHD to determine a mix that is effective.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are available in tablets or liquids 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 medication that is taken daily to decrease the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used by itself or in conjunction with stimulants to increase their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious side effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also used for the treatment of people suffering from ADHD. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming affect and may improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in some adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure when they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced.
Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help those with ADHD deal with feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment against coworkers, teachers, supervisors, and family members that may criticize or nag them. Marriage and family counseling is also a great way to help couples suffering from ADHD to better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD aims to improve daily functioning by teaching strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also assist people with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feeling of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives. It also helps to learn new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as acting. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating many illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT may involve group therapy, which can be especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD as it offers the opportunity to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn from others how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or by phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were associated with diverse approaches, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the efficacy of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is likely that differences in outcome results reflect a number of variables such as the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used and the background of the patient. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks to identify brain areas where there is excessive or insufficient activity. The individual then learns to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include the use of interpersonal therapy to improve the ability of a person to form meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to alter negative behaviors and help manage impulsive and self-destructive behaviors that can cause problems at school or work.
In some instances psychotherapy can be used as an adjunct to medications for adult adhd in adults treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to make sure they don't suffer from symptoms that aren't ameliorated by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and an history of seizures have to be treated with more vigor because they are at higher risk of developing complications from the medications.
When ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with everyday functioning and quality of life, intensive outpatient programs may be suggested. These programs provide more thorough and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD enhance their ability to manage time management and impulse control, as well as organizing, and executive function. It teaches them to recognize and express emotions, and it uses exercises and worksheets to make the lessons interesting. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT and enhances the ability of a person to concentrate and manage their emotions. It also improves a person's capacity to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other difficult feelings which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help boost your self-esteem, solve the root causes of your issues and develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, as it helps them to alter their negative attitudes and behaviours. Particularly, it concentrates on teaching you to employ strategies to manage your time and eliminate the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and the perception of limited choices.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and monitor its response to medication prior to attempting treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you learn ways to organize your life and your work, create routines that are predictable, manage time and money, and create confidence in yourself. It can help you learn ways to relax that could reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly yoga and other exercises can help you focus better by ensuring your body is stable in different poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help adults with ADHD to resolve the issues they cause their children, spouses and other family members. They frequently complain of being unreliable and disorganized. They also tend to forget things or make impulsive choices. You can build stronger relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. Additionally it can aid you and your loved ones realize that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD instead of the lack of compassion or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety and addiction disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults suffering from ADHD and a few of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have highlighted both the advantages and drawbacks of the drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD might experience the same symptoms that children do, but it is difficult to identify since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their family or they may not even remember having symptoms. It is crucial to take an extensive medical history in order to determine if the symptoms are due to a medical condition, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea or hearing and vision problems.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants have the highest reaction rates for adults with ADHD. adult adhd diagnostic assessment and treatment vary from 70% to 80%. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also available in a transdermal system which permits continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a medication with a low dose that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, was shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake in the presynaptic cellular transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been proven to improve mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, but it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive functions as stimulants.