ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is associated with high rates of comorbidity, including anxiety, depression and substance abuse as well as significant social, emotional and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed drugs.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD have seen significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning when they take medication. Due to the many different ways people respond to medications it is important for individuals with ADHD to discover a combination that is effective.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medication with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least once a week to reduce the need to take it often throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can be treated successfully with antidepressants like desipramine. adhd treatment for older adults of medications can be used by itself or in combination with stimulants to increase their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also used for the treatment of adults with 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. These medications can lead to extremely low blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is decreased.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy helps them overcome feelings of embarrassment, shame, and resentment against coworkers, supervisors, teachers, and family members that might criticize or nag them. Additionally, marriage and family counseling can help couples suffering from ADHD to understand each other's issues and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can help those who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the feeling of inadequacy they feel frequently.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, assists people to change negative thoughts and emotions that are causing difficulties in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating various illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other treatments.
CBT can include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for adults with ADHD as it allows them to meet others who have similar struggles and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or by phone. One study compared the results of CBT against conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were associated with diverse approaches, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving exercises, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is required in comparing the efficacy of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that differences in the outcomes result from a variety of factors, such as treatment features and the methods used. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing a hat with electrodes while performing cognitive tasks in order 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 have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues, which could be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy methods that can aid in improving a person’s ability to manage conflicts and create meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that can cause difficulties at school or at work.
In some cases, psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications for adults with adhd treatment. People who have comorbid conditions like bipolar disorder, and substance abuse should be evaluated with care to make sure they don't have symptoms that cannot be ameliorated by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and an history of seizures must be treated more aggressively as 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 might be suggested. These programs offer a more intensive and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, aids people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive functioning. It helps them identify and express their feelings and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the lessons more interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation improves CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and manage emotions. It improves the ability of a person to tolerate anxiety and stress. 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 report difficulties functioning at work and at home. These symptoms can also affect relationships and cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you build confidence in yourself and address the root of the issue. It will also help you develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative beliefs and behavior. Particularly, it is focused on teaching you how to use strategies to manage your time and eliminate mental distortions that lead to negative moods and a perception of a limited selection.
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric conditions can cause or reduce the effectiveness of some drugs used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbidity first and then monitor its response to medication prior to attempting treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you learn how to manage your life and your work, set up routines that are predictable, manage time and money, and create a positive self-image. It can also help you learn ways to relax that could reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can also help you focus by stabilizing your body in various postures.
Family and marriage counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to solve the problems they cause their children, spouses and others. They frequently complain that they are unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you establish healthier relationships. Additionally it can aid you and your loved ones realize that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD rather than to an absence of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is extremely common. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatments. A wide range of medications are available for adults with ADHD and a few of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have highlighted both the advantages and drawbacks of the medications.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, but it isn't always easy to diagnose them because childhood symptoms might not last throughout adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of having symptoms. It is important to have a thorough medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are caused by a medical condition, like thyroid issues or sleep apnea, and vision issues.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants have the highest response rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness vary from 70% to 80percent. The most frequently used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also available in a transdermal system that allows for continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been shown to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant which has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer which increases its accessibility to the brain. This drug is known to boost mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity, however it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.