ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and substance abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.
Medications
Many adults suffering from ADHD have significant improvements in symptoms and functioning due to medication. It is essential that those with ADHD find the combination of medications that is effective for them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. These stimulants are available as tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Some adults can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication used once per day to reduce the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been found to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of medications can be used by itself or in conjunction with stimulants to enhance their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious side consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming affect and can improve focus, and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in some adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure when they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is decreased.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help people to overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment toward coworkers, teachers, supervisors and family members who might criticize or nag them. Family and marriage counseling is a great method to help couples with ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to impart strategies and techniques that enhance performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help people with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the feeling of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives and to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating various illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or on its own.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. untreated adhd in adults uk is particularly beneficial for adults with ADHD as it allows them to connect with others who are facing similar issues and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or via phone. One study compared the effects of CBT against conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvements in self-report measures of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
Several studies have compared 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 linked to various modalities that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the efficacy of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is likely that different outcomes of the treatments depend on a variety of factors, including treatment characteristics, measures used and the background of the patient. There are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing a hat with electrodes while doing cognitive tasks to determine brain regions where there is a lack or excess of 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 problems, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include the use of interpersonal therapy to improve the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to alter negative behaviors and assist in reducing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors that can lead to problems at work or school.
In certain situations, psychotherapy can be used in combination with medication for adults adhd treatment. People with multiple disorders like substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder must be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened through the use of medications to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and an history of seizures need to be treated with more vigor because they are at higher risk of developing complications from the medications.
Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide more intense and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of cognitive therapy, assists adults suffering from ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive function. It helps them understand and express their emotions, and it uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and improves the ability of a person's ability to concentrate and manage emotions. It also improves a person's capacity to manage stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other emotions that could be causing their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. These symptoms can also affect relationships and lead to financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you improve your self-esteem and resolve underlying problems. It can also assist you in developing healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is focused on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can cause negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few options.
Many adults with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or even increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its reaction to the medication prior treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work, establish predictable routines to manage your time and money, and develop confidence in yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation methods that may reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also help you focus by stabilizing your body during various poses.
Family and marriage counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to overcome the problems they create for their children, spouses and other family members. They frequently complain of being undependable and unorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make impulsive choices. You can strengthen relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. Furthermore it can help you and your loved ones realize that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD instead of a lack of caring or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by other disorders that are comorbid, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults suffering from ADHD and some of them have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and drawbacks of the drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, however it isn't always easy to diagnose them because the symptoms of childhood may not persist throughout adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also not have any family history of the disorder, or may not be aware of symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by a medical condition such as thyroid issues, sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants have the highest response rates for adults with ADHD. Their response rates range from 70 to 80percent. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery during the day.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every 7 days 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 that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. The drug is known to improve the mood of adults and reduce hyperactivity however, it's not as effective at improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.