ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed medications.
Medicines
Many adults suffering from ADHD notice significant improvements in symptoms and functioning due to medications. Due to the many different ways that people respond to medication, it is essential for those with ADHD to discover a combination that is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants like amphetamines or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug used once per day to lessen the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of medications can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to boost their effects. However, they could 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 using alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, have an calming effect and are able to increase focus and reduce the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among certain adults. However, these medications can cause a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy helps people to overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment against coworkers, teachers, supervisors and family members who may criticize or nag them. Marriage and family counseling can be a great option to help couples suffering from ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to help people learn strategies and techniques that enhance performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also aid those with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feelings of failure that often accompanies this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for a variety of conditions such as anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or alone.
CBT may include group therapy, which is especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD as it offers the opportunity to meet others who have similar struggles and to learn from others how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or by phone. One study compared the effects of CBT in comparison to standard therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report assessments of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
first line treatment for adhd in adults has been compared with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies show significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes ranging from medium to large. These improvements were associated with diverse approaches that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving, and mindfulness meditation.
It is crucial to evaluate the efficacy between different treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is likely that the differences in outcomes results result from a variety of factors, including the treatment characteristics and the measures employed. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a technique that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain where there is too much or little activity, and instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can address these problems that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy methods which can improve a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and build meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control self-destructive, impulsive and negative behaviors that can cause difficulties at school or at work.
In some cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medications for adults with adhd treatment. People who have comorbid conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse must be assessed carefully to make sure they don't have symptoms that are not ameliorated by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. first line treatment for adhd in adults , like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, must be treated with more vigor.
Intensive outpatient programs might be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer more intense and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD enhance their ability to manage their time and impulse control, as well as executive function, and planning. It teaches them to recognize and express their emotions and uses worksheets and activities to make the learning interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and regulate emotions. It also increases a person's ability to handle stress and arousal. It can help them cope with sadness, anger, and other emotions that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. In addition to impacting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and can cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you build confidence in yourself and address the root of the issue. It can also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps you modify your negative beliefs and behaviors. It concentrates on teaching you to utilize strategies to manage your time and eliminate the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and the perception of a limited range of choices.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can cause or diminish the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. It is recommended to treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor the response to the medication before treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you learn ways to organize your life and work, establish regular routines, manage your time and money, and create confidence in yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation methods that may reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also aid in improving your focus by ensuring your body is stable in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can address the issues adults suffering from ADHD often cause their spouses, children and their families. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive decisions. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you establish more harmonious relationships. Furthermore, it can aid you and your loved ones understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than a lack of caring or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a frequent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults with ADHD, and some of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and limitations of the various medications.
Adults with ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, but it isn't always easy to diagnose them because childhood symptoms may not persist throughout adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are due to an illness like thyroid problems, sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
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 in a transdermal system, which allows for a continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that work on norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic, and has been proven to be effective in adult patients suffering from ADHD. It is a medication with a low dose that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is noticed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and works by blocking the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its use in the brain. This drug is known to improve mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, however it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.