ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, as well as significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning when they take medication. Due to the various ways people respond to medications it is essential for those with ADHD to determine a mix that works best.
Adults with 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 frequently as 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 reduce the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Adults with ADHD are also treated successfully with antidepressants like desipramine. This class of drugs can be used on its own or in combination with stimulants to enhance their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious adverse consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also used for the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, have an calming effect and are able to improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure when they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is reduced.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy helps those with ADHD overcome feelings of embarrassment, shame, and resentment against coworkers, supervisors, teachers and family members who might criticize or nag them. Marriage and family counseling is a great method to help couples with ADHD better understand 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 functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can help individuals who suffer from ADHD overcome their self-esteem problems and the feeling of failure they feel frequently.
adhd in adults symptoms and treatment (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists people in changing their negative thoughts and feelings that are causing difficulties in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven effective in treating a variety of disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or on its own.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD as it allows them to connect with others who are facing similar issues and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or over the phone. One study examined the effects of CBT in comparison to conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvement in self-report assessments of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
A number of 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 sizes. These improvements were linked to diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy and social skills training. problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation.
It is essential to assess the effectiveness of different treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is possible that the variations in the outcomes are due to a variety of variables that include the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used, and patient backgrounds. 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 of the brain where there is too much or little activity, and instructing the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy techniques that can aid in improving the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and develop meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive and negative behavior that can create problems at work or school.
In some instances psychotherapy can be utilized as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd in adults treatment. People who have comorbid conditions such as bipolar disorder and substance abuse should be evaluated with care to make sure they don't suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medication that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history or seizures, need to be treated with more vigor.
When ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with daily functioning and quality-of-life, intensive outpatient programs may be recommended. These programs offer an organized therapy that is more intense than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as organizing, and executive function. It helps them understand and express their emotions and employs worksheets and exercises to make the lessons more interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and improves the ability of a person to focus and regulate emotions. It also increases a person's ability to handle stress and arousal. It helps them deal with anger, sadness and other difficult emotions that could be causing their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. These issues can also impact relationships and lead to financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help boost your self-esteem, solve the root causes of your issues and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD and helps them change their negative attitudes and behavior. Particularly, it is focused on teaching you how to employ strategies to manage your time and eliminate mental distortions that lead to negative moods and a perception of limited choices.
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric disorders can exacerbate or reduce the effectiveness of certain 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 beginning treatment for the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life and establish routines that are predictable to manage your time and money and create a positive image of yourself. It can help you learn techniques for relaxation that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly yoga and other forms of exercise can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Marriage and family counseling can address the issues adults suffering from ADHD frequently create for their spouses, children and other family members. They often complain about being insecure, unorganized, and susceptible to making decisions based on impulsivity. You can strengthen relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. Additionally, it can help you and your loved ones understand that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD rather than an absence of care or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a frequent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and addiction disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. A wide range of medications are available for adults suffering from ADHD and a few of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and the limitations of the medication.
Adults suffering from ADHD might experience the same symptoms as children have, but it's difficult to identify since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to help determine whether the symptoms are caused by a medical condition such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medication for treating adults with ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70%-80 percentage range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be found as a transdermal solution, that allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is the most studied tricyclic, and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose drug and should be increased by 50 mg every seven days until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a second antidepressant that has been shown to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its use in the brain. This drug is known to improve the mood of adults and reduce hyperactivity, but it's not as effective at improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.