ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and addiction to drugs) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD notice significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning due to medications. Due to the various ways that people react to medications, it is essential for those with ADHD to determine a mix that is most effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate. These stimulants are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Some adults supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug used once per day to reduce the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Antidepressants like desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants or alone to enhance their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications, originally designed to treat high blood pressure, can have an calming effect and are able to improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure when they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD and anger toward supervisors, colleagues, teachers and family members who may nag or criticize 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
One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to impart skills and strategies that improve function in everyday life. evidence based treatment for adhd in adults can help people with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the feeling of inadequacy they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists people to change negative thoughts and feelings 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 many illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or on its own.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD because it allows them to connect with other people who face similar challenges and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults with ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report indicators like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.
Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect size. These improvements were attributed to various modalities, including cognitive and interpersonal therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
It is essential to assess the effectiveness of various treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is possible that the different outcomes of the treatments depend on a variety of factors such as the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain where there is too much or little activity. Then, instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy techniques which can improve the ability of individuals to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change negative behavior and help manage self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can lead to problems at school or work.
In some instances psychotherapy may be utilized as an adjunct to the medication used for adhd treatment for adults. People with comorbid conditions like bipolar disorder, and substance abuse must be assessed carefully to ensure they do not have symptoms that are not ameliorated by the medications used to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and an history of seizures must be treated more aggressively as they are at higher risk for complications from the medications.
Outpatient intensive programs may be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide more thorough and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, helps people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning and executive functioning. It helps them understand and express their emotions and uses exercises and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT and improves a person's ability to focus and regulate their emotions. It also increases a person's ability to handle anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with anger, sadness, and other emotional issues that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. These issues can also impact relationships and lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you boost your self-esteem, solve the root of your issue and develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative beliefs and behavior. It is focused on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions which can lead to negative moods and the perception of a limited number of choices.
Many people with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or diminish the effectiveness of some treatments for ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended to first treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor its reaction to the medication prior treating the other condition.
Occupational therapy can help you organize your work and life, establish predictable routines, manage your time and money and build confidence in yourself. It can help you master ways to relax that could reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also aid in improving your concentration by ensuring your body is stable in various poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can help adults with ADHD to resolve the issues they cause their spouses, kids and other family members. They frequently complain of being unreliable and disorganized. first line treatment for adhd in adults forget things or make decisions impulsively. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you establish healthier relationships. Additionally, it can help you and your loved ones understand that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD instead of the lack of compassion or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is highly prevalent. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a variety of medications available to adults suffering from ADHD, and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and weaknesses 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 might not last 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 help determine whether the symptoms are caused by medical conditions such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most effective drugs to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are in the 70%-80 percentage range. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants which work on norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic, and has been proven to be effective in adult patients with ADHD. It is a low dose medication that is recommended to be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen.
Bupropion XL another antidepressant, was shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic cellular transporter, increasing its availability in brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults. However, it is not as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.