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 rates of comorbidity (depression, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning when they take medication. It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD find the combination of medication that works for them.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. These stimulants are available in liquid or tablet form 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 long-acting medication that is taken daily to lessen the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants, or on their own to boost their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like a rapid heartbeat, 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 were originally developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming affect and can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in some adults. However, these medications can cause a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly cut off or reduced in dosage.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, and family members who might nag or criticize them. Additionally, marriage and family counseling can help couples with ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to impart strategies and skills that help improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help people with ADHD overcome their self-esteem problems and the sense of failure they often feel.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that create difficulties in their lives and to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has been found to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. It can be used by itself or in combination with other therapies.
CBT can involve group therapy, which can be particularly helpful for adults with ADHD as it offers the opportunity to interact with other people who are facing similar issues and learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It 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 led to improvements 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 all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect size. These improvements were associated with various modalities, including cognitive and interpersonal therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is required in comparing the efficacy of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is possible that the variations in the outcomes are due to a variety of variables such as treatment characteristics, measures used, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas of the brain where there is too much or too little activity. Then, instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help to address these issues, which could be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy methods that can aid in improving the ability of a person to resolve conflicts and develop lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to alter negative behaviors and assist in reducing self-destructive and impulsive behavior that can lead to problems at school or work.
In certain situations, psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications for adults adhd treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders such as depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure their symptoms aren't made worse through the use of medications to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, need to be treated with more vigor.
In-depth outpatient programs could be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it significantly hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer more intense and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage time and impulse control, organizing, and executive function. It helps them understand and express their emotions and utilizes activities and worksheets to make the learning interesting. Mindfulness meditation training enhances CBT, and it improves the ability of a person to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It also improves a person's ability to handle stress and arousal. It can help them deal with anger, sadness and other difficult emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and can result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you to improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It will also assist you in developing healthy coping methods.
treatment for adhd in adults uk -behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative thoughts and behaviors. It focuses on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions which contribute to negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of choices.
Many people with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or increase the effectiveness of some medications 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 manage your life and work by establishing predictable routines, manage your time and money and create a positive image of yourself. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that could reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other workouts can help you concentration by stabilizing your body in various postures.
Counseling for families and marriage can help adults with ADHD to overcome the problems they cause their children, spouses and friends. They frequently complain of being unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and susceptible to making decisions based on impulsivity. Therapy and classes 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 realize that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD rather than a lack of caring or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by other disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are many medications available for adults with ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in studies. These studies have highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the various medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have the same symptoms as children do, but it is difficult to identify since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their families or they may not remember having symptoms. It is important to have an extensive medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are related to an illness, like thyroid issues such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision issues.
Adult medications for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and other non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective drugs for adults suffering from ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are in the 70%-80 percent range. The most frequently used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate may also be administered through a transdermal system. This allows for continuous medication delivery during the daytime.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. 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. untreated adhd in adults is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transporter, increasing its availability in brain. This drug has been found to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, however it isn't as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.