ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurological disorder that affects around 4,4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medications
Many adults with ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. alternative adhd treatment for adults is crucial that people who suffer from ADHD find the combination of medications that is effective for them.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Some adults supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug taken once a day to decrease the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of medications can be used by itself or in combination with stimulants to boost their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming affect and can help improve focus and reduce the amount of hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure when they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced.
Psychotherapy is also useful for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help them deal with feelings of embarrassment, shame, and resentment toward coworkers, supervisors, teachers, and family members that may criticize or nag them. Counseling for families and marriage is a great method to help couples suffering from ADHD to better understand each other and improve their communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to help people learn strategies and skills that help improve functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can help those who suffer from 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 create difficulties in their lives and to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has proven to be effective in treating a variety of illnesses such as anxiety and depression. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it allows them to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
Several studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD, and all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect sizes. These improvements were attributed to diverse modalities like cognitive and interpersonal therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
It is essential to assess the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that differences in the outcomes result from a variety of factors, including treatment features and the methods employed. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing a hat with electrodes while performing cognitive tasks in order to determine brain regions where there is a lack or excess of activity. The individual then learns to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques which can improve the ability of a person to manage conflicts and create meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behavior that can create difficulties at school or at work.
In certain situations psychotherapy is sometimes used in combination with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. People who have comorbid conditions such as bipolar disorder, and substance abuse must be assessed carefully to make sure they don't have symptoms that cannot be improved by the medication that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history or seizures, must be treated more aggressively.
If ADHD is serious enough to affect daily functioning and quality-of-life, intensive outpatient programs may be suggested. These programs offer structured treatment that is more intense than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, helps adults suffering from ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive functioning. It helps them understand and express their feelings. It uses worksheets and activities to make the learning more engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and enhances the capacity of a person's ability to concentrate and manage emotions. It also improves a person's ability to tolerate anxiety and stress. It can help them cope with anger, sadness, and other difficult feelings that could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you increase self-esteem, address underlying problems and develop healthy coping strategies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and helps them to alter their negative attitudes and behaviours. Particularly, it concentrates on teaching you to use time management strategies and overcome mental distortions that lead to negative moods and the perception of a limited selection.
Many people suffering from ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended to treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor its response to the medication before treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you learn ways to organize your life and your work, set up routines that are predictable, manage time and money and build confidence in yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that can reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other workouts can aid in improving your concentration by stabilizing your body in different poses.
Counseling for families and marriage can assist adults suffering from ADHD to solve the problems they cause their spouses, kids and other family members. They often complain of being undependable and unorganized. They often 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 issues are due to the patient's ADHD rather than a lack of caring or refusing to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder. It is often associated with co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatment options. There are a variety of medications available for adults with ADHD, and some of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the various medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, however it isn't always easy to recognize them since the symptoms of childhood may not persist throughout adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their family or they may not remember experiencing symptoms. It is important to have an extensive medical history to determine whether the symptoms are caused by a medical condition, like thyroid issues such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision problems.
Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. The stimulants have the highest response rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their responsiveness rates range from 70% to 80percent. The most frequently used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that work on norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a medication with a low dose that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, has been shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake in the presynaptic cellular transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been shown to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults. However, it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving concentration or cognitive function.