ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed drugs.
Medicines
Many adults suffering from ADHD have significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning due to medications. Because of the different ways people respond to medications it is important for individuals with ADHD to determine a mix that is most effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. 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. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medicine with an extended release long-acting medicine at least once a week to reduce the need to take it often throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants, or on their own to boost their effects. They may also increase the danger of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also used for the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They are calming and can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in certain adults. However, these medications could result in a drop in blood pressure if they are suddenly removed or reduced in dosage.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. adhd treatment for adults uk can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD, as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, family members and others who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Additionally counseling for families and marriages can help couples suffering from ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to help people learn skills and strategies that improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also help people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and sense of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists people to change negative thoughts and feelings that cause difficulties in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for many disorders, including depression and anxiety. It can be used by itself or in combination with other therapies.
CBT may include group therapy, which can be especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD as it offers the chance to connect with others who are facing similar issues and discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or via phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared to other psychosocial treatments in adults with ADHD. All of these studies demonstrate significant reductions in ADHD symptoms with effects that range from moderate to large. These improvements were associated with various modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy as well as social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is required in comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that differences in outcomes results result from a variety of factors, including treatment features and the methods employed. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain that there is too much or too little activity. Then, teaching the individual to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include the use of interpersonal therapy to improve a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to change negative behavior and assist in managing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors which can lead to issues at school or work.
In some cases, psychotherapy is used as an alternative to medication for adult ADHD treatment for adults. People with multiple disorders like depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder should be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened by the medications used to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and seizures in the past, have to be treated more aggressively as they are at higher risk for complications from the medication.
If ADHD is serious enough to affect the quality of life and daily functioning intensive outpatient programs might be suggested. These programs offer a more intense and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD improve their abilities to manage time and impulse control, organizing, and executive function. It helps them understand and express their emotions and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the lessons engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and manage emotions. It also improves a person's ability to handle stress and arousal. It helps them deal with anger, sadness, and other difficult feelings that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. In addition to impacting work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and may result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you build confidence in yourself and resolve underlying problems. It can also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD, as it helps them to alter their negative beliefs and behaviours. In particular, it is focused on teaching you how to employ strategies to manage your time and eliminate mental distortions that lead to negative moods and the perception of a limited range of choices.
Many adults with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended that you first treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor the response to the medication prior to treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life by establishing predictable routines that help you manage your time and money, and develop confidence in yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that may reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also help you improve concentration by stabilizing your body in various postures.
Counseling for families and marriage can assist adults suffering from ADHD to overcome the problems they cause their children, spouses and others. They frequently complain that they are unstable, unorganized, forgetful and susceptible to making decisions based on impulsivity. You can strengthen your relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. Moreover, it can aid you and your loved ones to understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than an absence of care or an unwillingness 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. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are many medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and limitations of the various medications.
Adults who suffer from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, but it can be difficult to identify them since childhood symptoms might not last into adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also not have any family background of the disorder or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by an illness such as thyroid issues, sleep apnea, vision and hearing problems or lead poisoning.
Medications for adults with ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. The stimulants have the highest response rates for adults with ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness vary between 70 and 80percent. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also available as a transdermal solution, which permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective in adult patients with ADHD. It is a low dose medication that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, has been proven to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer, increasing its availability in brain. This drug has been found to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults. However, it isn't as effective as stimulants in improving cognitive performance or concentration.