ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options

ADHD is a well-known neurological disorder that affects 44% of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.

Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed medications.

Medicines

Many adults suffering from ADHD have significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning due to medication. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them.

Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, adhd in adults treatment are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Some adults supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medicine taken once a day to lessen the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.

Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated successfully with antidepressants like desipramine. This class of drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to increase their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.

Adults with ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications, originally designed to treat high blood pressure, possess a calming effect and can increase focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. These medications can cause very low blood pressure when they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is reduced.

Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy helps people to overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment against coworkers, supervisors, teachers, and family members that might nitpick or criticize 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

Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can also assist people with ADHD to overcome the low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that create difficulties in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as acting. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating adhd and depression in adults a variety of illnesses, including depression and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies or alone.

CBT could include group therapy, which is especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD as it offers the opportunity to interact with other people who have similar struggles and to learn how other people manage their adhd treatment for adults symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting indicators like symptoms, functioning and quality of life.

Numerous studies have evaluated 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 various modalities such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving, and mindfulness meditation.

It is essential to assess the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is likely that the differences in outcomes results are due to a variety signs of untreated adhd in adults factors, such as 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 determine areas in the brain where there is too much or little activity, and teaching the individual to control these patterns.

Counseling

Many people suffering from ADHD also have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that need treatment. Counseling can address these problems which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy methods that can help improve the ability of a person to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to transform negative behaviors and help manage self-destructive and impulsive behavior which can lead to issues at school or at work.

In certain cases psychotherapy may be utilized as an adjunct to the medication used for adhd in adults treatment. People who have comorbid conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to ensure that they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medications used to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, must be treated with more vigor because they are at a higher risk for complications from the medications.

When ADHD is severe enough to interfere with everyday functioning and quality of life intensive outpatient programs might be recommended. These programs provide structured treatment that is more intensive than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express their emotions and employs worksheets and exercises to make the lessons more enjoyable. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT and improves the ability of people to concentrate and manage their emotions. It also improves a person's ability to tolerate stress and arousal. It can help them cope with sadness, anger, and other emotions that could be contributing to their ADHD.

Occupational Therapy

Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. These symptoms can also affect relationships and cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you to improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It can also help you develop healthy coping methods.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps them to alter their negative beliefs 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 possibilities.

Many people suffering from ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or exacerbate the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor the response to treatment prior to beginning treatment for the other disorder.

Occupational therapy can help you organize your work and life and establish routines that are predictable, manage your time and money and create a positive image of yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that can decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Additionally yoga and other exercises can help you improve your focus by stabilizing your body in various poses.

Family and marriage counseling can help adults with ADHD to solve the problems they create for their spouses, kids and others. They often complain of being unreliable and disorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. You can build stronger relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. Furthermore it can aid you and your loved ones understand that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD instead of the lack of compassion or an unwillingness to cooperate.

Clinical Trials

Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder which is very prevalent. It is often associated with co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are many medications available for adults with ADHD. Some of these medications have been evaluated in studies. These studies have revealed the strengths and the limitations of the medication.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, however it can be difficult to recognize them since childhood symptoms might not last until adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their families or they may not remember having symptoms. It is essential to take a thorough medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are due to a medical condition, like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing and vision issues.

Medications for adults with ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medication for treating adults with ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80 percent range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system that allows for continuous drug delivery throughout the day.

Adults with ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low-dose medication that should be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.

Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, has been proven to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transporter, thereby increasing its use in the brain. This drug has been proven to boost mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity however, it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.