ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options

ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is associated with high rates of comorbidity, including anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs, and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.

Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.

Medicines

Many adults suffering from ADHD experience significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning due to medication. It is crucial that people suffering from adhd in adults untreated find the combination of medication that works for them.

Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form, and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medicine with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least every week to decrease the need to take it frequently throughout the day.

Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with adhd treatment for adults medication. This class of drugs can be used on its own or in combination with stimulants to boost their effects. They may also increase the danger of serious side effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.

Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as alprazolam and clonidine are also utilized to treat adults with ADHD. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and may 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 decreased.

Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them deal with their feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD, as well as anger toward supervisors, colleagues teachers, and family members who might nag or criticize them. Marriage and family counseling can be a great option to help couples suffering from ADHD better understand each other and improve their communication.

Behavioral Therapy

Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by teaching strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also aid those with ADHD to overcome the low self-esteem and feeling of failure that is often associated with this condition.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives and to discover new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as acting. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies.

CBT may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD as it allows them to meet others who have similar struggles and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided in person or via the phone. One study compared the effects of CBT with that of conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report assessments of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.

CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments in adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies show significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes ranging from medium to large. These improvements were attributed to a variety of modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving and mindfulness meditation.

However, caution is required in comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that differences in the outcomes are due to a range of factors, including treatment characteristics and measures used. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain where there is too much or too little activity. Then, instructing the individual to control these patterns.

Counseling

Many people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help address these issues, which could be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches that can aid in improving a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that can cause problems at school or work.

In some instances psychotherapy may be used as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd in adults treatment. People with comorbid disorders such as substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened by medications used to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and seizures in the past, must be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk of complications from medications.

Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended when the person's adhd treatment adults is such that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide more intensive and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, aids people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning and executive function. It helps them recognize and express their feelings and employs worksheets and exercises to make the lessons more engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation improves CBT and improves the ability of a person's ability to concentrate and manage emotions. It also increases a person's ability to tolerate stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other difficult emotions that may be contributing to their ADHD.

Occupational Therapy

Adults suffering from ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve the root of your issue and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for severe adhd in adults for adults with ADHD and helps them change their negative beliefs and behaviors. It focuses on teaching you to use strategies to manage your time and eliminate thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and perceptions of a limited range of choices.

Many adults with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or exacerbate the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that you first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor the response to the medication prior to treating the other condition.

Occupational therapy can help you learn ways to organize your life and work, establish routines that are predictable, manage time and money and build an optimistic self-image. It can help you learn techniques for relaxation that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similarly, yoga and other exercise can help you improve your focus by stabilizing your body in different poses.

Counseling for families and marriage can help address the issues that adults suffering from ADHD frequently cause their children, spouses, and other family members. They often complain of being undependable and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make impulsive choices. You can strengthen relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can aid you and your family members understand that the problems are caused by ADHD and not a lack in caring or a refusal to cooperate.

Clinical Trials

Adult ADHD is a highly common neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults with ADHD and some of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and limitations of the various medications.

Adults who suffer from ADHD may have the same symptoms that children do, but it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms of childhood may not persist in adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of experiencing symptoms. It is essential to take a thorough medical history in order to determine if the symptoms are due to a medical condition, like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing and vision problems.

Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medication for adults suffering from ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70%-80 percent range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also available in a transdermal system which permits continuous supply of medication throughout the day.

Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every seven days until the desired response is observed.

Bupropion XL is a second antidepressant that has been shown to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, thereby increasing its presence in the brain. This drug is known to improve the mood of adults and reduce hyperactivity but it's not as effective at improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.