ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options

ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and significant social, emotional and occupational impairments.

Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.

Medicines

Many adults with ADHD experience significant improvements in their symptoms and performance as a result of medication. Because of the different ways that people react to medications, it is important for individuals with ADHD to discover a combination that is most effective.

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

Adults with ADHD can be treated successfully with antidepressants like desipramine. 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 side effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.

Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as alprazolam and clonidine can also be used for the treatment of adults with ADHD. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming affect and may improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in some adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure if they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is decreased.

Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD and resentment toward co-workers, supervisors, teachers and family members who may nag or criticize them. In addition, marriage and family counseling can help couples suffering from ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.

Behavioral Therapy

Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can help people who suffer from ADHD overcome their self-esteem problems and the feeling of inadequacy they often feel.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, helps people change their negative thoughts and feelings that are causing problems in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating many disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapies.

CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is especially beneficial for people with ADHD because it enables them to meet others doctors who treat adhd in adults are facing similar issues and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or over the phone. One study compared the effects of CBT against traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments led to improvement in self-report assessments of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.

CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments in adults with ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms with effects between medium and large. These improvements were associated with various modalities such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving exercises, and mindfulness meditation.

It is important to compare the effectiveness of different treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is possible that the different outcomes of the treatments reflect a number of variables such as the characteristics of the treatment, the measures used and the background of the patient. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This method involves wearing a hat with electrodes while doing cognitive tasks to pinpoint brain areas in which there is excessive or inadequate 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 with these issues, which could be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches that can help improve a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and build meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control self-destructive, [empty] impulsive, and negative behavior that can cause problems at work or school.

In certain cases psychotherapy can be used as an alternative to the medication used for adhd in adults treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders such as substance abuse, BACK depression, and bipolar disorder must be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms aren't made worse by the medications used to treat ADHD. People doctors who treat adhd in adults suffer from certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and seizures in the past, must be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk for complications from the medication.

Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended when the person's ADHD is such that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer a more intense and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of cognitive therapy, aids adults suffering from ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive functioning. It helps them recognize and express their emotions and uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and regulate emotions. It also enhances an individual's ability to tolerate anxiety and stress. It can help them cope with sadness, anger, and other difficult feelings that may be contributing towards their ADHD.

Occupational Therapy

Adults suffering from ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. In addition to impacting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and may result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you build confidence in yourself and resolve underlying problems. It will also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.

Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches them how to change their negative beliefs and behavior. In particular, it concentrates on teaching you to employ strategies for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and perceptions of a limited range of choices.

Many people with ADHD also have comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended to treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor the response to the medication prior to treating adhd and anxiety in adults the other condition.

Occupational therapy can help you organize your life and work by establishing predictable routines to manage your money and time and build a positive image of yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that may reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similarly, yoga and other exercise can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body in various poses.

Family and marriage counseling can help adults with ADHD to solve the problems they cause their spouses, kids and friends. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make impulsive choices. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you build better relationships. It can help you and your family members understand that the problems are due to ADHD, rather than the lack of care or a refusal to cooperate.

Clinical Trials

Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent 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 many medications available for adults with ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in trials. These studies have highlighted both the strengths and the limitations of the medications.

Adults suffering from adhd treatment for older adults may have the same symptoms as children do, but it is difficult to identify because childhood symptoms might not persist in adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD may not have any family history of the disorder or might not remember the symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to help determine whether the symptoms are due to medical conditions such as a thyroid problem, sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning.

Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and other non-stimulant medications. Stimulants have the highest response rates for adults with ADHD. Their response rates range from 70% to 80%. The most popular stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also accessible as a transdermal solution, which permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day.

Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants which work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is one of the most studied tricyclic and has been shown to be effective in adult patients suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed.

Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant which has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transportationer and increasing its presence in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, but it isn't as effective as stimulants in improving cognitive performance or concentration.