ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options

ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity (depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.

Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most frequently prescribed drugs.

Medicines

Many people with ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them.

Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. 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 can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug taken once a day to reduce the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.


Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs can be used on its own or in combination with stimulants to boost their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.

Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also utilized to treat 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. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure when they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced.

Adults with ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy helps them overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment toward coworkers, teachers, supervisors, and family members that might criticize or nag them. Counseling for families and marriage can be a great option to help couples with ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve their communication.

Behavioral Therapy

A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to teach skills and strategies that improve functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can also help people who suffer from ADHD overcome low self-esteem and feeling of failure that is often associated with this condition.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that create difficulties in their lives and to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating many illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies.

CBT may also include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it allows them to meet others who face similar challenges and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be provided in person or over the phone. One study examined the effects of CBT in comparison to standard therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report measures of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.

CBT has been compared to other psychosocial treatments in adults with ADHD. All of these studies show significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes between medium and large. These improvements were linked 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 efficacy between different treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that the different outcomes of the treatments depend on a variety of factors that include treatment characteristics, measures employed, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain where there is too much or little activity - and then instructing the person to manage these patterns.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help to address these issues, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques that can aid in improving the ability of a person to resolve conflicts and build meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to change negative behavior and help manage self-destructive and impulsive behavior which can lead to issues at school or work.

In certain situations psychotherapy is sometimes used in combination with medication for adults with adhd treatment. People who have comorbid conditions like bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs need to be evaluated carefully to ensure they do not have symptoms that are not improved by the medication that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, should be treated more aggressively.

In-depth outpatient programs could be recommended if the person's ADHD is so severe that it interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide an organized treatment that is more intensive than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, aids adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive functioning. It helps them recognize and express feelings, and it uses worksheets and activities to make the learning interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and improves the ability of a person to focus and regulate emotions. adult adhd diagnostic assessment and treatment enhances the capacity of a person's ability to handle stress and arousal. It helps them deal with anger, sadness and other difficult emotions which 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 cause financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will help you improve your self-esteem and resolve underlying problems. It can also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD, as it helps them change their negative thoughts and behaviours. In particular, it is focused on teaching you how to use strategies for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and the perception of a limited selection.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its response to the medication prior to treating the other disorder.

Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work and establish routines that are predictable, control your time and money and create confidence in yourself. It can also help you learn ways to relax that could reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Yoga and other exercises can also aid in improving your concentration by stabilizing your body in different poses.

Marriage and family counseling can help adults with ADHD to resolve the issues they create for their spouses, kids and other family members. They frequently complain that they are unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. You can strengthen relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can also help you and your family members understand that the problems are due to ADHD instead of a lack in caring or a refusal to cooperate.

Clinical Trials

Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is extremely prevalent. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression and addiction disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. A wide range of medications are available to adults suffering from ADHD and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and the limitations of the medications.

Adults who suffer from ADHD may have the same symptoms as children have, but it's difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of childhood may not persist in adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their family or may not be aware of having symptoms. It is important to have a thorough medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are related to a medical condition, like thyroid issues or sleep apnea, and vision issues.

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most effective medication to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70%-80 percentage range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day.

Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from 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 be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and is able to block the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its use in the brain. This drug has been found to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults. However, it is not as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving concentration or cognitive function.