ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is associated with high rates of comorbidity, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, as well as significant emotional, social and occupational impairments.
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Medicines
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning in response to medication. Due to the various ways people respond to medications it is important for individuals with ADHD to discover a combination that works best.
Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as amphetamines or methylphenidate. They are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Adults can augment an immediate-release medication with an extended-release long-acting medication every week to lessen the need to take it frequently throughout the day.
Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs may be used in conjunction with stimulants, or in isolation to boost their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults with ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and may improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in some adults. However, these drugs can cause a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly removed or reduced in dosage.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment against coworkers, teachers, supervisors, and family members that may criticize or nag them. Additionally, marriage and family counseling can help couples with ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching strategies and skills. 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) helps people change the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives. It also helps to learn new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating many illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT can include group therapy, which can be especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD, as it provides the opportunity to meet others who are facing similar issues and discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or via phone. One study compared the effects of CBT with that of standard therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvement in self-report measures of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
A number of studies have compared 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 size. These improvements were associated with various modalities, including cognitive and interpersonal therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the efficacy of different treatments for adults with ADHD. It is likely that the differences in the results of treatment result from a variety of factors, such as treatment characteristics and measures employed. There are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness neurofeedback. This method involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks in order to identify brain areas where there is excessive or inadequate activity. The individual then learns to control these patterns.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help with these issues that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Some psychotherapy approaches include interpersonal therapy to enhance a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Recommended Internet page is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behavior that can cause problems at school or work.
In some cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medications for adults with adhd treatment. Patients with comorbid disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse should be evaluated with care to ensure that they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and an history of seizures need to be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk for complications from the medication.
Outpatient intensive programs may be recommended when the person's ADHD is such that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide more intense and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, aids adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive functioning. It helps them understand and express their feelings. It employs worksheets and exercises to make the learning more engaging. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and manage their emotions. It improves the ability of a person to tolerate anxiety and stress. It can help them cope with sadness, anger, and other difficult feelings which could be contributing to their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults with ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting their work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and could cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you to improve your self-esteem and solve the underlying issues. It can also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.
look at these guys -behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and teaches them how to change their negative beliefs and behaviors. It is focused on teaching you how to use strategies for managing time and overcoming mental distortions that lead to negative moods and the perception of a limited selection.
Many adults with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and observe its response to medication prior to attempting treatment for the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can teach you methods to organize your life and your work, create predictable routines, manage money and time and develop an optimistic self-image. It can help you master techniques for relaxation that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. In the same way yoga and other forms of exercise can help you improve your focus by stabilizing your body in various poses.
Marriage and family counseling can address the issues adults suffering from ADHD frequently cause their spouses, children and others. They frequently complain of being undependable and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you build better relationships. Furthermore, it can aid you and your loved ones realize that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD instead of an absence of care or a willful refusal to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is very prevalent. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity, such as anxiety, depression and addiction disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. A variety of medications are available for adults suffering from ADHD and some of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the medication.
Adults with ADHD may have the same symptoms as children do, but it can be difficult to diagnose since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. Adults with ADHD may also not have any family history of the disorder or may not be aware of symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to determine if the symptoms are caused by an illness like thyroid problems or sleep apnea, vision and hearing problems or lead poisoning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants have the highest reaction rates for adults with ADHD. Their responsiveness rates vary from 70 to 80%. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also available as a transdermal solution, which allows for a continuous supply of medication throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication that is recommended to 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 which is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic cellular transporter which increases its accessibility to the brain. This drug has been proven to boost mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.