ADHD In Adults Treatment: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

ADHD in Adults – Treatment Options ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied with high rates of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, as well as significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments. Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed medications. Medicines Many people with ADHD experience significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning due to medications. Due to the many different ways that people react to medications, it is crucial for people with ADHD to determine a mix that is effective. Adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate. They are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medication with an extended-release, long-acting medicine every week to decrease the need to take it frequently throughout the day. Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated successfully with antidepressants like desipramine. adhd in adults symptoms and treatment of medications can be used alone or in combination with stimulants to enhance their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious side consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension. Adults with ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine, which 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 certain adults. However, these medications could result in a drop in blood pressure when they are abruptly cut off or reduced in dosage. Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment about their ADHD, as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors teachers, and family members who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. In addition counseling for families and marriages can help couples with ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication. Behavioral Therapy The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to impart strategies and techniques that enhance performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help those who suffer from ADHD overcome their self-esteem problems and the feeling of inadequacy they feel frequently. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, assists people in changing their negative thoughts and emotions that cause problems in their lives. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating various disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or by itself. CBT could include group therapy, which is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD as it offers the opportunity to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered 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 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 size. These improvements were linked to diverse modalities like interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness mediation. However, caution is warranted when comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is likely that differences in the results of treatment are due to a variety of factors, including treatment features and the methods employed. There are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness neurofeedback. This method involves wearing a hat with electrodes while doing cognitive tasks to determine brain regions where there is excessive or insufficient activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include the use of interpersonal therapy to improve the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage impulsive, self-destructive, and negative behaviors that could create problems at school or work. In certain cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in combination with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. Patients with comorbid disorders such as depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened by medications used to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and seizures in the past, need to be treated with more vigor because they are at a higher risk of complications from medications. In-depth outpatient programs could be recommended if the person's ADHD is such that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide more intense and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of cognitive therapy, assists people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive functioning. It teaches them to recognize and express feelings and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the lessons engaging. The practice of mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and manage emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with anger, sadness and other emotions that may be contributing to their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults with ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. These symptoms can also affect relationships and lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you build confidence in yourself and solve the underlying issues. It can also help you develop healthy coping methods. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative beliefs and behavior. It is focused on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can lead to negative moods and the perception that there are only a few options. Many adults with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can cause or diminish the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor the effect of medication prior to attempting treatment for the other condition. Occupational therapy can help you learn methods to organize your life and work, set up routines that are predictable, manage time and money and build an optimistic self-image. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that may reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also aid in improving your concentration by ensuring your body is stable in different poses. Counseling for families and marriage can help address the issues that adults suffering from ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and other family members. They often complain about being unstable, unorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you develop healthier relationships. It can aid you and your family members to understand that the issues are due to ADHD, rather than a lack in caring or a refusal to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder which is extremely common. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. The use of medication and psychosocial interventions is available as treatments. There are a variety of medications available for adults with ADHD and some of them have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and the limitations of the medication. Adults suffering from ADHD may have the same symptoms that children do, but it can be difficult to diagnose since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD might not have any family history of the disorder or might not remember the symptoms. It is essential to take an extensive medical history to determine if the symptoms are due to a medical condition, like thyroid issues, sleep apnea or hearing and vision issues. Adult medications for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants have the highest reaction rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness range from 70% to 70% to 80%. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also available in a transdermal system which allows for a continuous medication delivery throughout the day. Adults suffering from ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every seven days until the desired effect is observed. Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant that has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its presence in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, but it is not as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving cognitive performance or concentration.