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

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 levels of co-morbidity (depression, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments. Psychotherapy and medications are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed drugs. Medications Many adults with ADHD have seen significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medication. Due to the various ways that people react to medications, it is important for individuals with ADHD to discover a combination that is effective. Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medicine with an extended release long-acting medicine at least every week to lessen the need to take it regularly throughout the day. Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs may be employed in conjunction with stimulants or in isolation to boost their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension. signs of untreated adhd in adults -2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine can also be used for the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. These medications, originally designed to treat high blood pressure, possess a calming effect and can increase focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. However, these medications can result in a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly removed or reduced in dosage. Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy helps people overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment against coworkers, teachers, supervisors and family members who may criticize or nag them. Marriage and family counseling can be a great option to help couples with ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve their communication. Behavioral Therapy One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to help people learn skills and strategies that improve functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can also aid those who suffer from ADHD to overcome the low self-esteem and feeling of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, assists people in changing their negative thoughts and emotions that are causing problems in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating various disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or alone. CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is especially beneficial for people with ADHD as it allows them to connect with other people who have similar struggles and learn how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or via phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report indicators like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. A number of studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD, and all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were attributed to various modalities, including cognitive and interpersonal therapy as well as social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness meditation. However, caution is advised in comparing the efficacy of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is possible that the differences in the results of treatment are due to a variety of factors, including treatment features and the methods employed. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain that there is too much or too little activity. Then, teaching the individual to control these patterns. Counseling Many people with ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include interpersonal therapy to improve the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help manage self-destructive, impulsive and negative behaviors that could create problems at work or school. In some cases, psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications for adults with adhd treatment. Patients with co-occurring disorders like depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened through the use of medications to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and seizures in the past, have to be treated with more vigor because they are at higher risk of developing complications from the medication. Outpatient intensive programs may be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide structured treatment that is more intensive than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD improve their abilities to manage time and impulse control, planning, and executive function. It helps them recognize and express their emotions and uses exercises and worksheets to make the lessons interesting. adhd in adult women treatment of mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and manage emotions. It increases the capacity of a person to manage anxiety and stress. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other emotions that may be contributing to their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting their work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and could lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you improve your self-esteem and resolve underlying problems. It will also assist you in developing healthy coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative beliefs and behaviors. Particularly, 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 conditions can cause or decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbidity first and observe its response to medication prior to attempting treatment for the other condition. Occupational therapy can teach you ways to organize your life and your work, establish routines that are predictable, manage time and money and build a positive self-image. It can also help you learn ways to relax that could reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. In the same way, yoga and other exercise can help you focus better by stabilizing the body in various poses. Counseling for families and marriage can address the problems that adults suffering from ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and others. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. You can strengthen relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. Moreover, it can help you and your loved ones understand that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD rather than to the lack of compassion or a willful refusal to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is highly common. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a variety of medication options for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been tested in trials. These studies have highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the drugs. Adults with ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, but it can be difficult to recognize them since the symptoms of childhood may not persist until adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their families or they may not even remember experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to determine if the symptoms are caused by a medical condition such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning. Medications for adults with ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. The stimulants have the highest response rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness range between 70 and 80percent. The most commonly used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also administered through a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day. Adults with ADHD can take non-stimulant drugs that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine is the most studied tricyclic and has been shown to be effective in adult patients with ADHD. It is a medication with a low dose that is recommended to be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is noticed. Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, has been shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake in the presynaptic cellular transporter, increasing its availability in brain. This drug has been proven to improve the mood of adults and reduce hyperactivity, however it's not as effective at improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.