ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options<br /><br />ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied with high rates of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse as well as significant social, emotional and occupational impairments.<br /><br />Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed drugs.<br /><br />Medicines<br /><br />Many adults with ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning when they take medication. It is important that people suffering from ADHD discover the right combination of medications that works for them.<br /><br />Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed medications for adults with ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medicine with an extended release long-acting medicine at least once a week to reduce the requirement to take it often throughout the day.<br /><br />Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of medications can be used by itself or in conjunction with stimulants to boost their effects. They can also increase the danger of serious side effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.<br /><br />Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, have an calming effect and are able to increase focus and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in some adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure when they are abruptly stopped or the dosage is decreased.<br /><br />Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them cope with feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, and family members who may nag or criticize them. Family and marriage counseling is also a great way to help couples with ADHD better understand each other and improve communication.<br /><br />Behavioral Therapy<br /><br />One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to impart strategies and techniques that enhance functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the sense of failure they often feel.<br /><br />Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives. It also helps to discover new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as acting. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or alone.<br /><br />CBT can include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it enables them to connect with other people who are facing similar issues and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or by phone. One study compared the results of CBT with that of traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvements in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms and quality of life.<br /><br />A number of studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD and all have shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect size. These improvements were associated with various modalities such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving exercises, and mindfulness meditation.<br /><br />However, caution is advised in comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is possible that the differences in outcomes results are due to a range of factors, such as treatment characteristics and the measures employed. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas of the brain where there is too much or little activity, and teaching the individual to control these patterns.<br /><br />Counseling<br /><br />Many people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help to address these problems, which may be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy techniques that can aid in improving the ability of individuals to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behavior that can cause problems at school or work.<br /><br />In certain situations psychotherapy may be utilized in combination with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. People with co-occurring disorders like addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder should be evaluated 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 an history of seizures must be treated more aggressively as they are at a higher risk for complications from the medication.<br /><br />In-depth outpatient programs could be suggested if the individual's ADHD is such that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer an organized therapy that is more intense than conventional outpatient psychotherapy.<br /><br />Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of cognitive therapy, aids adults suffering from ADHD to improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning and executive functioning. It teaches them to recognize and express their emotions, and it uses activities and worksheets to make the lessons interesting. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It also increases a person's ability to handle stress and arousal. It helps them deal with sadness, anger, and other emotions that could be contributing to their ADHD.<br /><br />Occupational Therapy<br /><br />Adults suffering from ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you build confidence in yourself and solve the underlying issues. It can also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping.<br /><br />Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative thoughts and behaviors. It focuses on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can cause negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of possibilities.<br /><br /><a href="https://output.jsbin.com/vikusinake/">adhd treatment for older adults</a> with ADHD also suffer from comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or reduce the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then observe its reaction to the medication prior treating the other condition.<br /><br />Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life by establishing predictable routines to control your time and money, and develop an optimistic image of yourself. It can help you master relaxation methods that may reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other workouts can help you focus by stabilizing your body during different poses.<br /><br />Counseling for families and marriage can address the issues people with ADHD frequently cause their children, spouses, and their families. They frequently complain of being undependable 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 develop more harmonious relationships. Furthermore, it can aid you and your loved ones realize that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD rather than a lack of caring or refusing to cooperate.<br /><br />Clinical Trials<br /><br />Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often associated with other disorders that are comorbid, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and drawbacks of the medications.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.openlearning.com/u/chasemcknight-soycpv/blog/10QuickTipsForUntreatedAdhdInAdultsDepression">adhd treatment for older adults</a> who suffer from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, however it can be difficult to recognize them since childhood symptoms might not last throughout adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD might not have any family history of the disorder, or may not remember symptoms. It is crucial to take an extensive medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are related to an illness such as thyroid problems or sleep apnea, and vision problems.<br /><br />Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most effective drugs to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are within the 70-80 percentage range. The most commonly used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate can also be administered through a transdermal system. This allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the day.<br /><br />Adults suffering from ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic and has been shown to be effective in adult patients with ADHD. It is a low dose medication and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed.<br /><br />Bupropion XL is another antidepressant which has been proven to be effective in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its availability in the brain. This drug has been proven to improve the mood of adults and reduce hyperactivity however it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive functions as stimulants.<br /><br />