ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options<br /><br />ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.<br /><br />Both psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed medications.<br /><br />Medicines<br /><br />Many adults suffering from ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms and performance as a result of medication. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them.<br /><br />Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. These stimulants are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Some adults supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication that is taken daily to decrease the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.<br /><br />Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been found to be effective in treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to increase their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects like an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.<br /><br />Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, can have the ability to calm and increase focus and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in certain adults. However, these medications could cause a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped or reduced in dosage.<br /><br />Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help people overcome feelings of embarrassment, shame, and resentment towards co-workers and supervisors, teachers and family members who may criticize or nag them. Family and marriage counseling can be a great option to help couples with ADHD to better understand each other and improve communication.<br /><br />Behavioral Therapy<br /><br />The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to teach strategies and techniques that enhance functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can also assist people who suffer from ADHD to overcome the low self-esteem and feeling of failure that is often associated with this condition.<br /><br />Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists people to change negative thoughts and emotions that are causing problems in their life. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating many disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapies.<br /><br />CBT can include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for people with ADHD because it enables them to connect with others who are facing similar issues and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report indicators like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.<br /><br />Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD, and all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms, with medium to large effect size. These improvements were linked to various modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving, and mindfulness meditation.<br /><br />However, caution is advised in comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is possible that the different outcomes of the treatments reflect a number of variables that include treatment characteristics, measures used, and patient backgrounds. Few studies have examined the effectiveness neurofeedback. This technique involves wearing an electrode-lined hat while performing cognitive tasks in order to pinpoint brain areas in which there is excessive or insufficient activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns.<br /><br />Counseling<br /><br />Many people suffering from ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. <a href="https://sciencewiki.science/wiki/The_One_ADHD_Treatment_For_Adults_Near_Me_Trick_Every_Person_Should_Know">adhd in adults symptoms and treatment</a> can help address these issues which may be causing ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include the use of interpersonal therapy to improve a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that could create problems at work or school.<br /><br />In some cases 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 should be evaluated with care to make sure they don't have symptoms that are not improved by the medication used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, must be treated more aggressively.<br /><br />If ADHD is serious enough to affect daily functioning and quality-of-life intensive outpatient programs could be suggested. These programs offer structured treatment that is more intense than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.<br /><br />Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD improve their abilities to manage time and impulse control, as well as executive function, and planning. It teaches them to recognize and express feelings, and it uses activities and worksheets to make the learning interesting. Mindfulness meditation training improves CBT and improves a person's ability to focus and regulate their emotions. It increases the capacity of a person to tolerate stress and arousal. It can help them deal with sadness, anger and other difficult emotions that could be causing their ADHD.<br /><br />Occupational Therapy<br /><br />Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help boost your self-esteem, solve the root causes of your issues and establish healthy coping mechanisms.<br /><br />Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps you modify your negative beliefs and behaviors. It focuses on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions which can cause negative moods, and the perception of a limited number of options.<br /><br />Many adults with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor the effect of medication before proceeding to treatment of the other disorder.<br /><br />Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life, establish predictable routines to manage your money and time and build an optimistic image of yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that could reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can help you improve focus by stabilizing your body during different poses.<br /><br />Family and marriage counseling can address the problems that adults suffering from ADHD frequently cause their children, spouses, and others. They often complain of being erratic and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you build better relationships. It can also help you and your family members realize that the issues are caused by ADHD, rather than the lack of care or an unwillingness to cooperate.<br /><br />Clinical Trials<br /><br /><br /><br />Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder which is very common. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression and addiction disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults suffering from ADHD, and some of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the drugs.<br /><br />Adults with ADHD might experience the same symptoms as children have, but it's difficult to identify since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. Additionally, people with ADHD might not have a history of the disorder in their families or they may not even remember experiencing symptoms. It is important to have an extensive medical history in order to determine if the symptoms are due to an illness such as thyroid problems such as sleep apnea, sleep apnea and vision problems.<br /><br />Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants have the highest reaction rates for people suffering from ADHD. Their response rates range from 70 to 80percent. The most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also administered via a transdermal device. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the daytime.<br /><br />Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. 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.<br /><br />Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transporter, increasing its availability in brain. This drug has been proven to improve the mood of adults and decrease hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.<br /><br />