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ADHD in Adults – Treatment Options ADHD is a common neurological disorder that affects around 4,4% of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments. Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. Medications Many people with ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medication. Because of the different ways that people react to medications, it is crucial for people with ADHD to determine a mix that is effective. Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They 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 can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication used once per day to lessen the need for frequent dosing throughout the day. Antidepressants like desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be employed in conjunction with stimulants or on their own to boost their effects. They can also increase the danger of serious side consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as alprazolam as well as clonidine are used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can improve focus, and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in certain adults. However, these medications could cause 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 therapy can help people overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment toward coworkers, supervisors, teachers, and family members that might nitpick or criticize them. Family and marriage counseling is also a great way to help couples with ADHD better understand each other and improve communication. Behavioral Therapy Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD overcome their self-esteem problems and the feeling of failure they feel frequently. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that create difficulties in their lives and to discover new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating many conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other treatments. CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD as it allows them to connect with other people who face similar challenges and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or over the phone. One study compared the effects of CBT in comparison to traditional therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report assessments of functioning, symptoms and quality of life. Several studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD and have all shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were attributed to diverse approaches such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving, and mindfulness meditation. It is crucial to evaluate the efficacy between different treatment options for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that the differences in outcome results reflect a number of variables such as treatment characteristics, measures used, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain where there is too much or too little activity – and then instructing the person to manage these patterns. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help to address these problems, which may be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Some psychotherapy approaches 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 behavior that can cause difficulties at school or at work. In some cases psychotherapy may be utilized in conjunction with medications for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. People with multiple disorders like addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder must be assessed to ensure that their symptoms aren't aggravated by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, must be treated more aggressively. In-depth outpatient programs could be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide more thorough and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of cognitive therapy, helps adults suffering from ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive function. It helps them understand and express feelings and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT and improves the ability of people to concentrate and regulate their emotions. It also increases a person's ability to handle the effects of stress and arousal. It can help them deal with sadness, anger and other difficult emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults suffering from ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. These issues can also impact relationships and cause financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve the root of your issue and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD, as it helps them to alter their negative beliefs and behaviours. It is focused on teaching you how to use time management strategies and overcome thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and the perception of limited choices. iampsychiatry.com with ADHD also have comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric disorders can exacerbate or decrease the effectiveness of certain treatments for ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and then monitor its response to medication prior to attempting treatment for the other condition. Occupational therapy can teach you ways to organize your life and work, establish regular routines, manage your time and money and build a positive self-image. It can help you learn techniques for relaxation that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other workouts can aid in improving your concentration by stabilizing your body in various postures. Marriage and family counseling can address the issues people with ADHD often create for their spouses, children and other family members. They often complain about being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make decisions impulsively. You can build stronger relationships by educating your spouses and family members about ADHD. Moreover it can aid you and your loved ones to 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 a neurobiological disorder that is very prevalent. It is often accompanied by co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatment options. There are many medications available for adults with ADHD. Certain of these medications have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and weaknesses of the drugs. Adults who suffer from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, however it isn't always easy to recognize them since childhood symptoms may not persist into adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their family or they may not even remember experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to help determine whether the symptoms are due to a medical condition such as thyroid issues, sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning. Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medications to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their response rates are in the 70%-80 percent range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate may also be administered via a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery during the day. Adults suffering from ADHD are able to take nonstimulant medication that act on norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has shown to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed. Bupropion XL another antidepressant, has been shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer, increasing its availability in brain. This drug is known to improve the mood of adults and reduce hyperactivity but it's not as effective in improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.