ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options

ADHD is a prevalent neurological disorder that affects 4,4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression, anxiety, substance abuse) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.

Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed drugs.

Medicines

Many people with ADHD report significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. Due to the many different ways people respond to medications it is important for individuals with untreated adhd in adults depression to find a combination that works best.

Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Adults can augment an immediate-release medication with an extended-release long-acting medication every week to decrease the need to take it regularly throughout the day.

Adults with ADHD can be treated successfully with antidepressants like desipramine. This class of drugs can be utilized together with stimulants or alone to enhance their effects. They may also increase the danger of serious side consequences, like rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension.

Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam as well as clonidine are used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These medications, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, can have a calming effect and can improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. These medications can cause very low blood pressure when they suddenly stop, or the dosage is decreased.

Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD, as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers, teachers and family members who might nag or criticize them. In addition counseling for families and marriages can help couples with ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication.

Behavioral Therapy

The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to impart strategies and skills that help improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also aid those with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and sense of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy assists people to change negative thoughts and emotions that are causing problems in their life. It teaches them new ways to think, feel and adhd in adults treatment act. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for a variety of disorders including anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or on its own.

CBT can include group therool.

In certain cases, psychotherapy is used as an adjunct to medications for adult adhd in adults treatment. People with comorbid conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to ensure that they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and an history of seizures need to be treated more aggressively because they are at higher risk of complications from medication.

In-depth outpatient programs could be recommended when the person's ADHD is such that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide more thorough and structured treatment than traditional outpatient therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD improve their ability to manage time management and impulse control, executive function, and planning. It teaches them to recognize and express feelings and utilizes exercises and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation improves CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and manage emotions. It also improves a person's capacity to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It can help them cope with anger, sadness, and other difficult feelings that could be contributing to their ADHD.

Occupational Therapy

Adults suffering from ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and could cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve the root causes of your issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, as it helps them to alter their negative thoughts and behaviors. Particularly, it concentrates on teaching you to utilize strategies to manage your time and eliminate the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and a perception of limited choices.

Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended that you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and observe its response to medication prior to beginning treatment for the other disorder.

Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life by establishing predictable routines to manage your money and time and build a positive image of yourself. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that could 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 with ADHD frequently cause their spouses, children and their families. They often complain about being unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated on adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment can help you develop better relationships. Furthermore, it can help you and your loved ones understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than to the lack of compassion or an unwillingness to cooperate.

Clinical Trials

Adult ADHD is a prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. There are a range of medications available for adults with ADHD. Some of these medications have been evaluated in studies. These studies have revealed the advantages and drawbacks of the drugs.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have the same symptoms as children, however it can be difficult to identify them since the symptoms of childhood may not persist throughout adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD might not have a family history of the disorder in their families or they may not even remember experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by medical conditions such as a thyroid problem, sleep apnea, vision and hearing problems or lead poisoning.

Adults suffering from 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 in the 70 - 80 percentage range. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also accessible in a transdermal system which allows for a continuous supply of medication throughout the day.

Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, the most studied tricyclic, has been shown to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed.

Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, has been shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and is able to block the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transporter, thereby increasing its availability in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults, but it isn't as effective as stimulants in improving concentration or cognitive function.