ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options

ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is associated with a high rate of comorbidity, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.

Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine.

Medicines

Many people who suffer from ADHD report significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning when they take medication. Because of the different ways people respond to medications it is crucial for people with adhd in adults untreated to discover a combination that is effective.

Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form, and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medication with an extended-release long-acting medication every week to decrease the requirement to take it often throughout the day.

Adults suffering from ADHD can be successfully treated with antidepressants, such as desipramine. This class of medications can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to enhance their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.

Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. 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 result in a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly cut off or reduced in dosage.

Psychotherapy is also useful for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy helps people deal with feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment against coworkers, teachers, supervisors and family members who may criticize or nag them. In addition counseling for families and marriages can help couples with ADHD to understand each other's issues and improve communication.

Behavioral Therapy

Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can also assist people with adhd treatment for adults overcome low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that create disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which may be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include interpersonal therapy to enhance a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and adhd in adults treatment resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage self-destructive, impulsive and negative behaviors that can cause problems at school or work.

In some instances psychotherapy may be used as an alternative to medication for adult adhd in adults treatment. People with comorbid conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse must be assessed carefully to ensure that they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't ameliorated by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history of seizures, have to be treated with more vigor because they are more at risk of complications from medication.

When ADHD is serious enough to affect the quality of life and daily functioning intensive outpatient programs could be recommended. These programs offer an organized therapy that is more intense than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of cognitive therapy, assists adults with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive functioning. It teaches them to recognize and express emotions and uses activities and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and enhances the capacity of a person's ability to concentrate and manage emotions. It also improves a person's ability to tolerate stress and arousal. It helps them deal with anger, sadness, and other difficult feelings that may be contributing towards their ADHD.

Occupational Therapy

Adults suffering from ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. In addition to affecting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and may lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help boost your self-esteem, solve the root of your issue and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps you modify your negative beliefs and behavior. It focuses on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that contribute to negative moods, and the perception of limited choices.

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

Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work by establishing predictable routines, manage your time and money, and develop a positive image of yourself. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that may reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also help you concentration by stabilizing your body in different poses.

Family and marriage counseling can help adults with ADHD to resolve the issues they cause their children, spouses and others. They frequently complain of being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make decisions impulsively. You can build stronger relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can also help you and your family members realize that the issues are caused by ADHD instead of an inability to care or an unwillingness to cooperate.

Clinical Trials

Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is highly frequent. It is often accompanied by co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatments. There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and the limitations of the medications.

Adults suffering from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, however it isn't always easy to recognize them since childhood symptoms may not persist into adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also not have any family history of the disorder or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are due to a medical condition like thyroid problems, sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning.

Adults with adhd treatment for adult women are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants have the highest reaction rates for adults with ADHD. Their rates what type of doctor treats adhd in adults responsiveness vary from 70 to 70% to 80%. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate is also available as a transdermal solution, which permits continuous supply of medication throughout the day.

Adults with ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that work by affecting norepinephrine or dopamine. Desipramine, the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every seven days until the desired response is observed.

Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its presence in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults, but it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving concentration or cognitive function.