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ADHD in Adults – Treatment Options ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and addiction to drugs) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments. Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. Medicines Many people with ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning when they take medication. It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD discover the right combination of medication that works for them. Stimulants, including methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as frequently as every three to four hours. Some adults can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug used once per day to decrease the need for frequent dosing throughout the day. Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated successfully with antidepressants such as desipramine. This class of drugs can be employed together with stimulants or alone to enhance their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension. Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also used for the treatment of people suffering from ADHD. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, can have a calming effect and can enhance focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults. These medications can lead to extremely low blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is reduced. Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy can help them deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, family members and others who might nag or criticize them. Counseling for families and marriage is also a great way to help couples with ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve their communication. Behavioral Therapy The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to impart strategies and techniques that enhance performance in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also assist people with ADHD to overcome the low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, assists people to change negative thoughts and feelings that cause problems in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating various conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or alone. CBT may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it allows them to connect with others who are facing similar issues and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or via the phone. One study examined the effects of CBT in comparison to standard therapy for adults with ADHD and found that both treatments produced improvement in self-report measures of functioning, symptoms and quality of life. A number of studies have compared CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD and all have shown significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were attributed to diverse approaches that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation. However, caution is advised in comparing the effectiveness of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is possible that the differences in outcome results are due to a variety of variables, including treatment characteristics, measures employed and the background of the patient. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a technique that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain that there is too much or too little activity, and instructing the individual to control these patterns. Counseling Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these problems, which may be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy approaches which can improve the ability of a person to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage impulsive, self-destructive, and negative behaviors that could cause problems at work or school. In some instances, psychotherapy is utilized as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd in adults treatment. Patients suffering from comorbid disorders such as depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder should be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened through the use of medications to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and an history of seizures have to be treated with more vigor because they are more at risk of complications from medication. In- adhd treatment for adults without medication could be suggested if the individual's ADHD is so severe that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer more intensive and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD enhance their ability to manage their time and impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express their feelings. It utilizes worksheets and activities to make the learning more interesting. Mindfulness meditation training enhances CBT and enhances a person's ability to focus and regulate their emotions. It increases the capacity of a person's ability to handle stress and arousal. It can help them deal with sadness, anger and other emotions that could be causing their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulties functioning at home and at work. In addition to impacting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and can result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you build confidence in yourself and address the root of the issue. It will also assist you in developing healthy coping methods. Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches them how to change their negative thoughts and behavior. It concentrates on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods, and the perception of limited possibilities. Many people suffering from ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications that are used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe comorbid disorder first and monitor the response to treatment 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 build an optimistic image of yourself. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that can reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. In the same way yoga and other exercises can help you improve your focus by ensuring your body is stable in different postures. Marriage and family counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to solve the problems they cause their spouses, kids and others. They frequently complain of being erratic and unorganized. They often forget things or make decisions impulsively. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you establish healthier relationships. Additionally, it can help you and your loved ones realize that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD instead of a lack of caring or a willful refusal to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is a frequent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medication interventions. A variety of medications are available for adults suffering from ADHD and a few of them 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, but it isn't always easy to identify them since childhood symptoms might not last into adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD may also not have a family background of the disorder or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to help determine whether the symptoms are caused by an illness like thyroid problems, sleep apnea, vision and hearing problems or lead poisoning. Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. The stimulants have the highest response rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their responsiveness rates range from 70 to 80%. The most popular stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also administered through a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day. Adults suffering from ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective in adult patients suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose medication and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every seven days until the desired effect is observed. Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, was shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that blocks the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been found to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults, but it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving concentration or cognitive function.