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ADHD in Adults – Treatment Options ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression, anxiety, substance abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments. Medications and psychotherapy 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 have seen significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning when they take medication. doctors who treat adhd in adults I Am Psychiatry is crucial that people suffering from ADHD find the combination of medications that is effective for them. Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as amphetamines or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid form and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Some adults can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medicine taken once a day to decrease the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day. Adults with ADHD are also treated effectively with antidepressants, like desipramine. This class of medications can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants to increase their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as an increased heart rate, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as alprazolam and clonidine can also be utilized to treat people suffering from ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in certain adults. However, these drugs can cause a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped or reduced in dosage. Psychotherapy is also beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy helps them deal with feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment against coworkers, teachers, supervisors, and family members that might nitpick or criticize them. In addition, marriage and family counseling can help couples suffering from ADHD to understand each other's issues and improve communication. Behavioral Therapy One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD is to help people learn skills and strategies that improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also aid those who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feeling of failure that is often associated with this condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives. It also helps to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. CBT may also include group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD as it allows them to connect with other people who have similar struggles and discover how they deal with their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments in adults with ADHD. All of these studies demonstrate significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes between medium and large. These improvements were linked to a variety modalities including cognitive and interpersonal therapy as well as social skills training, problem-solving training, and mindfulness meditation. However, caution is required in comparing the efficacy of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that differences in outcome results are due to a variety of variables such as treatment characteristics, measures used, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a technique that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to determine areas in the brain where there is too much or too little activity. Then, teaching the individual to control these patterns. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help with these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include interpersonal therapy to improve a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to change negative behavior and help manage self-destructive and impulsive behaviors which can lead to issues at school or at work. In certain situations, psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. People with co-occurring disorders like substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder must be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms aren't made worse by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, should be treated more aggressively. In-depth outpatient programs could be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide structured treatment that is more intense than conventional outpatient psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD improve their ability to manage time management and impulse control, planning, and executive function. It teaches them to recognize and express feelings and uses exercises and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. The training in mindfulness meditation improves CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to concentrate and manage emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It can help them cope with anger, sadness, and other emotions that could be contributing to their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults with ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. These issues can also impact relationships and can lead to financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve underlying problems and develop healthy coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial 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 that contribute to negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few choices. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. It is recommended that you first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor the response to the medication before treating the other disorder. Occupational therapy can help you learn methods to organize your life and your work, establish regular routines, manage your money and time and develop confidence in yourself. It can help you master techniques for relaxation that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly, yoga and other exercise can help you improve your focus by ensuring your body is stable in different postures. Family and marriage counseling can help adults with ADHD to resolve the issues they cause their spouses, kids and other family members. They frequently complain that they are unstable, unorganized, forgetful and often prone to making impulsive choices. You can strengthen relationships by teaching your spouses and other family members about ADHD. Furthermore, it can help you and your loved ones understand that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD instead of the lack of compassion or an unwillingness to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is a frequent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by a high rate of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychosocial interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults with ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in studies. These studies have highlighted the strengths and drawbacks of the various medications. Adults suffering from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, however it isn't always easy to diagnose them because childhood symptoms might not last throughout adulthood. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their family or they may not even remember experiencing symptoms. It is crucial to take a thorough medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms are caused by an illness like thyroid issues or sleep apnea, and vision issues. Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. The stimulants have the highest response rates for adults suffering from ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness vary from 70 to 80%. The most popular stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system which allows for a continuous drug delivery throughout the day. Adults with ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine is one of the most studied tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose drug and is recommended to increase the dose by 50 mg every seven days until the desired effect is observed. Bupropion XL is a second antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor agonist and is able to block the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its presence in the brain. This drug is known to improve mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive functions as stimulants.