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ADHD in Adults – Treatment Options ADHD is a common condition of the nervous system that affects 44 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, substance abuse) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments. Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. Medications Many adults with ADHD report significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. Due to the various ways people respond to medications it is crucial for people with ADHD to find a combination that works best. Stimulants, including amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly 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 may supplement an immediate-release medication with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least once a week to reduce the requirement to take it regularly throughout the day. Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used together with stimulants or on their own to boost their effects. They can also increase the danger of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension. Adults with 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 may improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in some adults. These medications can cause very low blood pressure if they suddenly stop, or the dosage is reduced. Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD as well as resentment toward co-workers, supervisors, teachers and family members who may nag or criticize them. Counseling for families and marriage can be a great option to help couples suffering from ADHD to better understand each other and improve their communication. Behavioral Therapy Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to improve daily functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can help individuals with ADHD overcome their self-esteem issues and the sense of failure they often feel. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy assists people to change negative thoughts and emotions that are causing difficulties in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of illnesses including anxiety and depression. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other treatments. CBT may also include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because 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 by phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. Numerous studies have evaluated CBT with other psychosocial treatments for people with ADHD, and all show significant reductions in self-reported ADHD symptoms with medium to large effect size. These improvements were associated with a variety modalities including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy, social skills training, problem solving training, as well as mindfulness mediation. It is essential to assess the efficacy between different treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is possible that the differences in the results of treatment result from a variety of factors, including treatment features and the methods used. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a technique that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to identify areas of the brain where there is too much or too little activity – and then instructing the individual to control these patterns. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help address these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy techniques that can aid in improving a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to transform negative behaviors and assist in managing impulsive and self-destructive behaviors which can lead to issues at school or at work. In some instances psychotherapy can be used as an adjunct to the medication used for adhd treatment for adults. Patients with multiple disorders like depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder need to be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms aren't made worse through the use of medications to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, should be treated more aggressively. When ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with the quality of life and daily functioning intensive outpatient programs might be recommended. These programs provide more intense and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of cognitive therapy, helps people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive function. online adhd treatment for adults helps them recognize and express their emotions, and it uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and regulate emotions. It also enhances an individual's capacity to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with anger, sadness, and other emotional issues that may be contributing towards their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults with ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. In addition to affecting their work performance, these conditions can cause problems with relationships and could lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve underlying problems and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative thoughts and behaviors. It concentrates on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can lead to negative moods and the perception of limited options. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is recommended to treat the most severe comorbid condition and then observe its response to the medication before treating the other disorder. Occupational therapy can help you learn ways to organize your life and work, set up routines that are predictable, manage money and time and develop a positive self-image. It will also help you learn relaxation techniques that may reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Additionally yoga and other forms of exercise can help you focus better by ensuring your body is stable in different poses. Marriage and family counseling can address the problems that adults with ADHD often cause their children, spouses, and others. They frequently complain that they are unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and prone to making impulsive decisions. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you establish more harmonious relationships. Furthermore it can aid you and your loved ones to understand that these issues are due to the patient's ADHD rather than an absence of care or refusing to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is a prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often associated with co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication treatments are available as treatment options. A wide range of medications are available for adults suffering from ADHD, and some of them have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and limitations of the various medications. Adults suffering from ADHD might experience the same symptoms that children do, but it can be difficult to identify because childhood symptoms might not persist in adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD may not have a history of the disorder in their families or they may not remember experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to help determine whether the symptoms are due to medical conditions such as thyroid issues, sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning. Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most effective drugs for treating adults with ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80% range. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be administered through a transdermal system. This allows for continuous medication delivery throughout the daytime. Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that work on norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched 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 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 receptor agonist and is able to block the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its availability in the brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults. However, it is not as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving cognitive performance or concentration.