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ADHD in Adults – Treatment Options ADHD is a well-known neurological disorder that affects 44 percent of the population. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, and substance abuse) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments. Both medication and psychotherapy are effective treatments for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed medications. Medicines Many people who suffer from ADHD have seen significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. Due to the many different ways that people respond to medication, it is important for individuals with ADHD to determine a mix that works best. Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants such as amphetamines or methylphenidate. These stimulants are available in liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Adults may supplement an immediate-release medicine with an extended release long-acting medicine at least every week to decrease the need to take it frequently throughout the day. Adults suffering from ADHD can also be successfully treated with antidepressants, like desipramine. This class of medications can be employed together with stimulants or in isolation to boost their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also used to treat people suffering from ADHD. adult adhd diagnostic assessment and treatment were initially created to treat hypertension. They are calming and may improve focus and decrease hyperactivity and impulseivity in certain adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is decreased. Psychotherapy is also useful for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help them overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment against coworkers, teachers, supervisors and family members who might nitpick or criticize them. Additionally counseling for families and marriages can help couples with ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication. Behavioral Therapy Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD aims to improve daily functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can help individuals who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the feeling of inadequacy they often feel. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that cause problems in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. It can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or on its own. CBT can include group therapy. This is particularly beneficial for adults with ADHD because it enables them to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or via phone. In one study, CBT was compared to conventional therapy for adults with ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. CBT has been compared to other psychosocial treatments in adults with ADHD. All of these studies have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes ranging from medium to large. These improvements were associated with a variety modalities including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy, social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness meditation. However, caution is required in comparing the effectiveness 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 employed and the background of the patient. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap when performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain that there is too much or too little activity. Then, teaching the individual to control these patterns. Counseling Many people with ADHD also have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which may be contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include interpersonal therapy to enhance the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to change negative behavior and help manage impulsive and self-destructive behaviors that can lead to problems at school or at work. In certain situations psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medication for adults adhd treatment. People who have comorbid conditions like bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs need to be evaluated carefully to ensure they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't ameliorated by the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history or seizures, need to be treated with more vigor. Outpatient intensive programs may be recommended if the person's ADHD is such that it hinders their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide an organized therapy that is more intense than traditional outpatient psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, helps adults suffering from ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive functioning. It helps them recognize and express their emotions and uses activities and worksheets to make the lessons engaging. The practice of mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and manage emotions. It also increases a person's ability to handle the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with sadness, anger and other emotions that could be contributing to their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults suffering from ADHD experience difficulties at work and at home. In addition to impacting work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and may lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It can also assist you in developing healthy ways of coping. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps you change your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is focused on teaching time management techniques and overcoming thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods, and the perception that there are only a few choices. Many people with ADHD also have comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is recommended to treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor the response to the medication prior to treating the other condition. Occupational therapy can help you learn how to manage your life and work, create predictable routines, manage money and time and develop a positive self-image. It can also help you learn techniques for relaxation that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly yoga and other forms of exercise can help you improve your focus by ensuring your body is stable in different postures. Family and marriage counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to resolve the issues they create for their spouses, kids and other family members. They frequently complain of being unreliable and disorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make decisions impulsively. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you establish better relationships. It can aid you and your family members understand that the problem is caused by ADHD and not the lack of care or an unwillingness to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is an neurobiological disorder that is very frequent. It is often associated with co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatment options. There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these medications have been tested in trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and the limitations of the drugs. Adults who suffer from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, however it isn't always easy to diagnose them because the symptoms of childhood may not persist throughout adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD might not have any family history of the disorder or might not remember the symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the symptoms are caused by an illness such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning. Medications for adults with ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective drugs for treating adults with ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 – 80 percentage range. The most commonly used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also available in a transdermal system which allows for a continuous drug delivery throughout the day. Nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medicine and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed. Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant which has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist which is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic cellular transporter and increasing its presence in the brain. This drug has been shown to improve mood and reduce hyperactivity in adults. However, it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving cognitive performance or concentration.