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ADHD in Adults – Treatment Options ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the general population. It is associated by high rates of comorbidity, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse as well as significant social, emotional and occupational impairments. Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine. Medicines Many adults with ADHD notice significant improvements in their symptoms as well as functioning in response to medications. It is important that people who suffer from ADHD find the combination of medications that is effective for them. Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) tablet or liquid forms and can be taken as often as every three to four hours. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medication with an extended-release long-acting medicine at least once a week to reduce the requirement to take it frequently throughout the day. Desipramine and other antidepressants have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of medications can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants or in isolation to boost their effects. However, they may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also used to treat adults with ADHD. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They are calming and may improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in some adults. These medications can result in very low blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is decreased. Psychotherapy can also be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help them cope with their feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD, as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, family members and others who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Counseling for families and marriage is a great method to help couples with ADHD better understand each other and improve their communication. Behavioral Therapy Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD aims to improve daily functioning by educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also help people with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and sense of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or alone. CBT could involve group therapy, which can be particularly helpful for adults with ADHD, as it provides the opportunity to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or by phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report indicators like 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 attributed to various modalities, including cognitive and interpersonal therapy and social skills training. problem solving training, as well as mindfulness mediation. However, caution is warranted in comparing the effectiveness of various treatments for adult ADHD. It is possible that the differences in the results of treatment are due to a range of factors, including the treatment features and the methods used. There are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This method involves wearing a hat with electrodes while performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint brain areas in which there is excessive or insufficient activity. The individual is then taught to regulate these patterns. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD also have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which may be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include interpersonal therapy to improve the ability of a person to form meaningful relationships and resolve conflicts. adhd treatment for adults without medication aims to alter negative behaviors and assist in managing self-destructive and impulsive behavior that can lead to problems at school or at work. In some cases psychotherapy may be utilized in combination with medication for adults adhd treatment. People who have comorbid conditions like bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs should be evaluated with care to ensure they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't ameliorated by the medications used to treat ADHD. People with certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and an history of seizures must be treated more aggressively as they are more at risk of complications from medication. When ADHD is sufficient to cause problems with daily functioning and quality-of-life intensive outpatient programs could be recommended. These programs offer structured treatment that is more intensive than traditional outpatient psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults suffering from ADHD improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, planning, and executive function. It helps them understand and express their emotions and employs worksheets and exercises to make the lessons more interesting. Meditation training that is mindful enhances CBT, and it improves a person's ability to focus and manage their emotions. It also improves a person's ability to tolerate the effects of stress and arousal. It helps them deal with sadness, anger, and other difficult feelings that could be contributing to their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. These symptoms can also affect relationships and can lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you improve your self-esteem and solve the underlying issues. It will also assist you in developing healthy coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults with ADHD because it helps you change your negative beliefs and behavior. It is focused on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions which can cause negative moods, and the perception of limited possibilities. Many adults with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or increase the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and observe the effect of medication before proceeding to treatment of the other disorder. Occupational therapy can help you organize your life and work, establish predictable routines that help you control your time and money and create a positive image of yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that can reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can also aid in improving your focus by stabilizing your body during different poses. Marriage and family counseling can help adults with ADHD to solve the problems they create for their spouses, kids and other family members. They often complain of being erratic and unorganized. They also tend to forget things or make decisions impulsively. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you build better relationships. It can also help you and your family members realize that the problem is due to ADHD, rather than an inability to care or refusing to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often associated with other disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are a variety of medications available for adults suffering from ADHD and some of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and the limitations of the medication. Adults suffering from ADHD may have the same symptoms that children have, but it's difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of childhood may not persist in adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their families or may not be aware of experiencing symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are caused by medical conditions such as thyroid issues or sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning. Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medications for treating adults with ADHD and their response rates are within the 70-80 percent range. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system, which allows for a continuous supply of medication throughout the day. Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that target dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is the most studied tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low-dose medication which should be increased each seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen. Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, has been shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic receptor, thereby increasing its presence in the brain. This drug is known to boost mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity but it's not as effective at improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.