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ADHD in Adults – Treatment Options ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4 percent of the population. It is associated with high rates of comorbidity, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse as well as 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, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine. Medications Many people with ADHD have significant improvements in symptoms and performance due to medications. Because of the different ways people respond to medications it is important for individuals with ADHD to determine a mix that works best. Stimulants, including amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed drugs 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 may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug that is taken daily to decrease the need for frequent dosing throughout the day. Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated effectively with antidepressants, like desipramine. This class of drugs can be used by itself or in conjunction with stimulants to increase their effects. They may also increase the danger of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension. Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These drugs, initially developed to treat high blood pressure, have a calming effect and can enhance focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in certain adults. However, these medications can cause a drop in blood pressure when they are suddenly removed or reduced in dosage. Adults with ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy helps those with ADHD deal with feelings of shame, embarrassment and resentment against coworkers, supervisors, teachers, and family members that may criticize or nag them. In addition, marriage and family counseling can help couples suffering from ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication. Behavioral Therapy A key goal of psychosocial therapy for adults ADHD is to impart strategies and techniques that enhance functioning in daily life. Psychotherapy can also aid those who suffer from ADHD overcome low self-esteem and sense of failure that is often associated with this condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals change the negative thoughts that cause difficulties in their lives and to discover new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for many disorders such as anxiety and depression. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. adhd treatment for young adults may include group therapy, which can be particularly beneficial for people with ADHD as it offers the chance to connect with others who are facing similar issues and learn from others how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or via the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults who have 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 have shown significant reductions in ADHD symptoms with effects between medium and large. These improvements were associated with various modalities, including interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy, social skill 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 the differences in outcomes results are due to a range of factors, such as treatment characteristics and measures used. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while doing cognitive tasks to determine areas of the brain where there is too much or little activity – and then instructing the individual to control these patterns. Counseling Many people with ADHD have anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy strategies include interpersonal therapy to improve a person's ability to build meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage self-destructive, impulsive and negative behaviors that could cause difficulties at school or at work. In certain cases psychotherapy can be used as an adjunct to the medication used for adhd in adults treatment. People with co-occurring disorders like addiction to substances, depression and bipolar disorder need to be evaluated to ensure that their symptoms are not worsened by medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and a history of seizures, should be treated with more vigor. When ADHD is serious enough to affect everyday functioning and quality of life intensive outpatient programs could be recommended. These programs offer more thorough and controlled treatment than standard outpatient therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, assists people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time and impulse control, as well as planning and executive functioning. It teaches them to recognize and express emotions and uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons interesting. Mindfulness meditation training enhances CBT and improves the ability of people to concentrate and control their 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 difficult feelings that could be contributing to their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults with ADHD often have difficulties functioning at home and at work. In addition to affecting work performance, these issues can interfere with relationships and can cause financial problems. Therapy that addresses these issues will allow you to improve your self-esteem and address the root of the issue. It will also help you develop healthy ways of coping. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a useful treatment for adults with ADHD because it teaches you how to modify your negative beliefs and behavior. In particular, it focuses on teaching you to utilize strategies to manage your time and eliminate thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and a perception of limited choices. Many people with ADHD also have comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. These psychiatric illnesses may aggravate or diminish the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended to treat the most severe comorbid condition and then observe its response to the medication before treating the other condition. Occupational therapy can help you manage your work and life, establish predictable routines to manage your time and money and build a positive image of yourself. effects of untreated adhd in adults can also help you learn relaxation techniques that may decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similarly yoga and other forms of exercise can help you focus better by stabilizing your body in various poses. Marriage and family counseling can address the issues adults suffering from ADHD often create for their spouses, children and other family members. They often complain of being undependable and unorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make impulsive choices. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you develop better relationships. Moreover, it can help you and your loved ones realize that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD instead of a lack of caring or refusing to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is a prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. A wide range of medications are available for adults with ADHD and some of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and weaknesses of the medications. Adults with ADHD suffer from the same issues as children, but it isn't always easy to recognize them since the symptoms of childhood may not persist throughout adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD may also not have any family background of the disorder or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the symptoms are due to medical conditions like thyroid problems or sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning. Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and other non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective drugs to treat adults suffering from ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 – 80 percent range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. adult adhd diagnostic assessment and treatment may also be administered via a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery throughout the day. Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants that work on norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine is the most researched tricyclic and has been shown to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low dose drug and should be increased by 50 mg every seven days until the desired response is observed. Bupropion XL another antidepressant, was shown to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist and blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportation system, thus increasing its use in the brain. This drug is known to improve the mood of adults and reduce hyperactivity but it's not as effective in improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.