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ADHD in Adults – Treatment Options ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high levels of co-morbidity (depression, anxiety, addiction to drugs) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments. Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. Medicines Many people with ADHD experience significant improvements in symptoms and functioning due to medications. Due to the many different ways that people react to medications, it is crucial for people with ADHD to find a combination that is most effective. Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. These stimulants are available as liquid or tablet form in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Adults can supplement their immediate-release medicine with an extended release, long-acting medicine every week to lessen the necessity to take it frequently throughout the day. Adults with ADHD are also treated effectively with antidepressants, such as desipramine. This class of drugs may be used together with stimulants or on their own to boost their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension. Adults with ADHD can also be treated using alprazolam or clonidine. They are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications were originally developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming affect and may improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in some adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped, 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 anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, and family members who may nag or criticize them. Additionally, marriage and family counseling can help couples suffering from ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication. Behavioral Therapy Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD seeks to improve everyday functioning by teaching skills and strategies. Psychotherapy can help people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the sense of failure they often feel. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, assists people in changing their negative thoughts and feelings that are causing problems in their life. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and act. This short-term, goal-oriented kind of psychotherapy has proven to be effective for a variety of disorders including anxiety and depression. It can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies. CBT could include group therapy, which can be especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD, as it provides the opportunity to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be offered in person or via the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to the standard treatment for adults with ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting measures such as symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. CBT has been compared with other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies demonstrate significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and effects, with sizes that range from moderate to large. These improvements were attributed to a variety modalities including interpersonal and cognitive behavior therapy and social skills training. problem solving training, and mindfulness meditation. However, caution is advised in comparing the efficacy of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is possible that the differences in outcome results depend on a variety of factors such as treatment characteristics, measures employed as well as the backgrounds of the patients. There are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback. This method involves wearing a hat with electrodes while performing cognitive tasks in order to identify brain areas where there is excessive or insufficient activity. The person then learns to control these patterns. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD also have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help to address these issues, which could contribute to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches that can aid in improving a person’s ability to resolve conflicts and build meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to alter negative behaviors and assist in reducing self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can cause problems at school or at work. In certain cases, psychotherapy is used as an adjunct to medications for adult adhd treatment for adults. People with co-occurring disorders like substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder should be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history or seizures, need to be treated more aggressively. When ADHD is severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and quality-of-life, intensive outpatient programs may be suggested. These programs provide an organized treatment that is more intensive than the traditional outpatient psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD enhance their ability to manage their time and impulse control, as well as organizing, and executive function. It helps them understand and express their feelings and utilizes worksheets and activities to make the learning more interesting. The training in mindfulness meditation enhances CBT and improves the ability of a person to concentrate and manage emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person's ability to handle anxiety and stress. It helps them deal with sadness, anger and other difficult emotions that may 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 symptoms interfere with relationships and can lead to financial difficulties. Therapy that addresses these issues can help boost your self-esteem, solve the root of your issue and establish healthy coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and teaches them how to change their negative thoughts and behaviors. It focuses on teaching you to utilize strategies to manage your time and eliminate thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods and perceptions of a limited selection. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid anxiety or depression. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is recommended to treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its response to the medication prior to treating the other condition. Occupational therapy can help you organize your life and work by establishing predictable routines that help you manage your money and time, and develop confidence in yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that may reduce your impulsivity and hyperactivity. In the same way yoga and other forms of exercise can help you improve your focus by stabilizing your body in various poses. Marriage and family counseling can help address the issues that adults with ADHD frequently cause their children, spouses, and other family members. They frequently complain of being insecure, unorganized, and susceptible to making decisions based on impulsivity. You can build stronger relationships by informing your spouses and family members about ADHD. It can also help you and your family members understand that the problems are caused by ADHD, rather than an inability to care or refusing to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity. This includes anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. There are many medications available for adults with ADHD. Some of these medications have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and drawbacks of the drugs. Adults suffering from ADHD might experience the same symptoms that children do, but it can be difficult to identify because the symptoms of childhood may not persist in adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD might not have an ancestral history of the disorder, or may not be aware of symptoms. A thorough medical history is necessary to help determine whether the symptoms are due to medical conditions such as thyroid issues, sleep apnea, vision and hearing 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 for treating adults with ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80 percentage range. adhd treatment for adults medication as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system that allows for continuous supply of medication throughout the day. Adults suffering from ADHD can take nonstimulant medications that are based on norepinephrine, or dopamine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been shown to work in adult ADHD patients. It is a low dose medication and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired response is observed. Bupropion XL is another antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine receptor 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 mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity, but it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.