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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 rates of comorbidity (depression, anxiety, substance abuse) and significant emotional, social and occupational impairments. Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. Medicines Many people who suffer from ADHD notice significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning in response to medication. signs of untreated adhd in adults to the various ways that people react to medications, it is crucial for people with ADHD to discover a combination that is most effective. Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed medications for adults with ADHD. They are available in tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication that is taken daily to reduce the need for frequent dosing throughout the day. Antidepressants like desipramine have also been proven to be effective in treatment of adults with ADHD. This class of drugs can be used by itself or in conjunction with stimulants to boost their effects. They may also increase the risk of serious side effects, including rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension. Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam and clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 antagonists of the adrenergic system. These medications, originally designed to treat high blood pressure, can have the ability to calm and improve focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in certain adults. However, these medications could cause a very low blood pressure if they are suddenly removed or reduced in dosage. Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them deal with their feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding their ADHD and anger toward supervisors, colleagues teachers, family members and others who might be a source of criticism or nagging them. Additionally counseling for marriage and families can help couples with 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 educating people on strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also help people with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feelings of failure that is often associated with this condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, assists people in changing their negative thoughts and emotions that are causing problems in their lives. It helps them learn new ways to think, feel and behave. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been proven effective in treating many conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be utilized in conjunction with other therapies or alone. CBT may involve group therapy, which can be especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD, as it provides the chance to connect with others with similar challenges and to learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or via the phone. One study compared the results of CBT against standard therapy for adults with ADHD and discovered that both treatments resulted in improvement in self-report assessments of functioning, symptoms and quality of life. CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments for adults with ADHD. All of these studies demonstrate significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes between medium and large. These improvements were attributed to various modalities that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skill training, problem-solving training and mindfulness meditation. It is crucial to evaluate the efficacy between different treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is likely that variations in the outcomes depend on a variety of factors, including treatment characteristics, measures employed, and patient backgrounds. A few studies have investigated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a method that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to identify areas in the brain that there is too much or too little activity, and instructing the individual to control these patterns. Counseling Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety or mood disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues that may be contributing ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include interpersonal therapy to improve the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behaviors that can cause problems at work or school. In some cases psychotherapy can be used as an adjunct to medication for adult adhd treatment for adults. Patients with co-occurring disorders like substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder need to be assessed to ensure their symptoms are not worsened by the medications used to treat ADHD. Patients with certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and an history of seizures need to be treated more aggressively because they are more at risk of developing complications from the medications. Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended when the person's ADHD is such that it interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer an organized therapy that is more intense than conventional outpatient psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps adults with ADHD improve their abilities to manage time and impulse control, planning, and executive function. It helps them understand and express their emotions and uses exercises and worksheets to make the learning interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation can enhance CBT and enhances the capacity of a person to focus and manage emotions. It also improves a person's ability to handle anxiety and stress. It helps them deal with sadness, anger and other emotions which could be contributing to their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulties functioning at home and at work. These symptoms can also affect relationships and lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you boost your self-esteem, solve the root causes of your issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps them to alter their negative thoughts and behaviours. In particular, it concentrates on teaching you to use strategies to manage your time and eliminate the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and perceptions of a limited selection. Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric disorders can diminish or even increase the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore it is recommended you treat the most severe disorder comorbid to ADHD first and observe the response to treatment before proceeding to treatment of the other condition. Occupational therapy can help you organize your life and work, establish predictable routines, control your time and money, and develop a positive image of yourself. signs of untreated adhd in adults can help you learn ways to relax that could reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly, yoga and other exercise can help you focus better by stabilizing the body in different poses. Family and marriage counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to solve the problems they cause their spouses, kids and friends. They often complain of being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make impulsive decisions. Classes and therapy in which spouses and other family members are taught about ADHD can help you build healthier relationships. It can help you and your family members understand that the problem is caused by ADHD instead of an inability to care or refusing to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is a prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity. This includes depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. A wide range of medications are available to adults suffering from ADHD and some of them have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the advantages and drawbacks of the drugs. Adults suffering from ADHD experience the same symptoms as children, but it isn't always easy to recognize them since childhood symptoms might not last throughout 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 essential to help determine whether the symptoms are caused by medical conditions such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea, issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning. Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medications for treating adults with ADHD and their responsiveness rates are in the 70 – 80% range. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Methylphenidate is also available as a transdermal solution, that allows for continuous drug delivery throughout the day. Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from 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 medication with a low dose which should be increased each seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is seen. Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant, has been proven to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transportationer, increasing its availability in brain. The drug has been proven to improve mood and decrease hyperactivity in adults. However, it isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to improving cognitive performance or concentration.