cougarglider94

ADHD in Adults – Treatment Options ADHD is a common disorder of the nervous system that affects 4,4% of the population. It is accompanied by high rates of comorbidity (depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments. Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are among the most frequently prescribed medications. Medicines Many people with ADHD have seen significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning in response to medications. It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD find the combination of medication that works for them. Stimulants, including methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. These stimulants are available as tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hour. Some adults supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or longer-acting drug that is taken daily to reduce the need for frequent dosing throughout the day. Adults with ADHD can also be treated effectively with antidepressants, such as desipramine. This class of drugs can be used alone or in combination with stimulants to enhance their effects. They can also increase the risk of serious adverse effects, such as rapid heartbeats, EKG changes and orthostatic hypotension. Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists like alprazolam as well as clonidine are used for the treatment of adults with ADHD. These medications, originally developed to treat high blood pressure, have the ability to calm and improve focus and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults. However, these drugs can result in a drop in blood pressure if they are abruptly cut off or reduced in dosage. Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help them deal with their feelings of shame and embarrassment over their ADHD, as well as anger towards supervisors, coworkers teachers, and family members who might nag or criticize them. untreated adhd in adults and family counseling can be a great option to help couples suffering from ADHD improve their understanding of each other and improve communication. Behavioral Therapy One of the main goals of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to impart skills and strategies that improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help people with ADHD overcome their low self-esteem, and the feeling of failure they often feel. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. This short-term, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy has been found to be effective for a variety of illnesses including anxiety and depression. It can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies. CBT can also incorporate group therapy. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it enables them to meet others who are facing similar issues and learn about how they manage their ADHD symptoms. CBT can be provided in person or over the phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments improved self-report measures like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies show significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes that range from moderate to large. These improvements were attributed to various modalities that include cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving, and mindfulness meditation. It is essential to assess the effectiveness of various treatments for adults with ADHD with caution. It is possible that the differences in outcome results are due to a variety of variables such as treatment characteristics, measures used as well as the backgrounds of the patients. Few studies have examined the effectiveness neurofeedback. This method involves wearing a hat with electrodes while performing cognitive tasks to identify brain areas where there is a lack or excess of activity. The individual then learns to control these patterns. Counseling Many people who suffer from ADHD have mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help to address these issues, which may be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is among the psychotherapy approaches that can help improve the ability of individuals to manage conflicts and create meaningful relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help people manage self-destructive, impulsive and negative behaviors that could create difficulties at school or at work. In some cases psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. People who have comorbid conditions like bipolar disorder and substance abuse need to be evaluated carefully to ensure they do not have symptoms that are not improved by the medications used to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and an history of seizures have to be treated with more vigor because they are more at risk of complications from medication. Outpatient intensive programs may be suggested if the individual's ADHD is such that it affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer a more intense and organized treatment than traditional outpatient therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of cognitive therapy, aids adults suffering from ADHD to improve their ability to manage time, impulse control, planning and executive function. It helps them identify and express their feelings and uses worksheets and activities to make the lessons more interesting. Mindfulness meditation training enhances CBT and enhances a person's ability to focus and manage their emotions. It also improves a person's capacity to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger and other emotional issues that may be contributing to their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults with ADHD have issues functioning at work and at home. In addition to affecting their work performance, these symptoms interfere with relationships and can result in financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help you increase self-esteem, address the root of your issue and establish healthy coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it teaches you how to change your negative beliefs and behaviors. It is focused on teaching techniques for managing time and overcoming thinking distortions which can cause negative moods, and the perception of limited choices. Many people suffering from ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric conditions can cause or decrease the effectiveness of certain treatments for ADHD. It is therefore recommended that you first treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor the response to the medication before treating the other condition. Occupational therapy can teach you methods to organize your life and your work, create regular routines, manage your money and time and develop an optimistic self-image. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that could reduce your hyperactivity and impulsivity. Similarly, yoga and other exercise can help you focus better by stabilizing your body in various poses. Marriage and family counseling can assist adults suffering from ADHD to solve the problems they cause their spouses, kids and friends. They frequently complain that they are unreliable, disorganized, forgetful and prone to making impulsive decisions. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you develop better relationships. It can help you and your family members realize that the problems are caused by ADHD instead of a lack in caring or a refusal to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that is extremely prevalent. It is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression and abuse disorders. The use of medication and psychosocial interventions is available as treatment options. A variety of medications are available to adults suffering from ADHD, and some of them have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the drugs. Adults with ADHD may have the same symptoms as children do, but it can be difficult to diagnose since childhood symptoms may not persist in adulthood. Adults with ADHD might not have any family history of the disorder or may not remember symptoms. A thorough medical history is important to help determine whether the symptoms are due to medical conditions such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea. It could also be due to hearing and vision problems or lead poisoning. Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most effective medication to treat adults suffering from ADHD, and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80 percent range. The most commonly used stimulants are amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds. Methylphenidate is also administered through a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery during the day. Nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine is one of the most studied tricyclic, and has been proven to be effective in adult patients with ADHD. It is a low dose drug and should be increased by 50 mg every 7 days until the desired effect is observed. Bupropion XL is a second antidepressant that has been shown 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 which increases its accessibility to the brain. This drug has been proven to boost mood in adults and reduce hyperactivity, however, it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive function as stimulants.