Adult ADHD is on the rise, and surprisingly, only 25% of adults with ADHD had it as children. Exact causes of ADHD are not known, but the effects can significantly impact a person’s confidence, self-esteem, and feelings of worth. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available, and although it may take some time to find the right combination for you, researchers continue to work toward more effective treatments every day.
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder. This means that it affects the way a person’s brain grows and develops. The brains of people with ADHD have deficiencies in certain neurotransmitters, which results in a range of signs and symptoms related to concentration/attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. One person with ADHD may be easily distracted or have a hard time getting and staying organized. Another person might have difficulty sitting still or curbing impulses. Some people have difficulty with both attention and hyperactivity. The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at work, in relationships, and in a person’s overall sense of wellbeing.
There is no cure for ADHD, but there are several treatments available that can help alleviate symptoms. ADHD treatment typically involves some combination of medication, psychological counseling, and behavioral interventions.
ADHD Medication
ADHD medication falls into two main classes: stimulant and non-stimulant. Central nervous system stimulants help increase the activity of hormones and neurotransmitters. They can be short-acting, medium-acting, or long-acting.
Short-acting stimulants are released into the bloodstream immediately and remain present for just a few hours at a time. Medium-acting stimulants release more slowly, and long-acting stimulants can last all day. Common ADHD stimulants include:
- Biphentin
- Ritalin
- Concerta
- Adderall
- Daytrana
- Focalin
- Dexedrine
Non-stimulant medications are sometimes prescribed in combination with stimulants, or are prescribed alone. Many non-stimulant medications are multipurpose, which means they can be used to treat more one than one condition. Some non-stimulant medications that treat ADHD also treat depression. Others also treat high blood pressure. These ADHD medications work in a variety of ways, some boost levels of norepinephrine, others increase wakefulness and attention or reduce impulsivity. Common non-stimulant medications for adhd include:
- Strattera
- Armodafinil
- Bupropion
- Clonidine
- Venlafaxine
Unfortunately, there’s no way to know which treatment will provide the best results for each individual. Many people have to try a few different options before they find the medication that works for them.
Psychotherapy for ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD can have a significant impact on many aspects of a person’s life. It can cause anxiety, depression, relationship troubles, financial stress, and other challenges that cannot be addressed with ADHD medication alone. Psychotherapy can help address the social issues and emotional difficulties that arise, as well as provide practical solutions for organization, communication, and time-management problems. Psychotherapy for ADHD may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented therapy that aims to change negative thought patterns and behavior patterns into healthy ones. CBT can help provide strategies for organization, communication, and symptom management.
- Marriage counseling / family counseling provides the opportunity to sort through family concerns and related emotions. Family therapy offers a safe space for family members to express their feelings, practice communication skills, and strengthen their relationships.
- Social skills training for ADHD is often done in a group setting and may include role-playing, self- and peer-assessment, observation, and other strategies aimed at learning to regulate actions and reactions toward others.
Psychotherapy for ADHD has proven most effective in combination with medication.
Alternative treatments for ADHD
Most successful ADHD treatment plans include some combination of psychotherapy and medication. But there are alternative solutions that may be able to help a person with ADHD manage their symptoms and minimize the negative impacts on their life. These include:
- Exercise
- Mindfulness practice
- Relaxation strategies
- Healthy diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids
While none of these treatment methods is guaranteed to provide relief from the symptoms of ADHD, they can have a positive impact on self-esteem and an overall sense of wellbeing.
Clinical research trial for ADHD
Current treatment options for ADHD do not work for everyone, and many of those that do help alleviate symptoms come with unwanted side effects. Current clinical research studies for ADHD are underway to help us learn more about the disorder and develop more effective treatments with fewer side effects. People who participate in clinical trials have the opportunity to access new treatments before they become available to the general public.
If you’re 18 or older and have been diagnosed with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder, you may be eligible to participate in an ADHD clinical research trial in San Diego at Synergy Research Centers. For more information, give us a call at 888-539-0282 or fill out our contact form today.