According to the MayoClinic.com attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD always begins in early children, however, it may not be diagnosed until later, sometimes not until adulthood. Dr. J. Russell Ramsay and Dr. Anthony Rostain writing in an article for the journal "Professional Psychology: Research and Practice" that problems associated with ADHD "extend into adulthood for 50 to 70 [percent] of children diagnosed with ADHD." These issues often cause problems socially, occupationally and emotionally for the adult suffering from ADHD, necessitating some form of treatment.
Medication
The MayoClinic.com indicates that stimulants are the most frequent form of medication prescribed for ADHD. Stimulants address problems with inattention and hyperactivity found in adults with ADHD. These drugs work immediately and have long or short acting forms. Examples of these types of medications include Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine.
Strattera, a non-stimulant medication for treating ADHD, takes more time prior to working, sometimes weeks. Consideration of the use of Strattera may be considered if patients cannot tolerate the side effects from stimulants or if the individual has a history of problems with substance abuse, as stimulants can become habit-forming.
In some situations antidepressants show effectiveness in treating ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that using antidepressants in this manner is not FDA-approved.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Dr. Ramsay and Dr. Rostain indicate that cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT has emerged as a promising treatment for ADHD. CBT works to identify problematic and negative thoughts and explores how these thoughts influence feelings and behaviors. While negative thoughts do not cause ADHD, they may develop due to hurtles associated with dealing with the disorder, such as problems in school, social difficulties, long-term frustration and anxiety. Through a case conceptualization, a therapist works to understand the individual with ADHD. Learning about the nature of the individual's problems and developmental history assists in developing interventions specifically tailored to the individual.
Psychoeducation
Dr. Ramsay and Dr. Rostain state that providing psychoeducation to the individual with ADHD serves as an appropriate starting point for treatment. The education includes information about how ADHD manifests in the brain and how it causes problems associated with the disorder, such as inattention and hyperactivity. Understanding that ADHD does not stem from laziness or a character defect, rather neurobiology problems, may help the individual see more hope for change.
Psychosocial Therapy
A wide variety of treatment approaches exist under this heading. Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that addresses many different prospective problems areas. According to the MayoClinic.com these may include improvement of organizational and time management skills, reduction of impulsive behavior, learning positive problem solving skills, coping with past failures, raising self-esteem, improving relationships and reduction of anger.
Marital and Family Therapy
The MayoClinic.com indicates that the individuals living with an adult with ADHD may undergo a lot of stress and frustration. Partners and other family members should receive education regarding the disorder and learn skills to assist them in coping. Additionally, they should learn strategies to help the adult afflicted with ADHD improve.
References
- 'International Review of Psychiatry"; Beyond the 'Typical' Patient: Treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Preschoolers and Adults; Brigette S. Vaughan, Martin W. Wetzel and Christopher J. Kratochvil; April 2008
- "Journal of College Student Psychotherapy"; Cognitive Behavior Therapy for College Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; ; Ramsay J. Russell, Ph.d. and Anthony L. Rostain, Ph.D.; 2006
- MayoClinic.com: Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
- National Institute of Mental Health: Can Adults Have ADHD
- "Professional Psychology: Research and Practice"; Psychosocial Treatments For Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults: Current Evidence and Future Directions; Ramsay J. Russell, Ph.d. and Anthony L. Rostain, Ph.D.; August 2007
