Effective ADHD Treatments Identified for Adults
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“There are several take-home points from this study…First, the study shows that there are effective interventions for adults living with ADHD who are looking for ways to reduce any unwanted impact from symptoms. The clearest benefit was seen for medications, both as experienced by the individual and as observed by a clinician.” – Prof Philip Shaw, Director, King’s Maudsley Partnership for Children and Young people, and Professor, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London
Other treatment approaches, such as cognitive skill-boosting therapies and mindfulness practices, also demonstrated benefits, although these were less apparent to the individuals themselves and more noticeable to clinicians.Areas for Further Research
Despite the valuable findings, the study also highlighted areas where further research is crucial.- Most treatment trials reviewed lasted less than three months, making it difficult to assess the long-term effectiveness of interventions.
- The study did not explore the potential benefits of combining different treatments, such as using medication alongside cognitive therapies.
- Further research is needed to determine the best way to match individuals with the most effective treatment based on their unique characteristics and needs.
“This paper is a valuable contribution to the literature, shedding light on both the scarcity of neurostimulation research and the limited exploration of combined treatment approaches for ADHD. While novel neurostimulation methods linked to neuroplasticity—such as those we have demonstrated to be superior in children with ADHD—were not covered here,they have shown promising and lasting benefits. In contrast,research in adults remains relatively underdeveloped. Moving forward, greater emphasis on innovative, tolerable, personalized, and lasting neurostimulation approaches is essential to meet the unmet clinical needs of adults with ADHD”
– Prof Roi Cohen Kadosh, Head of School of Psychology and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Surrey
Prof. Katya Rubia, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at King’s College London, underscores the need for more research, particularly on non-pharmacological interventions.“This study is the first large network meta-analysis comparing medication and non-medication treatments for adult ADHD showing conclusive beneficial effects for medication treatments only…It is also crucial to stress that the network meta-analysis shows only evidence for short-term efficacy of medications, while longer-term efficacy cannot be established as yet because it is under-researched…More research is needed on which treatments work for who.” – Prof Katya Rubia, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Kings College London
While medication appears to be a highly effective treatment option for adults with ADHD, the research clearly indicates that continued exploration of other interventions is critical. Understanding the long-term effectiveness of treatments, determining the best combinations, and personalizing treatment plans based on individual needs will ultimately lead to better outcomes for those living with ADHD.New Research Sheds Light on ADHD Treatment Options in Adults
A groundbreaking study published in Lancet Psychiatry has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of different treatment options for ADHD in adults. This comprehensive network meta-analysis, the first of its kind, evaluated over 14,500 participants and compared pharmacological, psychological, and neurostimulatory interventions.
Dr. Celso arango, Director at the Institute of psychiatry and Mental Health and Chair of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, highlighted the significance of the study. “This is a landmark analysis,” he noted. “It offers a robust comparison of various ADHD interventions for adults, somthing that has been lacking in previous research.”
Dr. Arango emphasized the need for more long-term studies.”While this analysis is crucial,it’s important to recognize that the findings primarily apply to short-term treatment outcomes. More research is needed to understand the effects of these interventions over extended periods.”
One key takeaway from the research is that pharmacological treatments appear to be more effective than psychological or neurostimulatory interventions alone when compared to a placebo. This finding was particularly strong when evaluated based on patient feedback. Though, Dr. Arango pointed out that certain medications, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine, showed less favorable acceptability profiles.
The study’s authors, led by Ostinelli et al., also acknowledged a important limitation: the lack of data on the combined approach of pharmacological treatment plus psychological or other interventions.
Collaboration Key to Study’s Success
Notably,the study was developed in collaboration with individuals who have lived experience with ADHD,ensuring that it addressed relevant concerns and perspectives. This collaborative approach strengthens the study’s relevance and applicability to the ADHD community.
“Comparative efficacy and acceptability of pharmacological, psychological, and neurostimulatory interventions for ADHD in adults: a systematic review and component network meta-analysis’ was published in Lancet Psychiatry at 23:30 UK time on Tuesday, December 17th.
Declared Interests
Prof. philip Shaw: None
Prof. Katya Rubia: “I have a grant from TAKEDA.”
No response regarding DOIs was received from other experts.
## Interview with prof. Philip Shaw on Effective ADHD Treatments for Adults
**Archyde:** Professor Shaw, thank you for joining us today to discuss the groundbreaking study published in *Lancet* on effective ADHD treatments for adults. This research presents important findings for individuals struggling with this condition. Could you elaborate on the primary takeaways for our readers?
**Prof. Shaw:** Certainly. This study offers several crucial insights into managing adult ADHD. Most importantly, it confirms that there are effective interventions available to help individuals reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms on their lives.
**Archyde:** The study highlighted medication as the most effective intervention.
**Prof. Shaw:** yes, accurate. We observed clear benefits from medication, both from the individual’s viewpoint and as noted by clinicians. Psychostimulants,the most commonly prescribed type,generally offer these benefits without significant side effects.
**Archyde:** The study also examined non-pharmacological approaches like cognitive therapies. What did these findings reveal?
**Prof. Shaw:** While cognitive therapies and mindfulness practices also showed benefits, these were less apparent to individuals themselves compared to the noticeable improvements seen with medication. Clinicians, though, observed these benefits more readily.
**Archyde:** The study acknowledges the need for further research in several areas.Could you elaborate on those?
**Prof. Shaw:**
There are several crucial avenues for future exploration:
* **Long-term efficacy:** Most trials studied treatments over a short period, usually less than three months.We need long-term studies to understand the sustained effectiveness of these interventions.
* **Combination Therapies:**
Exploring the potential benefits of combining different treatments, such as medication alongside cognitive therapies, is critical.
* **Personalized Treatment:** Identifying the most effective treatment for individuals based on their unique needs and characteristics will lead to more tailored and triumphant approaches.
**Archyde:** This research emphasizes the importance of a personalized approach to ADHD treatment. Could you expand on how this might look in practice?
**Prof. Shaw:** By understanding an individual’s specific challenges, cognitive profile, and lifestyle, clinicians could tailor treatment plans. This might involve a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing monitoring to optimize efficacy.
**Archyde:**Thank you for sharing your insights, Professor Shaw. The findings of this study provide valuable guidance for adults living with ADHD and offer hope for improved quality of life.
**Prof. Shaw:** My pleasure.
