From the Guidelines
Adults with hyperactive-type ADHD typically display symptoms including restlessness, excessive talking, impulsivity, difficulty sitting still, interrupting others, and feeling internally restless or driven, and the most effective treatment approach involves a combination of medication and behavioral strategies, with first-line medication options including stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine-based medications, and non-stimulant alternatives like atomoxetine or alpha-2 agonists, as supported by the most recent study 1.
The symptoms of hyperactive-type ADHD in adults can be categorized into two main types: inattentive symptoms and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Inattentive symptoms include poor attention to detail, difficulty concentrating or sustaining attention on tasks, and organizational challenges, while hyperactive-impulsive symptoms include frequent fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, feeling of inner restlessness or agitation, and interrupting others 1.
Some key points to consider in the treatment of hyperactive-type ADHD in adults include:
- The use of stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) at doses ranging from 10-60 mg daily or amphetamine-based medications (Adderall, Vyvanse) at 5-70 mg daily, as first-line treatment options 1
- The use of non-stimulant alternatives, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) at 40-100 mg daily, bupropion (Wellbutrin) at 150-450 mg daily, or alpha-2 agonists like guanfacine, for patients who do not respond to stimulants or have certain comorbidities 1
- The importance of behavioral interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, organizational skills training, mindfulness practices, and establishing consistent routines, in conjunction with medication treatment 1
- The need for individualized treatment approaches, taking into account the patient's specific symptoms, comorbidities, and preferences, as well as the potential for medication adherence issues and the need for regular monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans 1
Overall, the treatment of hyperactive-type ADHD in adults requires a comprehensive and multimodal approach, incorporating both medication and behavioral strategies, and tailored to the individual patient's needs and circumstances, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
As an integral part of a total treatment program that typically includes other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a stabilizing effect in pediatric patients (ages 3 years to 16 years) with a behavioral syndrome characterized by the following group of developmentally inappropriate symptoms: moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional liability, and impulsivity.
The signs and symptoms of ADHD hyperactive type in adults are not directly addressed in the provided drug labels. However, based on the information provided for pediatric patients, the symptoms of ADHD can include:
- Moderate to severe distractibility
- Short attention span
- Hyperactivity
- Emotional liability
- Impulsivity
It is essential to note that the provided drug labels do not explicitly discuss ADHD symptoms in adults, and therefore, no conclusion can be drawn regarding the specific signs and symptoms of ADHD hyperactive type in adults 2.
From the Research
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD Hyperactive Type in Adults
- Adults with ADHD hyperactive type often exhibit symptoms such as restlessness, being easily distracted, and regularly failing to follow through on tasks 3
- They may also display impulsive behaviors, such as interrupting others, and have difficulties with school, work, family interactions, and social activities 4
- Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity persist into adulthood, affecting the individual's education, work, relationships, and home settings 5
- If left untreated, adult ADHD can cause significant personal, social, and economic burdens, negatively impacting overall quality of life 4
Treatment Options for ADHD Hyperactive Type in Adults
- Clinical guidelines recommend a subset of amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants as first-line pharmacotherapy, which may be more effective when combined with psychotherapy 3
- For adults unable to take stimulants or with concurrent anxiety/depression, options include atomoxetine, viloxazine, and bupropion 3
- Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant option that has been shown to be safe and effective in improving quality of life and emotional lability, in addition to core ADHD symptoms 6
- Treatment with medications and psychosocial interventions is essential, and educational, individual, and career counseling may be of significant importance 5
- Accurate diagnosis and efficacious treatment of ADHD in adults is vital to improve their functioning, and when a patient has ADHD and a co-occurring condition, the clinician should usually treat the most impairing condition first 7