Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients who are depressed are not able to respond well to medication and may be able to benefit from therapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. The dosages and the side effects differ. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history as well as family history and other health conditions to determine what medication is most suitable for them.
The most commonly used ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They come in various forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide better patient compliance and longer lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and medication used as secondary measure. The medications that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients might have a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could be helpful.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health conditions for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications do not cause the same amount of side effects as stimulants, and are a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for people with ADHD. It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or deal with problems at work or in relationships. It can also aid in the treatment of those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that beliefs and thoughts can influence how someone feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps a person recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to teach a person how to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focused on the family history of a person can be beneficial for those with ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can assist in addressing the particular issues caused by ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting along with others, forgetting important dates or obligations as well as impulsive decisions that lead to financial or legal troubles. It can help a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on transforming the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to address the root causes of the symptoms. This treatment is designed to help patients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are in line with their daily lives.
In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take time. It is an option for those who are unable to get enough relief from their medications.
In a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to create an action plan to address the specific issues they face. They will teach them a set of skills that are easy to learn and have a good chance of success. Charts are typically used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. This could include a daily report for children that lists the tasks they are required to finish at school or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and an organized system for tracking and earning rewards. The therapists may also consider the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to finish their tasks. view it can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative type of psychotherapy that assists people to change their thinking. This kind of treatment is effective for those suffering from a range of mental health issues, including depression. It is a type of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thoughts and their impact on their emotions. This type of therapy may assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are able and beneficial.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To this end we evaluated self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition debugging, information management and evaluation). It was discovered that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had a moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain an important amount of variation in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of worry and rumination, as well as attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety, but it's still relatively new and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders and could be more effective than other treatments. This isn't a cure, but it could be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. All members can better understand the issues of the client and learn how they can help their loved family members. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling is useful in dealing with comorbid disorders like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and assess their ability to intervene with the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The counselor will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their present symptoms, their past, and the impact they have on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be paired with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic issues. It can help you learn ways to reduce stress and cope and also how to better manage your finances and time. It can also help with the comorbidity of disorders like depression and anxiety which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.