Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many depressed patients are not able to respond well to medications and may get better results from therapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. The dosages and side effects differ. The doctor will look at the medical history, family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which drug is most appropriate for the patient.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, including skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, with medication used as secondary measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may exhibit an "rebound" effect where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or use it due to the misuse of drugs or other health conditions like heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be misused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or manage problems in their relationships or at work. It can also aid those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs can influence how someone feels, thinks and acts. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then formulate and implement positive strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history could be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also help in forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial issues. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help couples and families communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a while. However, it's a good alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medications.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people who have more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They usually teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a good chance of being successful. A chart system is often used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This could be the daily report of a child that outlines the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and a system of tracking and rewarding rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences could be inflicted upon a child who fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new type of psychotherapy that assists people change their mindset. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people with a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy can help them develop psychological tools that are versatile and useful.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To this end we examined the relationship between self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning to predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition debugging, information management and evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with regulation processes. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, suggesting that they can explain a significant amount of the variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it's still an emerging treatment and more research is needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was designed to determine the efficacy of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders and may even be more effective than other treatments. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD however it can be employed as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. This allows all members to be aware of the issues facing the client and to understand how to help their loved one more effectively. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling could also be used to address the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse, which are often seen as part of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to better understand the family's perception and determine if they're suitable for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each individual and set out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into the current symptoms, their past, and the impact they have on their work, family and relationships. They will also inquire if any other mental issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It concentrates on improving your self esteem and self-control through teaching strategies to manage stress and anger. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that comes from failure and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships as well as job changes and academic difficulties. It can teach you ways to reduce stress and cope as well as how to better manage your finances and time. treating adult add can also address problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.