Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. However the dosages differ and the drugs can cause adverse effects that aren't common in children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which drug is most appropriate for the patient.
The most popular type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. They come in various forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored because they improve patient compliance, as well as an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to be aware that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first and medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might suffer from some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it due to drug misuse or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same adverse effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help them develop skills to improve their life manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and manage problems in relationships or at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that thoughts and beliefs can influence how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps a person recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to alter them. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history could be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also help with forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive choices that result in legal and financial problems. It can also help a person explore and resolve issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a family member or partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD affects their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the client's negative thinking patterns. 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 the limitations and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the person's everyday life.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take time. It is a viable option for adults who do not feel enough relief from their medications.
In a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.
The therapists that provide this type of treatment typically work with the client to develop an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They usually teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high chance of success. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. This could be the daily report of children that details the tasks they must complete at school, or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as an approach to recording and rewarding. The therapists may also consider the introduction of negative consequences if a child does not complete their work. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This kind of treatment can be effective for people with a variety of mental health problems such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy which assists people in recognizing negative thinking patterns and their effects on their emotions. This kind of therapy helps them develop mental tools that are versatile and useful.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this, we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management, and Evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. treat adult adhd had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention which focuses on reversing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states like worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety, but it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was designed for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety of disorders and is more effective than any other therapy. It is important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD, but it can be used as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the Therapist works with the entire family. All members can better understand the client's needs and learn to assist their loved family members. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling can be utilized to treat the underlying conditions, like addiction and depression, which are often seen as part of ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to get a better understanding of the family's view of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or online. The counselor will explain to each person the purpose of therapy and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they have on their family, work and relationships. They will also ask if there are any other mental health issues present, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and transform negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It is focused on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching techniques to cope with stress and anger. This is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction 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 relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic challenges. It can teach strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction and also how to manage your time and finances. It can also address the comorbidity of disorders like anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen with ADHD.