Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medications
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. However, the dosages are different and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't present in children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history, and other medical health conditions of the patient to determine which medication is most appropriate for the patient.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters. They help improve focus and reduce impulsivity and aggression. They come in various forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may have an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases, a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or take it because of drug misuse or other health issues such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications do not cause the same amount of side effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them gain techniques to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships and at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person, may be helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also help in avoiding important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive decisions that can could lead to legal and financial issues. It can assist a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help someone to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress, such as exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a spouse or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients to change their negative patterns of thinking. It uses skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to assist clients overcome their impairments and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients how to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. treatment adult adhd can take a long time. It's a possibility for adults who do not get enough relief from their medications.
In a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
The therapists that provide this type of treatment typically work with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They usually teach clients a series of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a good chance of being successful. Charts are often used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. This could be a daily report for children that lists the tasks they are required to finish at school or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as an organized system for recording and earning rewards. Therapists can consider creating negative consequences if a child does not complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer form of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This kind of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a variety mental health issues, such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thinking patterns and how they impact their emotions. This kind of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. In order to do this we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with 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 power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, which suggests that they can account for an important portion of the variation in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of anxiety, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it's still a relatively new treatment and more research is needed to determine if it can help with other disorders.
This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than any other therapy. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD but it could be employed as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. All members can better understand the client's needs and learn to assist their loved family members. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. Additionally, this kind of therapy is helpful for addressing comorbidities such as depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get a better understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and evaluate their suitability for family intervention. It can be done either in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into the current symptoms as well as their past and the impact they have on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental issues are present, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and transform negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching you strategies to manage anxiety and stress. This is a short-term option that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of failure, underachievement academic struggles, frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can help you learn ways to manage stress and cope and teach you how to manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also address the comorbidity of disorders like anxiety and mood disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.