Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many people who suffer from depression do not respond well to medications and may be able to benefit from therapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause negative side effects that aren't common in children. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history, family history and other health issues to determine what medication is best for them.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They come in many forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred because they improve patient compliance, and an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, add and treatment is recommended that mental health issues be treated first before medication is used as a second measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may have an "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant drugs or are in a position to not take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These drugs don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those with ADHD to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues at work or in relationships. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs can affect how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps a person recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history can be beneficial for those with ADHD with significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can aid with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and obligations and making impulsive choices that lead to financial and legal issues. It can also assist people to identify and overcome underlying issues that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
add adult treatment can assist a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress, such as exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a family or partner member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients overcome their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to identify the root causes of the symptoms. This treatment is designed to help clients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. However, it's a good alternative for adults who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
In a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving the 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 who suffer from more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan to address the specific issues they face. They train them in a series of skills that are easy to master and have a high chance of success. Typically, a chart system is utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. This could be an everyday report for children that lists the tasks they have to complete at school, or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and a system of monitoring and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child does not complete their task. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy could be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health issues like depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thoughts and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that can be adaptable and beneficial.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To accomplish this, we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management, and Evaluation). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, which suggests that they can account for a significant amount of the variance in daily functioning for adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it's still an emerging treatment and more research is required to determine if it can aid in other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. This is not an effective treatment, but it can be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the Therapist works with the entire family. This allows everyone to understand the client's problems and to learn how they can support their loved ones better. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and build better communication skills. This kind of counseling can be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as addiction and depression that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to understand the family's perspective and determine whether they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The counselor will explain to each participant the purpose of therapy and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to gain insight into the current symptoms as well as their history and the impact that they have on their family, work, and relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and transform 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 option that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people suffering from ADHD overcome emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement, failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can help you develop coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also help with the comorbidity of disorders like mood and anxiety disorders which are frequently associated with ADHD.