Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients are not responsive to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed treatment for adult adhd include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medicines
Adults can use many medications to treat ADHD in children. The dosages and the side effects can be different. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient, family history and other health conditions to determine which medication is best for him or her.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular because they improve patient compliance, as well as more consistent, long-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbidities like anxiety and depression can influence the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, and medications be used as a secondary measure. Medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients might suffer from a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medicines or are unable to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions, such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These drugs don't have the same side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help people who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or manage problems at work or in relationships. It can also help co-existing mental disorders like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts influence how they feel, think and act. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and then devise and implement strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques of meditation to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focusing on the family history of a person may be useful for people with ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can assist with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive choices that result in legal and financial problems. It can also assist people to identify and overcome issues that could cause ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For example exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a partner or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to address the underlying causes of the symptoms. This treatment is designed to assist clients overcome their difficulties and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. However, it is a viable alternative for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for those with more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who provide this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They will teach them a set of skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. This might include a daily report for children that details the tasks they are required to finish at school or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and an approach to recording and rewarding. The therapists may also consider the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to complete their work. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from a range of mental health issues like depression. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thoughts and their impact on their moods. This kind of therapy can help them develop mental tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To do this we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management, and Evaluation). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, and 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 reducing anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. It is not an effective treatment, but it can be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. This helps all family members understand the client's problems and to understand how to help their loved ones better. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. This kind of counseling can also be used to address the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated as part of ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to gain an understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and assess their potential for intervention by the family. This can be done in person or online. The counselor will explain to each client the purpose of therapy 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 the current symptoms, their past, and the impact they've had on their work, family, and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that teaches you how to manage your behavior and transform negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by educating you on 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 deal with emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues, frequent job changes and relationship conflict. adult adhd treatment can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and money more effectively. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.