Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many patients do not respond to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the drugs may cause side effects that are not common in children. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is the best for him or her.
The most popular type of ADHD medication is stimulant and is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular as they lead to better patient compliance, and an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbidities like anxiety and depression may alter the effectiveness of ADHD medications. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medication be used as a second measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may exhibit some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. 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 adverse effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or deal with issues at work or in relationships. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that thoughts and beliefs affect how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps people identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to alter these patterns. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can assist in addressing the particular issues caused by ADHD problems, like having trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts, being able to get along with others, forgetting important dates or obligations, and impulsive decisions that result in legal or financial issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome issues of the underlying nature, 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 offer support to a family member or spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD has on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to identify the root reason for the symptoms. This treatment is designed to help patients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are compatible with their everyday lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it's a good option for adults who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan to address the specific issues they face. adhd in adults treatment teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a good chance of being successful. A chart system is often used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. For an infant, this could be a daily journal that outlines all of the in-school activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as a method of recording and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss 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 supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new form of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This type of treatment can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health problems such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people recognize negative thoughts and their effects on their emotions. This kind of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that can be adaptable and beneficial.
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this, we examined the relationship between self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning to indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition debugging, information management, and evaluation). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can be the cause of significant variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional 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. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD however it can be employed as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. This allows all members to be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved one better. It also helps them deal with their anger and develop better communication skills. This type of counseling can be utilized to treat comorbid conditions, such as addiction and depression, which are often seen as part of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to get a clearer understanding of the family's view of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also ask if there are any other mental health issues that are present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It is focused on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching techniques to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties frequent job changes, and conflict in relationships. It can teach ways to reduce stress and cope as well as how to better manage your time and finances. It can also address the comorbidity of disorders like mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated with ADHD.