Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medications
Adults are able to take many different drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. The dosages and the side effects differ. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history, family history and other health conditions to determine which medication is best for them.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They come in various forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These stimulants that last longer are popular due to their improved patient compliance, and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medications be used as a secondary measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may suffer from an "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases an experiment of a short duration with the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These drugs don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them learn skills to improve their life, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist with people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT assists a person to identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people focus on their emotions and thoughts, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person could be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can aid with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and lead to financial and legal problems. It can also help a person explore and resolve issues that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help someone develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a spouse or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help couples and families improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on transforming the client's negative thinking patterns. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. treatment for adults with add of this treatment is to eliminate impairments and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the person's everyday life.
In addition to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can be lengthy. It is an option for those who cannot receive enough relief from their medications.
In a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for people who suffer from more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan to address their specific problems. They typically teach them a series of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a high likelihood of being successful. Often a chart system is utilized to track progress and reward positive behavior. For children, this could involve a daily report which outlines the school-related tasks or positive behaviors they must perform and a method of recording and earning rewards. Therapists can also discuss the possibility of the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health issues like depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn to recognize their negative thoughts and how they impact their emotions. This kind of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To this end we examined the relationship between the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition, debugging, information management and evaluation). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could be the cause of significant variation 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 states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, however it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat various disorders and is more effective than any other treatment. This isn't a cure, but can be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapy therapist works with the entire family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's needs and learn how they can help their loved family members. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling can be helpful for addressing comorbidities such as depression and alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perception and determine if they are suitable for intervention with the family. The session can be conducted in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each client and lay out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work, family life and relationships. They will also inquire if any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to cope with anger and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can help you learn coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and money more effectively. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.