Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects are different. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history as well as family history and other health conditions to determine which medicine is most suitable for him or her.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They are available in a variety of forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is important to be aware that comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medication used as secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances an experiment of a short duration with an atypical stimulant drug could prove beneficial.
Some people are unable tolerate stimulant medication or cannot use it due to addiction to drugs or other health conditions such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these situations, non-stimulant medications 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 less risk of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or cope with problems in their relationships or at work. It can also help with co-existing mental illnesses such as depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT assists a person to identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to teach a person how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those with ADHD with significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive choices that result in legal and financial problems. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, for example exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a partner or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help families and couples improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients change their negative thinking patterns. It uses skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to assist clients overcome their difficulties and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily routines.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing skills that allow them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. The process can be long. It is an option for those who cannot get enough relief from their medication.
In the course of a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavior therapy in combination 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 and co. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people with more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan to address their specific problems. They train them in a series of skills that are easy to learn and have a good chance of success. Charts are typically used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. This could be a daily report for children that lists the tasks they must complete at school, or the positive behaviors that need to be exhibited, and an approach to monitoring and rewarding. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be imposed if a child does not complete their task. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health issues like depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thoughts and their effects on their moods. This kind of therapy helps them develop mental tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To achieve treatments for adhd in adults examined the relationship between the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation debugging, information management, and evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults with ADHD but not with regulatory processes. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, suggesting that they can explain a significant amount of the variance in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of worry and rumination, as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety of disorders and could be more effective than any other treatment. It is important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD but it could be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. This allows everyone to learn about the client's issues and to understand how to help their loved one more effectively. It also helps them find ways to deal with their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. This kind of counseling can be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as depression and substance abuse which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session in order to gain a clearer understanding of the family's perception of the problem and evaluate their potential for intervention by the family. 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 who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into the current symptoms as well as their past and the impact that they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues that are present, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage stress and anger. This is a short-term solution that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can teach strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction and also how to better manage your financial and time management. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.