Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects can be different. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history and other conditions of an individual to determine which medication is most appropriate for the patient.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called 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 aggression and impulsivity. They come in many forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first and medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may suffer from a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these cases, a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are not able to take them due to addiction or other health conditions, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants, and are lower risks of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those with ADHD. It can help them learn strategies to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and manage problems in relationships and at work. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses such as depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps people identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs meditation techniques to teach a person how to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person's family history can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also help with the particular issues caused by ADHD problems, like having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts and getting together with others, losing important dates or responsibilities and making impulsive choices that result in financial or legal troubles. It can also assist individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change their negative thinking patterns. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to help clients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are compatible with their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a while. It is an option for those who cannot receive enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study concluded that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people who have more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with their clients to devise an action plan to address their specific issues. They train them in a series of practical skills which are easy to master and have a high chance of success. Often a chart system is used to monitor progress and reward positive behaviour. In the case of a child, this might involve a daily report which outlines the in-school activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be imposed if a child fails to complete their tasks. adhd treatments adults can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new form of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This kind of treatment can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health issues which include depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize negative thinking patterns and their effect on their emotions. This type of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that are versatile and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To this end we compared self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition debugging, management of information, and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults with ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, indicating 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 are dysfunctional and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was created for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than other treatment. This isn't an effective treatment, but it can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. Everyone is able to better understand the client's issues and learn how they can help their loved family members. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful for addressing comorbidities such as depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and assess their potential for intervention by the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The counselor will explain to each participant the nature of treatment and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with worked with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to get a better understanding of their current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they have on their family, work, and relationships. They will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It focuses on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching you strategies to manage stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that comes from failure and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with relationship conflicts as well as job changes and academic difficulties. It can help you learn strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.