Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many depressed patients are not able to respond well to medication and may benefit from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat the symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar drugs.
Medicines
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. The dosages and effects differ. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which medication is the best for them.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, including skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide more patient compliance and lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit an "rebound" effect in which they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health issues, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't cause the same side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those with ADHD. It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or deal with issues in their relationships or at work. It can also assist with people with mental disorders that coexist, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps individuals identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then develop and implement strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques of meditation to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on a person's family history could be beneficial for those with ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific problems caused by ADHD, such as trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts, getting along with others, forgetting important dates or obligations, and impulsive decisions that result in legal or financial issues. It can also assist a person explore and overcome underlying issues that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, such as exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a spouse or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to address the underlying causes of the symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to overcome the limitations and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. The process can be long. But it is an effective option for those who do not receive enough relief from medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people who suffer from more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan to address their specific problems. They usually teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a good chance of being successful. A chart system is often used to monitor the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. This might include the daily report of a child that outlines the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and a system of recording and rewarding rewards. Therapists can consider introducing negative consequences when the child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health issues which include depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy which assists people in recognizing negative thought patterns and their impact on their moods. This type of therapy may also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To accomplish this, we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD but not with regulatory processes. treatment for adult adhd of a model that includes metacognition predictors was moderate, which suggests that they could explain a significant amount of the variation in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it's still a relatively new treatment and more research is needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD however it can be employed as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. All members can better understand the client's needs and learn how to help their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to deal with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling can be helpful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or substance misuse which are often seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain an understanding of the family's perspective of the issue and determine their potential for intervention by the family. This can be done in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each client the nature of treatment as well as the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to get a better understanding of the current symptoms as well as their history and the impact that 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 (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that comes from failure and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can help you learn strategies for managing stress and coping and teach you how to manage your time and money more efficiently. Get the facts can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.