Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar medications.
Medications
Adults can use many medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and effects are different. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history, and other conditions of an individual to determine which drug is best.
The most popular type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. add treatments for adults come in various forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide greater patient compliance and a longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medications. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first before medication used as secondary measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit an "rebound" effect in which they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medications or are not able to take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These drugs do not have the same level of side effects as stimulants and carry a less risk of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or cope with problems in their relationships or at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk adhd treatments adults include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that beliefs and thoughts can affect how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps an individual identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then develop and implement positive strategies to change these. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific problems caused by ADHD like difficulty getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts, being able to get along with others, forgetting important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial problems. It can help a person overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a spouse or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help families and couples improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients to change their negative thoughts. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to eliminate impairments and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the person's everyday life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it is a viable alternative for adults who do not receive enough relief from medication.
In a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people with more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to devise an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They train them in a series of practical skills that are simple to master and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This could include a daily report for children that details the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be exhibited, and an approach to tracking and rewarding. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps individuals change how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from various mental health issues, such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thinking patterns and how they impact their moods. This type of therapy can assist them in acquiring 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 do this, we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could be the cause of significant variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety and rumination, as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, however it's still a relatively new concept and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat various disorders and could be more effective than any other treatment. This is not a cure, but can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the Therapist works with the entire family. All members can better understand the client's issues and learn to assist their loved family members. It also assists them in finding ways to deal with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling can be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to understand the family's perception and determine if they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be conducted online or in person. The counselor will explain to each person the nature of treatment as well as the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions in order to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work, family life and relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues that are present like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you how to control your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to manage stress and anger. This is a short-term option that can be utilized alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that comes from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can teach you ways to reduce stress and cope as well as how to manage your finances and time. It can also be used to tackle other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen alongside ADHD.