Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, 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 increase levels of certain brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar medications.
Medications
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. The dosages and side effects can be different. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health conditions to determine which medicine is best 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. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they provide more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these mental health issues be treated first before medication is utilized as a secondary measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medications or are in a position to not take them due to abuse of drugs or other health issues, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't cause the same high rates of side effects as stimulants and have less risk of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them develop techniques to improve their lives manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and manage problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps people recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, then develops and implements positive strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs meditation techniques to teach people how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focused on the family history of a person may be useful for people who suffer from ADHD with significant secondary issues.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy can help address the particular issues caused by ADHD like difficulty keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts and getting along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities and making impulsive choices that result in financial or legal troubles. treating adult adhd can help someone overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a family or partner member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to identify the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to overcome the limitations and implement coping strategies that align with the person's everyday life.
In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, the therapists 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 take a while. But it is an effective option for those who do not receive enough relief from medication.
In the course of a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social performance for adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who offer this treatment usually work with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They teach them a set of skills that are simple to master and have a good chance of success. Often a chart system is used to monitor the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. In the case of an infant, this could involve a daily report which outlines the school tasks or positive behavior they have to perform, as well as a system for recording and earning rewards. The therapists could consider introducing negative consequences when the child fails to complete their work. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This type of treatment can be effective for people with a variety of mental health issues which include depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn to recognize their negative thoughts and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy helps individuals develop mental tools that are flexible and useful.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this, we compared the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning 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 with ADHD however, it was not associated with the processes that regulate. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, suggesting that they could explain a significant amount of the variance in daily functioning for adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of worry or rumination as well as attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, however it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than any other therapy. This is not an effective treatment, but it can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the Therapist works with the entire family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's needs and learn how to help their loved family members. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling can be helpful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and evaluate their ability to intervene with the family. This can be done in person or online. The therapist will explain to each client the purpose of therapy and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental health issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you how to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to handle anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with relationship conflicts or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and teach you how to manage your time and money more effectively. It can also help with problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders which are frequently associated with ADHD.