Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many people who suffer from depression are not able to respond well to medication and could be able to benefit from therapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. However the dosages differ and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't common in children. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is most suitable for them.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which help improve focus and reduce aggression and impulsivity. They come in various forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred as they lead to better patient compliance and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that disorders be treated first and medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients may have a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could prove beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are unable to take them due to addiction or other health conditions, such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these cases, nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same amount of side effects as stimulants and carry a lower risks of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them learn techniques to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and manage problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist with co-existing mental disorders such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk natural add treatment include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that beliefs and thoughts can influence how someone is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps an individual identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then develop and implement strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses meditation techniques to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focused on a person's history with their family may be useful for people who suffer from ADHD with significant secondary issues.
In addition to medicines psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get together with others, losing important dates or responsibilities and making impulsive choices that lead to legal or financial issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help someone find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, such as exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a family member or partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD affects their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can assist families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a dialog based on skill with an expert in mental health to address the underlying cause of symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to eliminate impairments and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a long time. However, it's a good alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medication.
In a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan that addresses the specific issues they face. treating add teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a good chance of success. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. This might include the daily report of a child that outlines the tasks they have to complete at school, or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as an approach to recording and rewarding. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This kind of therapy could be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health issues, such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thoughts and how they impact their emotions. This type of therapy may also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are able and effective.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To this end, we compared self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition debugging, information management and evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD however, it was not associated with the processes that regulate. The predictive ability of a model incorporating metacognition predictors was moderate, suggesting that they could explain an important portion of the variance in daily functioning for adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it is still an emerging treatment and more research will be needed to determine whether it can aid in other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than other treatment. It 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. This helps all family members learn about the client's issues and to learn how they can support their loved ones better. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop better communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling can be helpful for addressing comorbidities such as depression and alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain an understanding of the family's perception of the issue and determine their ability to intervene with the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment as well as the rules for family therapy.
A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an understanding of their present symptoms as well as their past and the impact that they have on their work, family and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental issues are present, such anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people suffering from ADHD overcome emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement, failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can teach stress reduction and coping techniques, and how to better manage your time and finances. It can also address comorbid disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.