Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients who are depressed aren't able to take medications and may benefit from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. The dosages and side effects are different. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history, and other factors of the individual to determine which drug is best.
The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity, and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they provide more patient compliance and lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can alter the effectiveness of ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first before medication is used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may experience an "rebound" effect in which they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people are unable take stimulant medication or take it because of drug misuse or other health conditions like heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these cases, nonstimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop skills to improve their life to manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and attitudes affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps people recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques of meditation to teach people how to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those with ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can assist in addressing the particular issues caused by ADHD like difficulty getting through schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial problems. IamPsychiatry can also help a person explore and resolve issues that contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help someone develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress, for example exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can assist families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on changing 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. This treatment is designed to help clients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are appropriate to their daily routines.
In addition, they teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take some time. However, it's a good option for adults who aren't getting enough relief from medication.
In an upcoming RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
The therapists that provide this treatment usually collaborate with the client to devise an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They usually teach clients a series of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a high likelihood of success. A chart system is often used to monitor progress and reward positive behavior. In the case of a child, this might involve a daily report that lists all the in-school activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be imposed if a child does not complete their task. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people suffering from a range of mental health issues such as depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people recognize negative thought patterns and their impact on their moods. This kind of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that can be flexible and useful.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. In order to do this, we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management, and Evaluation). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, indicating that they can explain a significant amount of the variation in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety and rumination, as well as attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it is still an emerging treatment, and further research is required to determine if it can aid in other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than other therapy. It is not a cure, but can be employed to treat ADHD.
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 assists them in dealing with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. This type of counseling can also be used to address the underlying conditions, like addiction and depression, which are often seen as part of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective and determine if they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be conducted either 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 with worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain an understanding of their present symptoms, their past, and the impact they've had on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that teaches you how to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to handle anger and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of failure, underachievement academic issues frequent job changes, and conflicts in relationships. It can help you learn strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also be used to address the comorbidities, like mood and anxiety disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.