Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many patients do not respond to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
treating adhd in adults that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. The dosages and side effects can be different. A doctor will take into consideration the medical history of the patient, family history, and other health conditions to determine which medicine is most suitable for him or her.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters. They can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular as they lead to better patient compliance, and more consistent, long-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. 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 for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients might have an "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases it is possible to try a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could prove beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health issues, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't cause the same adverse effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain skills to improve their life, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with issues in relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of co-existing mental disorders such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and attitudes affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps people identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs meditation techniques to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can help with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial problems. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For example exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to an individual in the family or with a spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD affects their relationship. Marriage and family therapy helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients to change their negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialog based on skill with an expert in mental health to identify the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct impairments and implement coping strategies that align with the daily routine of the client.
In addition to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing skills that allow them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a while. It is a viable option for those who are unable to receive enough relief from their medication.
In the course of a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who provide this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to create a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They usually teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high likelihood of success. A chart system is often used to monitor the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. In the case of an infant, this could involve a daily report that outlines all of the school tasks or positive behavior they have to perform, as well as a method of tracking and earning rewards. The therapists could also discuss the possibility of creating negative consequences if a child does not finish their tasks. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy is effective for those with a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thinking patterns and how they impact their moods. This kind of therapy can help them develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this we evaluated the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was found that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, indicating that they can explain a significant amount of the variance in daily functioning for adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was created 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 relatively in its infancy and more research is required to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. It is not an effective treatment, but it can be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the Therapist works with the entire family. This allows everyone to learn about the client's issues and to understand how to help their loved one better. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression and alcohol abuse, which are commonly seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to understand the family's perspective and determine if they're suitable for family intervention. It can be done either in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist with 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 inquire if any other mental issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you to control your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. 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 option that can be paired with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD overcome emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of failure, underachievement, academic difficulties frequent job changes, and relationship conflict. It can teach ways to reduce stress and cope and also how to better manage your finances and time. It can also address the comorbidity of disorders like depression and anxiety which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.