Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients who are depressed aren't able to take medication and may be able to benefit from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat the symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different medications to treat ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause negative side effects that aren't present in children. adult treatment for adhd will take into consideration the medical history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is the best for them.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease 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 preferable as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients might suffer from some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases it is possible to try a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These drugs do not have 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 with ADHD. It can help them develop techniques to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and manage problems in relationships and at work. It can also aid with co-occurring mental illnesses such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps an individual identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then devise and implement strategies to alter 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, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person can be beneficial for people with ADHD.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can help address the specific issues that arise from ADHD problems, like having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that result in legal or financial problems. It can also assist a person explore and overcome issues that be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help someone find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, for example exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to an individual in the family or with a partner who is dealing with the negative effects ADHD has on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients to change their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to address the underlying cause of symptoms. This treatment is designed to assist clients overcome their difficulties and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily lives.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing skills that allow them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can be lengthy. It's a possibility for adults who do not get enough relief from their medications.
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 symptom, self-esteem, and social performance in adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to create an action plan to address the specific issues they face. They will teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to master and have a high probability of success. A chart system is often used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. For an infant, this could be a daily journal that lists all the school-related activities or positive behaviors they must perform and a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences could be imposed if a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health issues like depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thinking patterns and their impact on their emotions. This type of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that can be flexible and useful.
The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this, we examined the relationship between the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictive ability of a model incorporating metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they can account for an important portion of the variation in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states like worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety, but it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. This is not a cure, but can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with the whole family. All members can better understand the issues of the client and learn how to help their loved family members. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and build better communication skills. Additionally, this type of counseling can be helpful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to better understand the family's perspective and determine whether they are suitable for intervention with the family. This can be done either in person or online. The counselor will explain to each client the nature of treatment and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental issues are present, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that helps you change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by educating you on how to handle anger and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD overcome emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement, failure academic struggles as well as frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also help with problems that are comorbid, such as anxiety and mood disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.