Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many depressed patients do not respond well to medication and may benefit from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. However the dosages are different and the drugs can cause negative side effects that aren't present in children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which medication is the best for them.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost 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 preferable because they provide greater patient compliance and a longer lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first and medication used as a second measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may experience an "rebound" effect where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases an experiment of a short duration with the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be helpful.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant drugs 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 drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine may be beneficial. These drugs don't have the same side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those with ADHD. It can help them learn strategies to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships and at work. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they think, feel and behave. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, then develops and implements positive strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques for meditation to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person’s family history can be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive decisions that can lead to financial and legal problems. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients to change their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to address the root cause of symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct impairments and implement coping strategies that align with the person's everyday life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a while. However, it is a viable option for those who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
In the course of a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They will teach them a set of skills that are easy to master and have a high probability of success. Typically, a chart system is utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviour. For an infant, this could involve a daily report that outlines all of the in-school activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. The therapists could consider creating negative consequences if a child does not finish their tasks. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, assists individuals in changing how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from various mental health issues, such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thought patterns and their effects on their emotions. This type of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are able and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To accomplish this, we examined the relationship between self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition debugging, information management and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with the processes that regulate. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could explain an important amount of variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
adult adhd treatments (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still an emerging treatment and further research is required to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety of disorders and could be more effective than other treatment. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD, but it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the client's needs and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to deal with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. This kind of counseling can be used to tackle other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to get a better understanding of the family's view of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each participant the nature of treatment as well as the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a variety of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impacts on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues 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 cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement, failure, academic difficulties as well as frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can help you learn strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction, and how to manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen alongside ADHD.