Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many people who suffer from depression do not respond well to medication and may benefit from therapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medications
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. The dosages and side effects are different. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient, family history and other health conditions to determine what medication is the best 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. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly known as Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. They come in various forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These stimulants that last longer are popular because they improve patient compliance, and an easier, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
treatment of adhd in adults is important to be aware that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these disorders be treated first before medication is used as a secondary measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might experience some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Some people are unable take stimulant medications or take it due to addiction to drugs or other health conditions such as severe hypertension or heart problems. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same side 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 develop skills to improve their life, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist with co-existing mental illnesses like depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to help a person learn to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's history with their family can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can assist with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and obligations and making impulsive decisions that can result in legal and financial issues. It can also assist a person explore and overcome issues that cause ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For example, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a spouse or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to assist clients overcome their impairments and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. However, it is a viable option for adults who do not receive enough relief from medications.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of the emotional symptoms, core symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and colleagues., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They usually teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a high chance of being successful. Typically, a chart system is utilized to track progress and reward positive behavior. This could include a daily report for a child that outlines the tasks they must complete at school, or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as an approach to recording and earning rewards. add treatment for adults may also consider introducing negative consequences when children fail to complete their work. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This type of treatment can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety of mental health issues, including depression. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thoughts and their effect on their moods. 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 do this we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still an in-development treatment, and further research is needed to determine if it can aid in other disorders.
This study was created to determine the efficacy of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and could be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD but it could be used as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all family members. This allows all members to understand the client's problems and to learn how they can support their loved one more effectively. It also helps them find ways to deal with their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perception of the problem and evaluate their suitability for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. The counselor will go over the details of the treatment with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work, family life and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that helps you learn how to control your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to manage stress and anger. This is a short-term solution that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties frequent job changes, and conflict in relationships. It can help you learn stress reduction and coping techniques and also how to manage your time and finances. It can also address comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated with ADHD.