Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medications for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. However, the dosages are different and the drugs can cause side effects that are not common in children. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine what medication is the best for them.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, including skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these mental health issues be treated first and medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may suffer from some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases an experiment of a short duration with a low-dose stimulant medication may be helpful.
Certain people are not able to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot use it due to drug misuse or other health conditions such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These drugs don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them learn skills to improve their life, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships and at work. It can also aid with co-occurring mental illnesses 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 upon the notion that thoughts and beliefs can influence how someone feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to change them. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone concentrate on their thoughts and emotions to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on a person's family history could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD with significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive choices that lead to financial and legal problems. It can also assist a person explore and overcome underlying issues that could cause ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress, such as exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family member or partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD affects their relationship. Marriage and family therapy helps couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a dialog based on skill with an expert in mental health to identify the root causes of the symptoms. This therapy aims to assist clients overcome their limitations and develop coping strategies that are in line with their daily routines.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing skills that allow clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a long time. However, it's a good option for those who are not getting adequate relief from medication.
In an upcoming RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy combined 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 performance in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people who have more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan that addresses the specific issues they face. They teach them a set of skills that are simple to master and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This might include a daily report for children that lists the tasks they must complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as an approach to recording and rewarding rewards. The therapists could consider creating negative consequences if a child does not complete their work. Info can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This type of treatment is effective for those suffering from a range of mental health issues such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thinking patterns and their effects on their moods. This type of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are flexible and effective.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To achieve this, we compared self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, information management and evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. The predictive ability of a model incorporating metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they can account for an important portion of the variance in daily functioning for adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing 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 needed to determine whether it can help with other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and could be more effective than other therapies. It is not a cure, but can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all members of the family. This helps all family members understand the client's problems and learn how to support their loved one more effectively. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own feelings of frustration and develop healthier communication skills. This kind of counseling can also be used to address the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain an understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The therapist will explain to each person the purpose of therapy and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their history and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also ask if any other mental issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching you techniques to cope with anger and stress. This is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people suffering from ADHD overcome 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 stress reduction and coping techniques as well as how to better manage your time and finances. It can also address comorbid disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.