Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to depression medications and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar drugs.
Medicines
Adults can use many medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects can be different. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history, family history, and other health issues to determine which medicine is most suitable for him or her.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant and adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric issues be treated first, and then medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect, where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a brief trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are not able to take them due to drug abuse or other health issues, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same negative side effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be misused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with issues in relationships or at work. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as 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 helps an individual identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then formulate and implement strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to teach a person how to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and obligations and making decisions that are impulsive and could lead to legal and financial issues. It can also help individuals to address and overcome issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can assist a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress, for example exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on changing the client's negative thinking patterns. It uses skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to overcome impairments and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thoughts and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. It's a possibility for adults who do not get enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the core symptoms, emotional symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan to address the specific issues they face. They teach them a set of practical skills which are easy to master and have a good chance 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 outlines all of the school activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as an approach to monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists can also consider introducing negative consequences when children fail to complete their work. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative form of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health problems, such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and useful.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To achieve this we examined the relationship between 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 discovered that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had a moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states like worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. Iam Psychiatry has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was designed for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than other treatment. It is not a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. Everyone is able to better understand the issues of the client and learn to assist their loved family members. It also helps them find ways to manage their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling could be used to tackle other comorbidities, such as substance abuse and depression, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's perception of the problem and evaluate their suitability for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The Therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment 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 an understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work life as well as their family and social life. They will also ask if there are any other mental health issues that are present like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by educating you on how to handle stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that comes from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships, job changes, and academic challenges. It can teach you strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also help with the comorbidity of disorders like depression and anxiety which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.