Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients who are depressed aren't able to take medication and may get better results from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar drugs.
Medicines
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. However, the dosages are different and the drugs can cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history, and other medical factors of the individual to determine which medicine is the best for them.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. These long-acting stimulants are preferred because they improve patient compliance, and an easier, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that psychiatric issues be treated first before medication is utilized as a secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances an experiment of a short duration with a low-dose stimulant medication may be helpful.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or are unable to take them due to addiction or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. 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 helpful for those suffering from ADHD. It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with problems at work or in relationships. It can also aid in the treatment of people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they feel, think and act. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, then develops and implements strategies to alter these patterns. treatment for adhd adults -based cognitive therapy employs techniques for meditation to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person, may be helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive decisions that can lead to financial and legal problems. It can also assist individuals to address and overcome issues that could cause ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD 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)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients to change their negative thinking patterns. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to address the underlying cause of symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct limitations and implement strategies for coping that are compatible with the client's daily life.
In addition to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing abilities that enable them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take time. It is a viable option for those who are unable to get enough relief from their medication.
In a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social performance for adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for those who suffer from more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who provide this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to create an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They teach them a set of practical skills which are simple to master and have a good chance of success. Typically, a chart system is used to monitor progress and reward positive behavior. This could be an everyday report for children that details the tasks they are required to finish at school or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and an approach to monitoring and rewarding rewards. The therapists could also discuss the possibility of creating negative consequences if children fail to complete their work. This can be done in a sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative type of psychotherapy that assists people change their mindset. This kind of treatment can be beneficial for people suffering from a range of mental health issues which include depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people recognize negative thinking patterns and their effect on their emotions. This type of therapy may assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are able and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this, we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments 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 but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which suggests they could be the cause of significant variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series 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 in other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than any other therapy. This isn't a cure, but can be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the Therapist works with the entire family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's needs and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to manage their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression and substance misuse which are often found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective and determine if they're suitable for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each client and lay out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into the current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they have on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also inquire whether there are other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured which teaches you to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to handle stress and anger. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties, frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can help you develop ways to manage stress and cope and teach you how to manage your time and money more effectively. It can also address the comorbidity of disorders like mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen with ADHD.