Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients who are depressed are not able to respond well to medication and may get better results from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. The dosages and side effects can be different. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history, and other medical conditions of an individual to determine which drug is best.
The most commonly used ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity and reduce aggression. They come in many forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These stimulants that last longer are popular as they lead to better patient compliance, and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and medication be used as a second measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients might have an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health conditions for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't have the same side effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or cope with problems at work or in relationships. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the belief that one's beliefs and attitudes affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then devise and implement strategies to change these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques for meditation to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person, may be helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can help with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and could lead to legal and financial problems. It can also assist people to identify and overcome issues that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a partner or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can assist families and couples improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients to change their negative patterns of thinking. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the person's everyday life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. However, it is a viable option for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medications.
In an upcoming RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 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 create an action plan that addresses the specific issues they face. They usually teach clients a set of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a good chance of being successful. Charts are often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. In the case of children, this could include a daily report that lists all the school-related activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child does not complete their task. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from various mental health problems like depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists individuals learn to recognize their negative thought patterns and how they affect their moods. This kind of therapy can help them develop mental tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management, and Evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power which suggests they could be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively new and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders and may even be more effective than other treatments. treatment for adult adhd is not a cure, but it could be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. All members can better understand the client's issues and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own feelings of frustration and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling could be utilized to treat the underlying conditions, like substance abuse and depression which are frequently associated with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to understand the family's views and determine if they're suitable for intervention with the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The Therapist will explain to each person the purpose of therapy and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist who has 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 impacts on their work, family life and relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you to manage 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 anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be paired with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also help them deal with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic issues. It can teach you stress reduction and coping techniques as well as how to better manage your time and finances. It can also help with the comorbidity of disorders like anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen with ADHD.