Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions like major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar drugs.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. However the dosages differ and the drugs may cause side effects that are not present in children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history and other health conditions of the patient to determine which medication is most appropriate for the patient.
The most popular type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. They come in many forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored due to their improved patient compliance, and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can influence the response to ADHD medications. Therefore it is recommended that disorders be treated first and medication used as a second measure. The medications that can be utilized to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients might have an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medication or take it due to addiction to drugs or other health issues like severe hypertension or heart problems. In these situations, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications do not cause the same level of side effects as stimulants and have a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those with ADHD. It can help them learn techniques to improve their lives manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of 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 and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that thoughts and beliefs influence how someone behaves, thinks and feels. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to alter these patterns. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focusing on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those with ADHD with significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can aid with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist with forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive choices that could lead to legal and financial problems. It can also assist individuals to address and overcome issues that be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help someone develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress, such as exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance 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 is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change their negative thoughts. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to address the root reason for the symptoms. This treatment aims to help patients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize harmful thinking patterns and assist them to learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. However, it's a good option for those who do not receive enough relief from medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the severity of the emotional symptoms, core symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to create an action plan to address their specific problems. They train them in a series of practical skills which are simple to master and have a high chance of success. Often a chart system is utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviour. This could include the daily report of children that details the tasks they have to complete at school, or the positive behaviors to be displayed, as well as an approach to monitoring and rewarding rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be inflicted upon a child who fails to complete their tasks. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This kind of therapy can be effective for people with a variety of mental health problems such as depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their moods. This kind of therapy can help individuals develop mental tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To accomplish this, we examined the relationship between self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition, debugging, information management, and evaluation). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, which suggests that they can explain an important portion of the 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 anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety, but it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. This isn't a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. This allows all members to learn about the client's issues and learn how to support their loved ones better. adults adhd treatment helps them deal with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. Additionally, this type of counseling is useful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression and alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to better understand the family's perspective and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. It can be done in person or online. The counselor will explain to each client the nature of treatment and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain an understanding of their current symptoms, their past, and the impact they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental health problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that helps you learn how to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It is focused on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching strategies to manage anxiety and stress. This is a temporary option that can be utilized alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement and failure academic issues, frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can teach you stress reduction and coping techniques as well as how to better manage your finances and time. It can also be used to tackle other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.