Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medications
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. However, the dosages are different and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history and other conditions of an individual to determine which medicine is most appropriate for the patient.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. They are available in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred due to their improved patient compliance, as well as a smoother, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to be aware that comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first before medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases, a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people are unable take stimulant medication or use it due to the misuse of drugs or other health conditions such as severe hypertension or heart problems. In these cases, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications don't cause the same side effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be misused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or manage issues at work or in relationships. It can also assist with co-existing mental disorders like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk i loved this include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that thoughts and beliefs affect how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps an individual identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then devise and implement strategies to change these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques of 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 psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history could be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive decisions that can result in legal and financial issues. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and resolve issues that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD has on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on transforming the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. It is a viable option for adults who do not get enough relief from their medication.
In a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social performance in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people who suffer from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with their clients to devise an action plan to address the specific issues they face. They train them in a series of practical skills which are easy to master and have a high chance of success. Charts are typically utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. In the case of an infant, this could include a daily report that outlines all of the school activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a system for recording and earning rewards. The therapists could also consider the introduction of negative consequences if a child does not complete their work. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they impact their emotions. This type of therapy helps them develop mental tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this, we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments 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 however, it was not associated with the processes that regulate. The predictive ability of a model incorporating metacognition predictors was moderate, which suggests that they can explain an important portion of the variation in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still a relatively new treatment, and further research will be needed to determine whether it can aid in other disorders.
This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD however it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the issues of the client and learn how to help their loved family members. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling can be helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders like depression or substance misuse which are often found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's perception of the problem and assess their ability to intervene with the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The counselor will explain to each participant the nature of treatment and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to gain an understanding of their present symptoms as well as their past and the impact that they have on their work, family and personal relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental issues are present, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching you strategies to manage anxiety and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be paired with other types 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 relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can help you learn ways to reduce stress and cope and also how to manage your time and finances. It can also address comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.