Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medications for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medications
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the drugs may cause adverse effects that aren't common in children. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health conditions 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, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. They are available in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored due to their improved patient compliance and an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first before medications be used as a secondary measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients might suffer from an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases it is possible to try a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or use it due to addiction to drugs or other health issues like severe hypertension or heart problems. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those with ADHD. It can help them gain strategies to improve their lives manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with issues in relationships or at work. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses like depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and attitudes affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then develop and implement strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person focus on their thoughts and emotions to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focused on a person's family history can be beneficial for those with ADHD with significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also help in forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive decisions that can could lead to legal and financial problems. It can also help a person explore and overcome issues that may cause ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients overcome their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to address the underlying cause of symptoms. This therapy aims to help patients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts and help them develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. It is an option for those who cannot receive enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as 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 issues.
treatment of adhd in adults that provide this kind of treatment usually work with the client to create a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a high chance of being successful. Typically, a chart system is used to track progress and reward positive behaviour. This could include the daily report of children that lists the tasks they are required to complete at school, or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and a system of monitoring and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences might be inflicted upon a child who does not complete their task. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for those who suffer from various mental health issues, such as depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thought patterns and how they affect their emotions. This type of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are flexible and effective.
The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with 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). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had a moderate predictive power, which suggests they could be the cause of significant variation in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy which focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of worry and rumination, as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still an in-development treatment and further research is required to determine if it could aid in other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than other treatment. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD but it could be employed as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapy therapist works with the entire family. This allows everyone to understand the client's problems and to learn how they can support their loved one better. It also helps them deal with their anger and develop better communication skills. Additionally, this type of counseling can be helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain an understanding of the family's view of the problem and assess their ability to intervene with the family. This can be done in person or via the internet. The Therapist will explain to each participant the nature of treatment as well as the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to get a better understanding of their current symptoms, their past, and the impact they have on their work, family and personal relationships. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues present like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that helps you 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 anger and stress. This is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that comes from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships, job changes, and academic issues. It can help you learn ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and money more effectively. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as anxiety and mood disorders which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.