Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients are not responsive to depression medications and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. However the dosages differ and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't present in children. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which drug is most appropriate for the patient.
The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular because they improve patient compliance, as well as a smoother, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these disorders be treated first, and then medication used as a second measure. Medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients might experience some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases, a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may prove beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are unable to take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help them gain skills to improve their life manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with issues in relationships or at work. It can also help people with mental disorders that coexist, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to teach people how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person’s family history can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and obligations and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial issues. It can assist a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress through exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a partner or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy 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 changing the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It uses skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to help clients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily lives.
In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. The process can be long. But it is an effective alternative for adults who aren't getting enough relief from medications.
In a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people who suffer from more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They will teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to learn and have a high chance of success. Charts are typically utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. In the case of a child, this might include a daily report that lists all the school activities or positive behaviors they must perform and a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be imposed if a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps people change the way they think. This type of treatment can be effective for people suffering from a range of mental health issues which include depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are able and useful.
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. In order to do 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 showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not regulation processes. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they can account for significant proportions of the variation in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states like worry, rumination, or attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, but 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 alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than any other treatment. This isn't an effective treatment, but it can 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 to assist their loved ones. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this type of counseling is useful in dealing with comorbid disorders like depression or substance misuse which are often associated with ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to get a better understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their suitability for family intervention. adhd in adults treatment can be done in person or online. The therapist will explain to each client the purpose of therapy and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work, family life 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 teaches you to control your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to handle stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement, failure academic issues frequent job changes, and relationship conflict. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also help with problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders which are frequently associated with ADHD.