Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many people who suffer from depression are not able to respond well to medications and may benefit from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. However, the dosages are different and the drugs can cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history and other health conditions of the patient to determine which drug 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 called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They are available in a variety of forms like 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 remember that co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression may alter the effectiveness of ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that disorders be treated first, and then medication used as a second measure. The drugs that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant drugs or are unable to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health issues, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These drugs do not have the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants, and are less risk of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them learn strategies to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with issues in relationships or at work. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps individuals identify negative behaviors and thought patterns and then formulate and implement strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person can be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also assist with forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive choices that result in legal and financial problems. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist families and couples improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to address the root reason for the symptoms. This treatment is designed to help patients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their everyday lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize harmful thinking patterns and assist them to build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. It is an option for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medication.
In a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own when it comes to improving 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 particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who provide this treatment usually work with the client to devise 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 good chance of being successful. Often a chart system is utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. In the case of a child, this might include a daily report that outlines all of the school tasks or positive behavior they must perform and an approach to recording and earning rewards. The therapists may consider introducing negative consequences when children fail to finish their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer form of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This kind of therapy 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 assists people recognize their negative thoughts and how they impact their emotions. This kind of therapy can help individuals develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To achieve this, we examined the relationship between the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could explain an important amount of 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 or rumination as well as attention fixation. add and treatment was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. This isn't an effective treatment, but it can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. This allows everyone to be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved one better. It also helps them find ways to manage their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling could also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as addiction and depression that are commonly associated as part of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and evaluate their potential for intervention by the family. It can be done in person or online. The counselor will explain to each participant the nature of treatment and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into their current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they've had on their family, work and relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues that are present like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured 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 short-term solution that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic issues. It can teach you ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders which are often seen alongside ADHD.