Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to medications 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 balance levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar drugs.
Medicines
A variety of medications 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 common in 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 the best for them.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular as they lead to better patient compliance, as well as a smoother, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that disorders be treated first and medication used as a secondary measure. Some medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit a "rebound" effect in which they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it because of addiction to drugs or other health conditions like heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them learn techniques to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and manage issues in relationships or at work. It can also assist with those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs influence how someone behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps individuals identify negative behaviors and thought patterns and then devise and implement strategies to alter these. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focused on a person's history with their family could be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also help with the particular issues caused by ADHD problems, like having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get along with others, forgetting important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial problems. Psychotherapy can also help a person explore and overcome issues that cause ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For add treatment natural , sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a spouse or family member who is struggling 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)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients to change their negative thoughts. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to assist clients overcome their limitations and develop coping strategies that are in line with their everyday lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a long time. However, it is a viable alternative for adults who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
In an upcoming RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem, and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this type of treatment typically work with the client to devise an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They will teach them a set of practical skills which are easy to master and have a high probability of success. Charts are typically used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. For children, this could include a daily report which outlines the school tasks or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health problems like depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people recognize negative thought patterns and their effect on their moods. This kind of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. In order to do 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 showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults with ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain an important amount of variance in daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD, but it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. This allows everyone to be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved one more effectively. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. This kind of counseling can be used to tackle the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to better understand the family's perception and determine whether they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each individual and set out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain an understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history and their impact on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It is focused on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching you strategies to manage anger and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement and failure academic struggles frequent job changes, and relationship conflict. It can teach you ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and money more effectively. It can also be used to address the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.
