Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD suffer from 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 boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. However the dosages differ and the drugs can cause side effects that are not typical of children. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history, family history and other health conditions to determine what medication is most suitable for them.
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 and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which help improve focus and reduce aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in various forms, including liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they provide greater patient compliance and a longer lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medications. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medication used as secondary measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit some patients may experience a "rebound" effect, where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Certain people are not able to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it because of drug misuse or other health issues such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine are effective. These drugs don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be misused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain techniques to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with issues in relationships or at work. It can also help people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that beliefs and thoughts can influence how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, then develops and implements strategies to alter these patterns. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people focus on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history may be useful for people who suffer from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD problems, like having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting along with others, ignoring important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that result in legal or financial problems. It can assist a person overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family or partner member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change their negative patterns of thinking. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct limitations and implement strategies for coping that align with the person's everyday life.
In addition to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing skills that allow them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a while. However, it is a viable option for adults who aren't getting enough relief from medications.
In an upcoming RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem, and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who provide this type of treatment typically collaborate with the client to devise a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They will teach them a set of practical skills which are easy to learn and have a good chance of success. Charts are often used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. This could be an everyday report for children that lists the tasks they are required to complete at school, or the positive behavior that must be demonstrated, and an approach to recording and rewarding. Therapists can consider introducing negative consequences when the child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done in a sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of treatment is effective for those with a variety of mental health issues such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thoughts and their effects on their moods. This kind of therapy can help individuals develop psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To do this, we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Info rmation Management, and Evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not regulation processes. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which suggests they could be the cause of significant variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states like worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it's still an emerging treatment and more research is required to determine if it can aid in other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety of disorders and is more effective than other therapy. 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, therapists work with all family members. This helps all family members learn about the client's issues and to learn how they can support their loved one more effectively. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. Additionally, this type of therapy is helpful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression and alcohol abuse, which are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to understand the family's perspective and determine if they are suitable for intervention with the family. This can be done in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment as well as the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to get a better understanding of their current symptoms, their past, and the impact that they have on their family, work and relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that helps you change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can help you develop ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can be used to treat the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.