Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients who are depressed do not respond well to medication and may get better results from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. The dosages and side effects are different. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history, and other medical factors of the individual to determine which medication is the best for them.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. treating adult add works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly known as Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which help improve focus and reduce aggression and impulsivity. They are available in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first before medication be used as a second measure. The drugs that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients might experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Some people are unable take stimulant medication or take it due to drug misuse or other health conditions such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these situations, nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same amount of side effects as stimulants, and are lower risks of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them gain strategies to improve their lives to manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist with co-existing mental illnesses like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and attitudes affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps people recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, then develops and implements positive strategies to alter these patterns. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history could be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medicines, psychotherapy can help address the specific issues that arise from ADHD, such as trouble getting through 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 financial or legal troubles. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD has on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy 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 changing the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to identify the root cause of symptoms. This treatment aims to help patients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily lives.
In addition, they teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a while. It's a possibility for adults who do not feel enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study concluded that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing core symptoms, emotional symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues., 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people with more serious underlying issues.
treating adults with adhd that provide this treatment usually work with the client to devise an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They train them in a series of practical skills which are easy to master and have a high probability of success. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. This could be a daily report for a child that outlines the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and an approach to monitoring and earning rewards. The therapists may consider the introduction of negative consequences if children fail to finish their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive 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 who suffer from a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thoughts and their impact on their moods. This type of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are able and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish 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, information management, and evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictive ability of a model incorporating predictors of metacognition was moderate, suggesting that they can explain a significant amount of the variation in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on modifying metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of anxiety, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. 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. All members can better understand the client's needs and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also helps them deal with their anger and develop better communication skills. This type of counseling can also be used to address the underlying conditions, like substance abuse and depression that are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to get a clearer understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their suitability for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The counselor will explain to each person the purpose of therapy and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions in order to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask if any other mental issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and transform negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also help them deal with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic issues. It can help you develop ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also address the comorbidity of disorders like mood and anxiety disorders which are frequently associated with ADHD.