Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many depressed patients do not respond well to medication and may get better results from therapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine what medication is the best for them.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular due to their improved patient compliance, and an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and then medication used as a second measure. The medications that can be utilized for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit an "rebound" effect where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or are unable to take them due to drug abuse or other health issues, 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 do not have the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants, and are less risk of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those with ADHD to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues at work or in relationships. It can also aid in the treatment of co-existing mental disorders like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps people recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on a person's family history may be useful for people with ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can help address the specific problems caused by ADHD, such as trouble staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get along with others, forgetting important dates or obligations as well as impulsive decisions that can lead to financial or legal troubles. It can also help people to identify and overcome issues that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help someone develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress, for example exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family member or partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD affects 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 type of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients to change their negative thoughts. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to address the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to correct the limitations and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it is a viable option for adults who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues., 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for those who suffer from more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan to address their specific problems. They usually teach clients a series of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a high chance of being successful. Charts are often used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This could be an everyday report for children that lists the tasks they must complete in school or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and an organized system for tracking and rewarding rewards. Therapists can also discuss the possibility of the introduction of negative consequences if children fail to finish their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This type of treatment can be beneficial for people with a variety of mental health issues, including depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thoughts and how they affect their moods. This kind of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this we evaluated self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with regulatory processes. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power which indicates that they can explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it's still an in-development treatment and more research is needed to determine if it can help with other disorders.
treatment for adults with add was created for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than other therapy. This is not an effective treatment, but it can be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. All members can better understand the client's issues and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this kind of therapy is helpful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to get a clearer understanding of the family's perception of the issue and determine their potential for intervention by the family. This can be done online or in person. The therapist will explain to each participant the purpose of therapy and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their present symptoms as well as their history and the impact that they have on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also ask if any other mental problems are present, for example depression or anxiety.
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 educating you on how to manage stress and anger. This is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can teach you strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction and also how to manage your financial and time management. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.