Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can use many drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. The dosages and the side effects differ. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history, family history, and other health issues to determine which medicine is the best for him or her.
The most common type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, treat adult add is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and medication be used as a second measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients might have an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases an experiment of a short duration with an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it due to the misuse of drugs or other health conditions such as severe hypertension or heart problems. In these situations, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them learn skills to improve their life to manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships and at work. It can also assist with people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs can influence how someone is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps people recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person concentrate on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family can be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
In addition to medicines, psychotherapy can help address the particular issues caused by ADHD problems, like having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that result in financial or legal troubles. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress, such as exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a partner or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can assist families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients change their negative thoughts. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to identify the root cause of symptoms. This therapy aims to help patients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts and help them develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. But it is an effective option for those who do not receive enough relief from medication.
In the course of a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social performance in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to create an action plan to address their specific problems. They will teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to master and have a high chance of success. Often a chart system is used to track progress and reward positive behavior. In the case of children, this could involve a daily report that lists all the in-school activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a system for tracking and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be inflicted upon a child who isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This type of treatment can be beneficial for people suffering from a range of mental health issues such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists individuals learn to recognize their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that can be flexible and useful.
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 evaluated the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with regulatory processes. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, suggesting that they can explain an important portion of the variance in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD however it can be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the issues of the client and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. This kind of counseling can be used to tackle other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective and determine whether they are suitable for family intervention. It can be done either in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each client and lay out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into the current symptoms, their past, and the impact that they have on their family, work and relationships. They will also ask whether there are other mental health issues present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. treating add focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle anger and stress. This is a temporary option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement, failure academic struggles, frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can teach you strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen alongside ADHD.