Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to medications for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. However the dosages differ and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't present in children. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history and other conditions of an individual to determine which medication is best.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as skin patches, liquids, 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 of symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medication be used as a second measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could prove beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medication or take it due to the misuse of drugs or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with problems at work or in relationships. It can also assist with those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs influence how someone behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps an individual identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then develop and implement strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses meditation techniques to teach a person how to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their 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 with significant secondary problems.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can help address the particular issues caused by ADHD, such as trouble staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that lead to legal or financial issues. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and overcome issues that contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
add treatments for adults can assist people in finding healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support 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 is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to identify the root causes of the symptoms. This therapy aims to help patients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize harmful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it's a good alternative for adults who aren't getting enough relief from medication.
A recent RCT study concluded that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who provide this treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop a detailed action plan for addressing their problems. They will teach them a set of skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. In the case of a child, this might include a daily report that outlines all of the school tasks or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists may consider the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to complete their work. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This kind of therapy could be beneficial to those who suffer from various mental health problems like depression. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thoughts and their effects on their emotions. This type of therapy may also help them acquire psychological tools that are able and effective.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this, we examined the relationship between self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition, debugging, information management and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with the processes that regulate. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which suggests they could be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of anxiety and rumination, as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it's still a relatively new treatment and further research is required to determine if it could aid in other disorders.
This study was conceived for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than any other treatment. This isn't an effective treatment, but it can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's issues and learn how to help their loved ones. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling can be used to tackle the underlying conditions, like addiction and depression which are frequently associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain a better understanding of the family's views and determine whether they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be conducted in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each person the purpose of therapy and the do's & don'ts for 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, family life and relationships. They will also inquire if any other mental problems are present, for example depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that helps you learn how to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It is focused on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching strategies to manage anxiety and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of failure, underachievement academic struggles as well as frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can teach you stress reduction and coping techniques and also how to manage your finances and time. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen with ADHD.