Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar drugs.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause negative side effects that aren't common in children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history and other health conditions of the patient to determine which medication is the best for them.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease aggression and impulsivity. They come in many forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored due to their improved patient compliance and an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, with medication be used as a second measure. The medications that can be utilized for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).
adult add treatments might have some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medicines or are unable to take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop skills to improve their life, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and manage issues in relationships or at work. It can also assist with those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that beliefs and thoughts can influence how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps an individual identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then develop and implement positive strategies to alter these. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their thoughts and emotions as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history could be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive choices that could lead to legal and financial issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For example exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD affects their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients to change their negative thoughts. It involves a dialog based on skill with an expert in mental health to address the root causes of the symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to overcome limitations and implement strategies for coping that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
In addition, they teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing abilities that enable clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a while. However, it is a viable alternative for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people with more severe underlying issues.
The therapists that provide this type of treatment typically work with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They typically teach them the fundamentals of therapy that are easy to implement and have a high chance of success. Charts are often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This could include the daily report of a child that outlines the tasks they must finish at school or the positive behaviors to be demonstrated, and an organized system for monitoring and rewarding. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be inflicted upon a child who isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This kind of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from various mental health issues like depression. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thinking patterns and their effects on their moods. This kind of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this we examined the relationship between the 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 associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed 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 could be more effective than other treatments. This is not an effective treatment, but it can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. This helps all family members understand the client's problems and to understand how to help their loved one better. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling can be helpful for addressing comorbidities such as depression and alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to better understand the family's perception and determine whether they are appropriate for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The Therapist will explain to each person the purpose of therapy and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history and their impact on their work life as well as their family and social life. They will also ask if any other mental issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that teaches you to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It is focused on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching techniques to cope with anxiety and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people suffering from ADHD overcome emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties as well as frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can help you learn ways to reduce stress and cope, and how to manage your finances and time. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders which are often seen alongside ADHD.