Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many people who suffer from depression are not able to respond well to medications and may get better results from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medications
Adults can take a variety of drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause side effects that are not typical of children. A doctor will take into consideration the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health conditions to determine which medicine is most suitable for them.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable as they result in more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, adult treatment for adhd is recommended that psychiatric issues be treated first and medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Certain patients may have some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medications or take it because of addiction to drugs or other health conditions such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same adverse effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help them learn skills to improve their life to manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist with co-occurring mental illnesses such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps people recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques of meditation to teach people how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD with significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also help in forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive choices that lead to financial and legal problems. Psychotherapy can help someone 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, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD has on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to identify the root causes of the symptoms. This therapy aims to help patients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily routines.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take some time. It's a possibility for those who cannot feel enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan to address their specific issues. They usually teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high chance of being successful. Charts are typically used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. In the case of an infant, this could be a daily journal which outlines the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and an approach to tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be inflicted upon a child who fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new form of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This type of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health problems, such as depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thoughts and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are able and beneficial.
The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To this end, we compared the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition, debugging, information management, and evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain a significant amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry or rumination as well as attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it's still an in-development treatment, and further research will be needed to determine whether it can aid in other disorders.
This study was conceived to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat various disorders and could be more effective than other treatment. It's important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD however it can be employed as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with the whole family. All members can better understand the client's issues and learn to assist their loved family members. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and build better communication skills. This kind of counseling can be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse, which are often seen as part of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's views and determine if they're suitable for intervention with the family. This can be done in person or via the internet. The Therapist will explain to each client the nature of treatment and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain an insight into the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impacts on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental health issues are present, such anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement, failure academic issues frequent job changes, and conflict in relationships. It can teach ways to reduce stress and cope and also how to manage your financial and time management. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.