Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many depressed patients are not able to respond well to medications and may benefit from therapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing core symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medications
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. However the dosages are different and the drugs may cause side effects that are not typical of children. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history as well as family history and other health issues to determine which medication is best for him or her.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. They come in various forms, including chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to better patient compliance and longer lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression may influence the response to ADHD medications. Therefore it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medication is used as a second measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medicines or are unable to take them due to drug abuse or other health issues, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications don't cause the same side effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them gain techniques to improve their lives manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with issues in relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of 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 treatments are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to teach a person how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focused on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy can help address the specific issues that arise from ADHD problems, like having trouble staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that can lead to legal or financial problems. It can also help people to identify and overcome underlying issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For example, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to an individual in the family or with a spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD can have 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)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change their negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to identify the root cause of symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to overcome impairments and implement coping strategies that fit with the person's everyday life.
In addition to teaching clients to recognize harmful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a long time. However, Suggested Browsing 's a good alternative for adults who do not receive enough relief from medications.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the severity of the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those with more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who provide this kind of treatment usually work with the client to create a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They typically teach them a series of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a high chance of being successful. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. In the case of children, this could include a daily report that outlines all of the school-related tasks or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a method of recording and earning rewards. The therapists could consider creating negative consequences if children fail to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new type of psychotherapy that assists people change their mindset. This type of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety mental health issues, such as depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people recognize negative thoughts and their impact on their moods. This kind of therapy helps them develop mental tools that are flexible and useful.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To do this we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with predictors 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 predictive effectiveness of a model that includes metacognition predictors was moderate, which suggests that they can explain significant proportions of the variation in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety and 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 disorder. However, it's still an in-development treatment, and further research is needed to determine whether it can help with other disorders.
This study was designed for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and could be more effective than any other treatment. This isn't a cure, but can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all members of the family. This helps all family members be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved ones better. It also assists them in finding ways to deal with their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling could be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse, which are often seen as part of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to gain a better understanding of the family's views and determine if they are appropriate for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history and their impact on their work life as well as their family and social life. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues present like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It concentrates on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching techniques to cope with anxiety and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can teach you ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also help with problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated with ADHD.