Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many depressed patients aren't able to take medications and may be able to benefit from therapy.
treatment for adult add are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar drugs.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different medications to treat ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects can be different. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history as well as family history and other health issues to determine which medication is the best for them.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant and adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. These long-acting stimulants are preferred because they improve patient compliance and more consistent, long-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that disorders be treated first, and then medication used as a second measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might experience an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication may be helpful.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant drugs or are not able to take them due to addiction or other health issues, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't cause the same side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them learn techniques to improve their lives manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that beliefs and thoughts can influence how someone is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then formulates and implements strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques of meditation to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focused on a person's family history could be beneficial for those with ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can help with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also help in forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and could lead to legal and financial problems. It can also assist a person explore and overcome issues that cause ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to an individual in the family or with a partner who is dealing with the negative effects ADHD has on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients to change their negative thoughts. It uses skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to help patients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily routines.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take a long time. It is a viable option for adults who do not feel enough relief from their medications.
In the course of a recent RCT, it was found 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 functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people who suffer from more serious underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this type of treatment typically collaborate with the client to devise a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They usually teach them the fundamentals of therapy that are easy to implement and have a good chance of being successful. A chart system is often used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. This might include the daily report of a child that outlines the tasks they must finish at school or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and a system of tracking and rewarding. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be imposed if a child does not complete their task. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of treatment is effective for those who suffer from a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people recognize negative thoughts and their effect on their moods. This kind of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are flexible and effective.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. In order to do this we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults with ADHD, but not regulation processes. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, suggesting that they could explain a significant amount of the variation in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing 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 evaluate the efficacy of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than any other treatment. It is not a cure, but can be utilized 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 learn how to support their loved one more effectively. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression and addiction to drugs, which are typically seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to better understand the family's perspective and determine if they are suitable for intervention with the family. This can be done in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each individual and set out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into their present symptoms as well as their history and the impact 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 is a kind of counseling that teaches you how to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle anger and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing with relationship conflicts or job changes as well as academic difficulties. It can help you learn ways to reduce stress and cope, and how to manage your finances and time. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.