Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many people who suffer from depression are not able to respond well to medication and may get better results from therapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar drugs.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. The dosages and effects are different. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history, and other medical health conditions of the patient to determine which drug is most appropriate for the patient.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, such as skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. treatment for adults with add -acting stimulants are preferred because they improve patient compliance and an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medications. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, and medication used as secondary measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may suffer from a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medications or take it due to the misuse of drugs or other health issues like heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications do not cause the same amount of side effects as stimulants, and are a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with problems at work or in relationships. It can also aid in the treatment of people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the belief that one's beliefs and attitudes affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps individuals identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then formulate and implement positive strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their emotions and thoughts, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's history with their family can be beneficial for those with ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist with forgetting important dates and obligations and making decisions that are impulsive and lead to financial and legal problems. It can also help individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that may cause ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress, such as exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to an individual in the family or with a spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD affects their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can assist families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients change their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a dialog based on skill with an expert in mental health to identify the root causes of the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to eliminate the limitations and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and help them develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. It is a viable option for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medications.
In the course of a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social performance for adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for those who have more serious underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this type of treatment typically collaborate with the client to create an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a good chance of being successful. Often a chart system is utilized to track progress and reward positive behavior. This might include an everyday report for children that lists the tasks they have to complete at school, or the positive behavior that must be demonstrated, and an approach to tracking and rewarding. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be imposed if a child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health issues like depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thought patterns and how they impact their moods. This kind of therapy helps individuals develop mental tools that are flexible and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To do this we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD however, it was not associated with regulation processes. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, suggesting that they can explain a significant amount of the variation in 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 by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety of disorders and could be more effective than any other therapy. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD however it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. This allows all members to understand the client's problems and learn how to support their loved one better. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this kind 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 commence with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and evaluate their potential for intervention by the family. This can be done either in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an understanding of the client's current symptoms, their past and their impacts on their work as well as their family and social life. They will also ask if any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage stress and anger. This is a temporary option that can be utilized alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts as well as job changes and academic challenges. It can teach you strategies for managing stress and coping and teach you how to manage your time and money more efficiently. It can be used to treat the comorbidities, like mood and anxiety disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.