Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients who are depressed are not able to respond well to medication and may get better results from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. However, the dosages are different and the drugs may cause adverse effects that aren't typical of children. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history, family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is the best for them.
The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is stimulant and works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters, which 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. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide more patient compliance and lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, and medications be 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 medications. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to abuse of drugs or other health issues, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain strategies to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they feel, think and act. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements positive strategies to alter these patterns. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone concentrate on their thoughts and emotions as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person's family history can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy can help address the particular issues caused by ADHD like difficulty keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, being able to get together with others, losing important dates or obligations, and impulsive decisions that result in legal or financial issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a spouse or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help couples and families communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients overcome their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to address the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to overcome limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the client's daily life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a while. However, it's a good alternative for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medication.
In an upcoming RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social performance in adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). add treatment for adults of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They will teach them a set of skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Often a chart system is used to monitor the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. This could be the daily report of children that details the tasks they are required to finish at school or the positive behaviors to be displayed, as well as a system of tracking and rewarding. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from a range of mental health issues, such as depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn to recognize their negative thinking patterns and how they impact their moods. This kind of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and useful.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To do this we compared self- and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had 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 an treatment that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states like worry, rumination, or attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. This isn't an effective treatment, but it can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. This allows everyone to be aware of the issues facing the client and to understand how to help their loved one more effectively. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop more effective communication skills. In addition, this type of therapy is helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get a better understanding of the family's perception of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. This can be conducted either in person or online. The therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions in order to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to cope with anger and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships as well as job changes and academic difficulties. It can teach stress reduction and coping techniques and also how to manage your finances and time. It can also be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.