Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid conditions like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar drugs.
Medications
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. However the dosages differ and the drugs may cause adverse effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history, and other medical health conditions of the patient to determine which drug is the best for them.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity, and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they lead to more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these disorders be treated first before medication is used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens, 2004).
Some patients may experience an "rebound" effect in which they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a brief trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant drugs or are not able to take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine are effective. These drugs do not have the same level of side effects as stimulants and have less risk of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them develop techniques to improve their lives manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and deal with issues in relationships or at work. It can also assist with co-occurring mental illnesses like 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 belief that one's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then devise and implement strategies to change these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs 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 forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person, may be helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive choices that lead to financial and legal problems. It can also help a person explore and resolve issues that cause ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For example, exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to the family member or partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy helps couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
treatment of add in adults (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients to change their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to identify the root causes of the symptoms. This treatment aims to assist clients overcome their impairments and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct 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 an option for those who are unable to get enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the emotional symptoms, core symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people who suffer from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to devise an action plan to address their specific issues. They usually teach clients the fundamentals of therapy that are simple to implement and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. For an infant, this could be a daily journal that outlines all of the school-related activities or positive behaviors they must perform and a system for recording and earning rewards. Therapists can also discuss the possibility of the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to complete their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from various mental health problems, such as depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this, we compared self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation debugging, information management, and evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with regulatory processes. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, which suggests that they can explain significant proportions of the variation in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states like worry, rumination, or attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still an emerging treatment and more research is needed to determine if it could aid in other disorders.
This study was conceived for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than any other therapy. This is not an effective treatment, but it can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. This allows everyone to understand the client's problems and to understand how to help their loved one better. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling can be helpful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to understand the family's perspective and determine if they're suitable for family intervention. It can be done online or in person. The counselor will explain to each participant the nature of treatment as well as the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with worked with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an understanding of their current symptoms as well as their past and the impact they've had on their work, family, and relationships. They will also ask if any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that helps you change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by educating you on how to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that comes from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal problems with relationships as well as job changes and academic difficulties. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders which are often seen alongside ADHD.