Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar drugs.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause negative side effects that aren't common in children. The doctor will look at the medical history, family health history and other health conditions of the patient to determine which medicine is best.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. They are available in a variety of forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These stimulants that last longer are popular due to their improved patient compliance, and more consistent, long-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, and medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medication or take it due to addiction to drugs or other health conditions like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these instances, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same high rates of adverse effects as stimulants and have a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or deal with issues at work or in relationships. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses like depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs can influence how someone feels, thinks and acts. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques for meditation to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on the family history of a person can be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and obligations and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial issues. Psychotherapy can also help people to identify and overcome issues that contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like 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 provide support to an individual in the family or with a partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD has on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to assist clients overcome their limitations and develop coping strategies that are in line with their daily lives.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing skills that allow them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a long time. But it is an effective alternative for adults who do not receive enough relief from medications.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this treatment usually work with the client to devise an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They teach them a set of practical skills which are easy to master and have a high chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. For a child, this might include a daily report that lists all the school-related tasks or positive behaviors they must perform and an approach to tracking and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be imposed if a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer type of psychotherapy that assists people change their thinking. This type of treatment can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety of mental health problems such as depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify 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 able and effective.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. In order 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). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not regulatory processes. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain an important amount of variance in daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorder. However, it is still an in-development treatment and further research is needed to determine whether it can aid in other disorders.
This study was created to determine the efficacy of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and may even be more effective than other treatments. This isn't an effective treatment, but it can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapy therapist works with the entire family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the issues of the client and learn to assist their loved family members. treatment of add assists them in finding ways to manage their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling could also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as substance abuse and depression that are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perception of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. This can be done online or in person. The therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each client and lay 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 in order to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impacts on their work, family life and relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental health issues are 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 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 alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic struggles frequent job changes, and relationship conflict. It can help you develop ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and finances more effectively. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD.