Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients who are depressed do not respond well to medication and could get better results from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. However the dosages differ and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't present in children. The doctor will look at the medical history, family health history, and other factors of the individual to determine which medicine is best.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression may affect the response to ADHD medications. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, and medication be used as a second measure. The medications that can be utilized for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may experience an "rebound" effect, where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications 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 instances, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain techniques to improve their lives manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships and at work. 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 upon the idea 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 them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses meditation techniques to teach a person how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person’s family history can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medicines psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD, such as trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts and getting together with others, losing important dates or obligations, and impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial issues. It can also assist people to identify and overcome issues that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, such as exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family or partner member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on transforming the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to identify the root cause of symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to overcome impairments and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the person's everyday life.
In addition to teaching clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. add adult treatment can be long. However, it is a viable option for those who aren't getting enough relief from medications.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke and co., 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for people who suffer from more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this type of treatment typically work with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. A chart system is often used to monitor the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. In the case of a child, this might include a daily report which outlines the school activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and an approach to tracking and earning rewards. The therapists may consider the introduction of negative consequences if a child does not complete their work. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health issues, such as depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning among 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 the processes of regulation were not. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction 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. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still an emerging treatment and further research will be needed to determine if it can help with other disorders.
This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat various disorders and could be more effective than other treatment. This is not a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the client's needs and learn how to help their loved ones. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. This kind of counseling can also be used to address the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse, which are often seen as part of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain an understanding of the family's perspective of the issue and determine their suitability for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The counselor will explain to each person the nature of treatment as well as the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist with worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to get a better understanding of the current symptoms, their past, and the impact that they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that teaches you to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It focuses on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching techniques to cope with anxiety and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used in conjunction with other types 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 conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can help you develop ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.