Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medications
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. However the dosages differ and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't typical of children. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history, family history and other health conditions to determine what medication is best for him or her.
The most commonly used ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which help improve focus and reduce impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. treatment for add -acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can influence the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that these mental health issues be treated first before medication is utilized as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may experience an "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant drugs or are in a position to not take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't have the same side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them learn skills to improve their life manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships and at work. It can also assist with co-existing mental illnesses like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that beliefs and thoughts can affect how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative behaviors and thought patterns and then formulate and implement positive strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs meditation techniques to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history may be useful for people who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can help with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also help in forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive choices that could lead to legal and financial issues. It can also assist individuals to address and resolve issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For example, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can assist families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients to change their negative thoughts. It involves a dialogue based on skills with a mental health professional to identify the root cause of symptoms. This treatment is designed to help clients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily routines.
In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take time. However, it's a good alternative for adults who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the severity of the emotional symptoms, core symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people who suffer from more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan to address the specific issues they face. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a good chance of being successful. Charts are typically utilized to track progress and to reward positive behavior. For an infant, this could be a daily journal that lists all the school activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and an approach to recording and earning rewards. Therapists can also discuss the possibility of introducing negative consequences when a child does not complete their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative type of psychotherapy that assists people to change their thinking. This type of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from various mental health problems, such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy which assists people in recognizing negative thought patterns and their effects on their emotions. This type of therapy may also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To achieve this we compared self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition debugging, management of information, and evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults with ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which indicates that they can explain a significant amount of variations in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it's still an in-development treatment and more research is needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was designed to determine the efficacy of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD however it can be used as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. All members can better understand the client's issues and learn how they can help their loved family members. It also helps them find ways to manage their own feelings of frustration and develop healthier communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling is useful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain a better understanding of the family's perception and determine whether they are suitable for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The counselor will explain to each client the nature of treatment and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions in order to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impacts on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health issues are present, such 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 improving self-esteem and self-control through teaching strategies to manage anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with relationship conflicts or job changes as well as academic difficulties. It can help you learn coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also be used to address the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.