Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many people who suffer from depression aren't able to take medication and may benefit from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't present in children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history, and other medical conditions of an individual to determine which medicine is most appropriate for the patient.
The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is stimulant and adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medication used as secondary measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients might have an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medication or use it due to the misuse of drugs or other health issues such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't cause the same side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for people with ADHD. It can help them learn skills to improve their life manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships and at work. It can also assist with co-existing mental disorders like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps people recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. adhd in adults treatment are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their thoughts and emotions as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focused on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can aid with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial problems. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and resolve issues that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage 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 is focused on helping clients to change their negative patterns of thinking. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to help clients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it's a good option for those who are not getting adequate relief from medication.
A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for those with more serious underlying issues.
The therapists that provide this type of treatment typically collaborate with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They typically teach them the fundamentals of therapy that are easy to apply and have a high likelihood of being successful. A chart system is often used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This could include an everyday report for children that details the tasks they are required to complete at school, or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and an approach to tracking and rewarding. The therapists may consider introducing negative consequences when children fail to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative type of psychotherapy that assists people to change their thinking. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for those who suffer from various mental health problems, such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thoughts and their effects on their moods. This type of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
The goal of this study was 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 daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management, and Evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they could explain significant proportions of the variation in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it is still an emerging treatment and further research is required to determine whether it can help with other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and could be more effective than other treatment. It is not a cure, but can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. This helps all family members learn about the client's issues and to understand how to help their loved ones better. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and build better communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling can be helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression or substance misuse which are often associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain an understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and evaluate their ability to intervene with the family. This can be done in person or online. The counselor will go over the details of treatment with each client and lay out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to gain an understanding of the current symptoms as well as their history and the impact that they have on their work, family and relationships. They will also inquire if any other mental issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to manage anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic challenges. It can teach you strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also be used to address the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.