Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to medications for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different medications to treat ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects are different. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history, and other medical conditions of an individual to determine which drug is the best for them.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters. They can improve focus and decrease aggression and impulsivity. They are available in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. 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 important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that these disorders be treated first, and then medication utilized as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may have an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
add in adults treatment cannot tolerate stimulant drugs or are not able to take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine can be effective. These medications do not cause the same high rates of side effects as stimulants, and are a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and attitudes affect how they feel, think and act. CBT helps people recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, then develops and implements strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques for meditation to teach people 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 focus on the family history of a person, may be helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also help in avoiding important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and lead to financial and legal issues. It can also help a person explore and overcome issues that could cause ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help someone develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress, for example exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to an individual in the family or with a 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.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. 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 patients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. It is a viable option for those who are unable to feel enough relief from their medication.
In a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem, and social performance for adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan that addresses the specific issues they face. They usually teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a good chance of being successful. A chart system is often utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. For a child, this might involve a daily report that lists all the school tasks or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as an approach to recording and earning rewards. The therapists may also discuss the possibility of the introduction of negative consequences if children fail to finish their tasks. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new type of psychotherapy that assists people change their thinking. This kind of therapy can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health problems, including depression. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thinking patterns and their impact on their moods. This type of therapy may also help them acquire psychological tools that are flexible and effective.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this, we examined the relationship between self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD however, it was not associated with regulatory processes. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of worry or rumination as well as attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. It is not a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the Therapist works with the entire family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the client's needs and learn to assist their loved ones. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. This type of counseling could also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as addiction and depression, which are often seen with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to understand the family's views and determine if they are suitable for intervention with the family. This can be conducted in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each individual and set out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history and their impact on their work life and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that helps you change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to cope with stress and anger. This is a short-term option that can be utilized alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships or job changes as well as academic difficulties. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also help with the comorbidity of disorders like mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated with ADHD.