Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may 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 often prescribed.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't present in children. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history, family history, and other health conditions to determine which medicine is best for him or her.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. They come in various forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred as they lead to better patient compliance, and more consistent, long-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first before medications be used as a secondary measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may experience a "rebound" effect, where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases it is possible to try a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could prove beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it because of drug misuse or other health issues such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications do not cause the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants and have a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues at work or in relationships. It can also aid in the treatment of those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and attitudes affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then formulates and implements strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques of meditation to teach a person how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focused on a person's history with their family may be useful for people with ADHD with significant secondary issues.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also help with the specific issues that arise from ADHD, such as trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts and being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that lead to financial or legal troubles. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress, such as exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling 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 patterns of thinking. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to address the root reason for the symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the person's everyday life.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take a long time. But it is an effective alternative for adults who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
In a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social performance in adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who provide this treatment usually collaborate with the client to create an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a high likelihood of success. A chart system is often utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. In the case of children, this could involve a daily report that outlines all of the school tasks or positive behavior they have to perform, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be inflicted upon a child who isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from a range of mental health issues, such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists individuals learn to recognize their negative thought patterns and how they impact their emotions. This kind of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To this end we compared the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition debugging, information management, and evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. 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 an treatment that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it's still an in-development treatment and more research is required to determine whether it can aid in other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety of disorders and is more effective than other therapy. This is not a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. Everyone is able to better understand the issues of the client and learn how to help their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to deal with their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling can be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as addiction and depression that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to better understand the family's views and determine if they are suitable for intervention with the family. This can be conducted in person or online. Full Posting will discuss the nature of treatment with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to get a better understanding of their present symptoms, their past, and the impact they've had on their family, work and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental problems are present, for example depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that helps you change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It concentrates on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching you methods to deal with stress and anger. This is a temporary option that can be utilized alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing with relationship conflicts as well as job changes and academic challenges. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and teach you how to manage your time and finances more effectively. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.