Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medications
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and the side effects differ. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history, family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is the best for them.
The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which help improve focus and reduce aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide greater patient compliance and a longer lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these mental health issues be treated first and medication used as a second measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could prove beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or take it because of the misuse of drugs or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications do not cause the same level of adverse effects as stimulants and have a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for people with ADHD. It can help them learn strategies to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships and at work. It can also aid those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps a person recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements strategies to alter these patterns. treatment adult adhd of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person focus on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can assist with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making decisions that are impulsive and could lead to legal and financial problems. It can help a person overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For example exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to help patients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily lives.
In addition, they teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take time. However, it is a viable option for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co., 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people who have more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to devise an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They train them in a series of practical skills which are simple to master and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. In the case of children, this could include a daily report that outlines all of the school tasks or positive behaviors they must perform and an approach to monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists could also consider introducing negative consequences when a child does not complete their tasks. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people with a variety of mental health issues, including depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they affect their moods. This kind of therapy helps individuals develop mental tools that are flexible and useful.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this we evaluated self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation debugging, information management and evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. The predictive ability of a model incorporating metacognition predictors was moderate, which suggests that they can account for a significant amount of the variance 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 worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than any other therapy. It's important to keep in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD but it could be used as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. All members can better understand the issues of the client and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and build better communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling can be helpful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression and alcohol abuse, which are commonly seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain a clearer understanding of the family's perspective of the issue and determine their potential for intervention by the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each individual and set out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an understanding of their present symptoms as well as their past and the impact that they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that teaches you how to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching you techniques to cope with anxiety and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD overcome emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues, frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can teach you strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and money more effectively. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.