Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid conditions like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar drugs.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. However the dosages are different and the drugs can cause side effects that are not typical of children. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history, family history and other health issues to determine which medication is most suitable for him or her.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. They come in many forms, including chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective as they result in more patient compliance and lasting and 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. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first before medications be used as a secondary measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may have some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it because of drug misuse or other health issues like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these cases, nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications do not cause the same high rates of adverse effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them gain strategies to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and manage issues in relationships or at work. It can also help people with mental disorders that coexist, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, then develops and implements strategies to change these patterns. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people focus on their thoughts and emotions to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family can be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD with significant secondary problems.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also help with the specific issues that arise from ADHD problems, like having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities and making impulsive choices that lead to legal or financial problems. It can help a person overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress through exercise, 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 has on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can assist families and couples improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to address the root reason for the symptoms. This therapy aims to help clients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are in line with their daily routines.
adults adhd treatment who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients how to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. It is an option for those who cannot get enough relief from their medication.
In a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan that addresses the specific issues they face. They train them in a series of practical skills which are easy to learn and have a high chance of success. Often a chart system is used to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. This could include the daily report of children that lists the tasks they have to complete at school, or the positive behavior that must be displayed, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. The therapists may also discuss the possibility of introducing negative consequences when a child does not finish their tasks. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer kind of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This kind of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from various mental health issues like depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thought patterns and their effects on their emotions. This kind of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are flexible and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To achieve this, we evaluated self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, information management and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with the processes that regulate. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes metacognition predictors was moderate, suggesting that they can account for an important portion of the variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it is still a relatively new treatment and further research will be needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety of disorders and could be more effective than any other treatment. It is important to keep it in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD but it could be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. This helps all family members understand the client's problems and learn how to support their loved one better. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling is useful for addressing comorbidities such as depression or substance misuse which are often found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get a clearer understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their present symptoms, their past, and the impact that they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that helps you change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It is focused on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching you strategies to manage stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can help you learn stress reduction and coping techniques as well as how to better manage your time and finances. It can also be used to tackle other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.