Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many depressed patients aren't able to take medication and could benefit from therapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medications
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. However the dosages are different and the drugs can cause negative side effects that aren't common in children. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history and other conditions of an individual to determine which drug is most appropriate for the patient.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. They are available in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they lead to more patient compliance and lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these mental health issues be treated first before medication is utilized as a secondary measure. Some medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Some people are unable take stimulant medication or use it due to the misuse of drugs or other health conditions such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain techniques to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and manage problems in relationships and at work. It can also help co-existing mental disorders such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they feel, think and act. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and then formulate and implement positive strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses meditation techniques to help a person learn to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person, may be helpful for people with ADHD.
In addition to medicines, psychotherapy can help address the specific issues that arise from ADHD, such as trouble staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, getting along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that result in financial or legal troubles. It can also help a person explore and overcome issues that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD has on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help couples and families communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to identify the root causes of the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that align with the daily routine of the client.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take time. However, it's a good alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to devise an action plan to address their specific problems. They teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to master and have a high probability of success. Charts are typically used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This could include a daily report for children that lists the tasks they are required to finish at school or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as an organized system for monitoring and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be imposed if a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health issues like depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thoughts and their impact on their emotions. This kind of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To do this we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with regulatory processes. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, suggesting that they can account for significant proportions of the variation in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety and rumination, as well as attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat various disorders and could be more effective than other therapy. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD but it could be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. This allows all members to be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved ones better. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling can be helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders like depression or substance misuse which are often seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to better understand the family's perspective and determine whether they are suitable for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The Therapist will explain to each participant the purpose of therapy and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD asks lots of 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. adhd in adults treatment will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues present like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It focuses on improving your self-esteem and self-control through teaching techniques to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of failure, underachievement, academic difficulties frequent job changes, and relationship conflict. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and teach you how to manage your time and money more effectively. It can also address the comorbidity of disorders like anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen with ADHD.