Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects are different. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history and other health conditions of the patient to determine which drug is most appropriate for the patient.
The most common type of ADHD medication is a 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 called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. These long-acting stimulants are favored because they improve patient compliance, and more consistent, long-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that these disorders be treated first before medication is utilized as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may experience an "rebound" effect in which they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances an experiment of a short duration with the use of a low dose stimulant medication could prove beneficial.
Some people are unable to 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 situations, nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These drugs don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be misused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for people with ADHD. It can help them develop techniques to improve their lives manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships and at work. It can also assist with those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and attitudes affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps an individual identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then formulate and implement positive strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques for meditation to teach people how to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on a person's family history could be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD problems, like having trouble staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial issues. It can assist a person overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help someone find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, such as exercising, improving sleep 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. Marriage and family therapy can assist families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients to change their negative thoughts. It employs dialogue based on skill with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients how to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. It's a possibility for adults who do not feel enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the emotional symptoms, core symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those with more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan to address the specific issues they face. They usually teach clients the fundamentals of therapy that are simple to implement and have a good chance of being successful. A chart system is often used to monitor progress and reward positive behaviour. This could include the daily report of children that lists the tasks they must complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as an approach to recording and rewarding rewards. The therapists may consider the introduction of negative consequences if a child does not complete their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This type of treatment is effective for those suffering from a range of mental health problems such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavior therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thinking patterns and their effects on their emotions. This type of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are adaptable and useful.
natural add treatment of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities 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 indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults with ADHD but not with regulatory processes. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain an important amount of variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction 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. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. It is not a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. This allows all members to be aware of the issues facing the client and to understand how to help their loved one more effectively. It also helps them find ways to deal with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful for addressing comorbidities such as 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. This can be done 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 who has experience treating adults with ADHD asks lots of questions to gain insight into their present symptoms, their past, and the impact they have on their work, family and relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental health issues are present, like 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 is focused on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching you strategies to manage anxiety and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic struggles frequent job changes, and conflict in relationships. It can teach you ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also address the comorbidity of disorders like anxiety and mood disorders which are frequently associated with ADHD.