Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medications
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. The dosages and effects differ. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history as well as family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is the 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. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in various forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide more patient compliance and lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, with medication be used as a second measure. The drugs that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may experience an "rebound" effect in which they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could prove beneficial.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medication or use it due to addiction to drugs or other health conditions such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these situations, nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for people with ADHD. It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or manage problems at work or in relationships. It can also aid in the treatment of people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and attitudes affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and then formulate and implement strategies to alter these. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person, may be helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific problems caused by ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflicts and getting together with others, losing important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that result in financial or legal troubles. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD affects their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It employs dialogue based on skill with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to help patients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily routines.
In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. The process can be long. However, it's a good alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medications.
In an upcoming RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
The therapists that provide this treatment usually collaborate with the client to create an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They will teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Charts are typically used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. For an infant, this could be a daily journal which outlines the in-school activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences could be introduced when a child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This kind of therapy could be beneficial to those who suffer from a variety mental health issues, such as depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thought patterns and how they impact their moods. This kind of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are able and beneficial.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To do this we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD, but not regulation processes. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, suggesting that they could explain a significant amount of the variation in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states like worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to alleviate symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat various disorders and is more effective than any other treatment. It is not a cure, but it could be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. Everyone is able to better understand the issues of the client and learn how to help their loved family members. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling could be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as substance abuse and depression, which are often seen with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perception of the problem and evaluate their potential for intervention by the family. This can be conducted either in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each client the purpose of therapy and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work, family life and relationships. treatments for adhd in adults will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues present like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you how to manage your behavior and transform negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by educating you on how to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of failure, underachievement academic struggles frequent job changes, and conflicts in relationships. It can help you develop coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.