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 boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
treating adult add of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. However the dosages are different and the drugs can cause adverse effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history, and other medical conditions of an individual to determine which medication is best.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. They come in many forms, including chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that these disorders be treated first, and then medication used as a secondary measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could prove beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it because of addiction to drugs or other health issues like severe hypertension or heart problems. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same adverse effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them learn techniques to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they feel, think and act. CBT helps individuals identify negative behaviors and thought patterns and then devise and implement strategies to change these. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone concentrate on their thoughts and emotions as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focused on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and obligations and making impulsive decisions that can lead to financial and legal issues. It can assist a person overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a spouse or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It uses 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 clients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are compatible with their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize unhelpful thought patterns and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. It is an option for those who are unable to receive enough relief from their medications.
In an upcoming RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for people who have more severe underlying issues.
The therapists that provide this type of treatment typically collaborate with the client to create an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They typically teach them a series of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a high likelihood of being successful. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. This might include an everyday report for a child that outlines the tasks they are required to finish at school or the positive behaviors that need to be exhibited, and an approach to recording and earning rewards. The therapists may also consider the introduction of negative consequences if a child does not finish their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new type of psychotherapy that assists people change their thinking. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health problems, such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that can be adaptable and beneficial.
The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities 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 linked to daily functioning among adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with regulation processes. The predictive ability of a model incorporating metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they can explain a significant amount of the variation in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of anxiety and rumination, as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was conceived for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat various disorders and could be more effective than any other treatment. It is important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD however it can be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all family members. This allows all members to learn about the client's issues and to learn how they can support their loved one better. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling could be used to tackle other comorbidities, such as addiction and depression, which are often seen with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their suitability for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their history and their impact on their work life and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire whether there are other mental health issues present, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage anger and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can teach you strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction, and how to better manage your time and finances. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen with ADHD.