Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients who are depressed are not able to respond well to medication and may benefit from therapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing core symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medications
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. However the dosages are different and the drugs may cause side effects that are not present in children. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history as well as family history and other health conditions to determine what medication is most suitable for him or her.
The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly known as Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They help improve focus and reduce impulsivity and aggression. They are available in a variety of forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred due to their improved patient compliance, as well as an easier, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and medication used as secondary 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 a "rebound" effect, where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication may be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are unable to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions, such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them learn strategies to improve their lives manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also help co-existing mental disorders like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps people identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements positive strategies to alter these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses meditation techniques to teach people how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history, may be helpful for people with ADHD.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD like difficulty getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts and being able to get along with others, forgetting important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that can lead to legal or financial issues. It can also help a person explore and resolve issues that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family or partner member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD 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)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients change their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a dialogue based on skills with a mental health professional to identify the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to correct the limitations and implement coping strategies that fit with the client's daily life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. It's a possibility for those who cannot get enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They will teach them a set of skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Charts are often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. see this website might include an everyday report for children that lists the tasks they must finish at school or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and an approach to recording and rewarding rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be introduced when a child does not complete their task. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health issues like depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thought patterns and how they impact their emotions. This type of therapy may assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. In order 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 associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD but not with regulation processes. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain a significant amount of variations in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states like worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it's still an emerging treatment, and further research will be needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and could be more effective than other therapies. It is not a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the 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 ones better. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. This type of counseling could be used to tackle other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse, which are often seen with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective and determine if they're suitable for intervention with the family. It can be done either in person or online. The counselor will go over the details of the therapy with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health problems are present, for example depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that helps you change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It concentrates on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching methods to deal with anxiety and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD overcome emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement, failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can help you learn strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction as well as how to better manage your finances and time. It can be used to treat the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.