Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients who are depressed aren't able to take medication and could get better results from therapy.
Medications that most effectively improve core symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medications
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause negative side effects that aren't common in children. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health conditions to determine which medication is best for him or her.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They are available in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred because they improve patient compliance and an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medications. Therefore it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first, and then medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are unable to take them due to addiction or other health conditions, such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or manage problems at work or in relationships. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body 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 helps a person recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs meditation techniques to teach people how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also help in avoiding important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive decisions that can lead to financial and legal issues. It can help a person overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help someone find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, for example exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to an individual in the family or with a partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD has on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on changing the client's negative thinking patterns. It uses skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to correct the limitations and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the client's daily life.
In addition to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing abilities that enable clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. add treatment for adults can take time. However, it's a good option for those who do not receive enough relief from medication.
In an upcoming RCT, it was found that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for those who suffer from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to devise an action plan that addresses the specific issues they face. They train them in a series of skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Charts are typically used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. For children, this could include a daily report that outlines all of the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they must perform and a system for tracking and earning rewards. The therapists may also discuss the possibility of the introduction of negative consequences if a child does not complete their work. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This type of treatment can be effective for people with a variety of mental health issues such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they impact their emotions. This type of therapy may also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). It was observed that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which suggests they could be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states like worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than other therapy. It is important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD but it could be employed as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the Therapist works with the entire family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the client's issues and learn how to help their loved ones. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and build better communication skills. This type of counseling can also be used to address other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse, which are often seen as part of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to better understand the family's perspective and determine if they are suitable for intervention with the family. This can be done in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each client the purpose of therapy and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history and their impacts on their work as well as their family and social life. They will also inquire whether there are other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle stress and anger. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.
More methods can help people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that comes from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts as well as job changes and academic challenges. It can help you learn strategies for managing stress and coping and teach you how to manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.