Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar medications.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. However the dosages differ and the drugs can cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history, and other conditions of an individual to determine which medicine is most appropriate for the patient.
The most well-known 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, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and reduce aggression. They are available in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred as they result in more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, and medication used as secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
treatments for adhd might suffer from an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication may be helpful.
Some people are unable take stimulant medication or take it due to addiction to drugs or other health issues such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these cases, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These drugs do not have the same high rates of side effects as stimulants, and are a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain strategies to improve their lives manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and manage problems in relationships and at work. It can also aid with co-occurring mental illnesses such as depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to teach people how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the particular issues caused by ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflicts and being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that can lead to financial or legal troubles. Psychotherapy can also help people to identify and overcome underlying issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For example exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a spouse or family 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 understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients to change their negative thinking patterns. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to identify the root causes of the symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to correct impairments and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the person's everyday life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thinking patterns and assist them to build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. It is an option for those who are unable to feel enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who offer this treatment usually collaborate with the client to devise a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They train them in a series of practical skills that are simple to master and have a high probability of success. Often a chart system is utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. In the case of a child, this might involve a daily report which outlines the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they must perform and a system for recording and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be inflicted upon a child who fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This type of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from various mental health problems, such as depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thoughts and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this we examined the relationship between self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning to indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, information management and evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with regulatory processes. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, which suggests that they can explain a significant amount of the variance in daily functioning for adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still an in-development treatment and further research will be needed to determine if it can help with other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety of disorders and could be more effective than any other treatment. This isn't a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the Therapist works with the entire family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's needs and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to manage their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling can be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as addiction and depression which are frequently associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain a better understanding of the family's perception and determine if they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be conducted online or in person. The counselor will explain to each participant the nature of treatment as well as the rules for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues present like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you to control your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD deal with emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement, failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can teach strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction and also how to better manage your financial and time management. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.