Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. However the dosages differ and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is best for them.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular due to their improved patient compliance, and more consistent, long-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these disorders be treated first before medication is utilized as a secondary measure. Medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might suffer from an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or are not able to take them due to addiction or other health conditions, such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't cause the same negative side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues at work or in relationships. It can also help with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that beliefs and thoughts can influence how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then formulates and implements strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques of meditation to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive decisions that can lead to financial and legal issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner 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.
treat adhd (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on changing the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to address the underlying cause of symptoms. This treatment is designed to help patients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are in line with their daily lives.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take a long time. However, it's a good alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medication.
A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and co., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They teach them a set of skills that are simple to master and have a high chance of success. A chart system is often used to track progress and reward positive behaviour. This might include the daily report of a child that outlines the tasks they have to complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and an organized system for monitoring and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences might be imposed if a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This kind of treatment can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health issues such as depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they impact their emotions. This type of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. In order to do this we compared self- and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management, and Evaluation). It was found that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictive ability of a model incorporating predictors of metacognition was moderate, which suggests that they could explain significant proportions of the variance in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and 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 illness anxiety disorders. However, it's still a relatively new treatment, and further research is needed to determine if it can help with other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders and could be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep it in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD but it could be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. This allows all members to understand the client's problems and to learn how they can support their loved one more effectively. It also helps them find ways to manage their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling could be used to tackle other comorbidities, such as substance abuse and depression that are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. This can be done online or in person. The counselor will explain to each participant the nature of treatment as well as the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their current symptoms, their past, and the impact they have on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also ask whether there are other mental health issues present like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that teaches you how 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 manage anger and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that comes from failure and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships or job changes as well as academic difficulties. It can teach you strategies for managing stress and coping and teach you how to manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also be used to tackle other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen alongside ADHD.