Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many depressed patients are not able to respond well to medication and could benefit from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects can be different. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history and other health conditions of the patient to determine which drug is most appropriate for the patient.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they lead to better patient compliance and longer lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can alter the effectiveness of ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, and medication used as secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may experience an "rebound" effect in which they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people are unable take stimulant medication or take it due to drug misuse or other health conditions such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine are effective. These medications don't cause the same side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop skills to improve their life manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and manage problems in relationships or at work. It can also help people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative behaviors and thought patterns and then devise and implement positive strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to teach people how to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
In adhd untreated in adults to medication, psychotherapy can help address the specific issues that arise from ADHD like difficulty getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts and getting along with others, ignoring important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that can lead to legal or financial problems. It can also help individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that cause ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress through 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. Family therapy and marriage counseling 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 changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It employs dialogue based on skill with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to assist clients overcome their impairments and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily lives.
In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. The process can be long. It is an option for those who are unable to receive enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the severity of the emotional symptoms, core symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people who suffer from more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who offer this type of treatment typically work with the client to create an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They usually teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a high chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. In the case of a child, this might involve a daily report that outlines all of the school-related activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a system for monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be inflicted upon a child who isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative form of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This kind of therapy can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health issues such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thinking patterns and their impact on their emotions. This type of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. 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). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which suggests that they could explain an important amount of variance in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it is still an in-development treatment, and further research is needed to determine whether it can aid in other disorders.
This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders and could be more effective than other treatments. It's important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD but it could be used 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 understand how to help their loved one better. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling can be used to tackle the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to understand the family's views and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. 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 worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to gain an understanding of their current symptoms, their past, and the impact that they have on their family, work and personal 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 which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting 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 forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people suffering from ADHD overcome emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of failure, underachievement academic issues, frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can teach you ways to reduce stress and cope, and how to manage your financial and time management. It can be used to treat the comorbidities, like mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen alongside ADHD.