Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medications for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medications
Adults are able to take many different medications that are used for ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't present in children. The doctor will look at the medical history, family health history, and other factors of the individual to determine which medicine is most appropriate for the patient.
The most popular type of ADHD medication is stimulant and is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They help improve focus and reduce impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and medications be used as a secondary measure. Some medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients might suffer from a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial.
Some people are unable take stimulant medication or use it due to the misuse of drugs or other health conditions like severe hypertension or heart problems. In add natural treatment , non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These drugs do not have the same level of side effects as stimulants and have less risk of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those with ADHD to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or manage issues in their relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then develop and implement positive strategies to change these. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person's family history, may be helpful for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also help in avoiding important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive decisions that can lead to financial and legal problems. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help someone develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer 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 couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients change their negative thoughts. It employs dialogue based on skill with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to correct limitations and implement strategies for coping that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. But it is an effective option for those who are not getting adequate relief from medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the severity of the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who provide this treatment usually work with the client to devise an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often used to monitor the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. This could include the daily report of children that lists the tasks they have to complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as an organized system for monitoring and rewarding. Therapists can also consider the introduction of negative consequences if children fail to finish their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This type of treatment is effective for those with a variety of mental health issues such as depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their emotions. This type of therapy may also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To do 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). The results showed that complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with regulation processes. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states like worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD, but it can be employed as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. All members can better understand the issues of the client and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling is useful for addressing comorbidities such as depression and addiction to drugs, which are typically seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to understand the family's perception and determine whether they are suitable for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. The Therapist will explain to each participant the nature of treatment as well as the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to get a better understanding of their present symptoms as well as their past and the impact they've had on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues that are present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you how to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It concentrates on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching strategies to manage stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be paired with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts as well as job changes and academic issues. It can help you develop ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and money more effectively. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.