Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medications
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. The dosages and the side effects can be different. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history, family history, and other health issues to determine which medication is most suitable for them.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. They are available in a variety of forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored because they improve patient compliance and an easier, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first before medication be used as a second measure. The medications that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are unable to take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions, such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same high rates of adverse effects as stimulants, and are lower risks of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. It can help people with ADHD to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or cope with issues at work or in relationships. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that beliefs and thoughts can influence how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps people recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses meditation techniques to teach people how to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person, may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medicines psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD problems, like having trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts and getting along with others, forgetting important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial issues. It can help a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help someone find healthy coping skills and reduce stress through exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family member or spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD affects their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment aims to help patients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are compatible with their everyday lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a long time. However, it's a good option for those who are not getting adequate relief from medications.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the severity of the emotional symptoms, core symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and colleagues., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this treatment usually collaborate with the client to create an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They usually teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a good chance of being successful. A chart system is often used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. For an infant, this could involve a daily report that lists all the school-related tasks or positive behavior they must perform and an approach to recording and earning rewards. Read the Full Content can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be introduced when a child does not complete their task. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy is effective for those with a variety of mental health issues such as depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thought patterns and their effect on their emotions. This type of therapy may assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are flexible and effective.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To achieve this, we compared self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition, debugging, information management and evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power which indicates that they can explain a significant amount of variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, however it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was designed to determine the efficacy of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and may even be more effective than other treatments. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD but it could be employed as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. Everyone is able to better understand the client's issues and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to manage their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. This kind of counseling can also be used to address the underlying conditions, like substance abuse and depression that are commonly associated as part of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective and determine if they're appropriate for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that teaches you to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to manage stress and anger. This is a short-term option that can be used alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Read the Full Content helps people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships as well as job changes and academic issues. It can help you learn stress reduction and coping techniques, and how to better manage your time and finances. It can also address comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated with ADHD.