Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to depression medications and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different medications that are used for ADHD in children. However the dosages differ and the medications can cause side effects that are not common in children. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history, family history and other health conditions to determine which medication is the best for him or her.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which help improve focus and reduce aggression and impulsivity. They are available in a variety of forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. 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 issues be treated first before medication be used as a second measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients might have some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medications or take it because of drug misuse or other health conditions such as severe hypertension or heart problems. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications don't cause the same amount of side effects as stimulants, and are a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop skills to improve their life manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that beliefs and thoughts can affect how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, then develops and implements strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques for meditation to help a person learn to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focused on a person's history with their family may be useful for people with ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can aid with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial issues. It can also assist individuals to address and resolve issues that contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For example, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to an individual in the family or with a spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD affects 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)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients overcome their negative thoughts. It uses skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to overcome limitations and implement strategies for coping that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
In addition to educating clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing skills that allow them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take some time. However, it is a viable option for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medications.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for people who have more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan that addresses the specific issues they face. add natural treatment teach them a set of skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Charts are typically used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This could include a daily report for children that lists the tasks they must complete at school, or the positive behavior that must be displayed, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. The therapists may consider introducing negative consequences when a child does not complete their work. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer form of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This type of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from various mental health issues like depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thoughts and how they impact their moods. This kind of therapy can help to develop psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish 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). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could be the cause of significant variations in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of worry or rumination as well as attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorder. However, it's still a relatively new treatment and further research is required to determine if it can help with other disorders.
This study was designed to determine the efficacy of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. This is not a cure, but can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the client's needs and learn how to help their loved family members. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful for addressing comorbidities like depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get a clearer understanding of the family's perception of the problem and evaluate their suitability for family intervention. This can be conducted in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each participant the nature of treatment as well as the rules for family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to gain insight into their present symptoms, their past, and the impact they've had on their family, work, and relationships. They will also inquire if any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching methods to deal with anger and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of failure, underachievement academic struggles as well as frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and finances more effectively. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen alongside ADHD.