Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many patients do not respond to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects can be different. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history, family history, and other health issues to determine which medicine is most suitable for them.
The most popular type of ADHD medication is stimulant and is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. about his come in various forms, including chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first before medication is used as a secondary measure. Some medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might suffer from some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases an experiment of a short duration with a low-dose stimulant medication may prove beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant drugs or are in a position to not take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or cope with problems in their relationships or at work. It can also assist 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 treatments are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs influence how someone behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps people identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements positive strategies to alter them. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their thoughts and emotions as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD with significant secondary issues.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can help address the particular issues caused by ADHD problems, like having trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts, getting together with others, losing important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that result in financial or legal troubles. 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 assist a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress, for example exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a spouse or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can assist families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients overcome their negative patterns of thinking. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to help clients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. But it is an effective alternative for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study concluded that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.
The therapists that provide this type of treatment typically collaborate with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They usually teach clients a set of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high chance of success. A chart system is often used to monitor the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. This could include a daily report for a child that outlines the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behavior that must be exhibited, and a system of monitoring and rewarding. The therapists could also discuss the possibility of creating negative consequences if children fail to complete their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This type of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from a range of mental health problems like depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn to recognize their negative thoughts and how they impact their moods. This type of therapy may also help them acquire psychological tools that are able and useful.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this, we evaluated self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, information management, and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD however, it was not associated with the processes that regulate. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, indicating that they can account for significant proportions of the variation in daily functioning for people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of worry and rumination, as well as attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. It is not a cure, but can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. This helps all family members understand the client's problems and to understand how to help their loved one more effectively. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and build better communication skills. Additionally, this type of therapy is helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders like depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to better understand the family's perception and determine if they're 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 experience treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain an understanding of the client's present symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It focuses on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching strategies to manage stress and anger. This is a short-term solution that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can help you develop coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also be used to tackle other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.