Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the drugs can cause adverse effects that aren't common in children. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history, family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is most suitable for him or her.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce 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 more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, and medication be used as a second measure. The medications that can be utilized for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may have some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medication or take it because of drug misuse or other health conditions such as severe hypertension or heart problems. In these instances, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same adverse effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those with ADHD. It can help people who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or deal with problems 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 behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they feel, think and act. CBT helps an individual identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then develop and implement positive strategies to alter these. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone concentrate on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can assist with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also help with forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive choices that lead to financial and legal issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help someone to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress through exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to address the underlying reason for the symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to eliminate the limitations and implement coping strategies that fit with the daily routine of the client.
In addition, they teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing skills that allow them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take a long time. However, it is a viable option for adults who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
The therapists that provide this treatment usually work with the client to develop a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a high likelihood of success. Charts are often used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This could be a daily report for children that lists the tasks they must complete in school or the positive behavior that must be demonstrated, and an approach to tracking and rewarding rewards. The therapists may also consider creating negative consequences if the child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This kind of treatment is effective for those with a variety of mental health issues which include depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thoughts and their impact on their moods. This kind of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. In order 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). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults with ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain a significant amount of variation in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it's still a relatively new treatment and further research is needed to determine whether it can aid in 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 could be more effective than other treatments. This isn't a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. This allows all members to learn about the client's issues and to understand how to help their loved one more effectively. It also helps them find ways to manage their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling can also be used to address other comorbidities, such as addiction and depression, which are often seen with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a clearer understanding of the family's perception of the issue and determine their ability to intervene with the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The Therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment as well as the do's & don'ts 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 history, and their impact on their work life and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask if any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It concentrates on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching techniques to cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of failure, underachievement, academic difficulties, frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can teach ways to reduce stress and cope, and how to manage your financial and time management. treating adhd in adults can also address comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated with ADHD.