Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many depressed patients do not respond well to medication and may get better results from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. The dosages and side effects can be different. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine what medication is the best for him or her.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease aggression and impulsivity. They are available in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred as they result in more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
treating adults with adhd is important to be aware that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, and medication be used as a second measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may experience a "rebound" effect, where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These drugs don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them develop techniques to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with issues in relationships or at work. It can also assist with co-existing mental disorders like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that thoughts and beliefs can influence how someone feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps people identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history may be useful for people who suffer from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems.
In treating adults with adhd to medicines psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific problems caused by ADHD problems, like having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, getting along with others, ignoring important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that result in legal or financial problems. It can also assist people to identify and overcome issues that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. treating adults with adhd can also offer support to a spouse or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change their negative thinking patterns. It employs dialogue based on skill with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to help patients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are compatible with their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a while. However, it's a good alternative for adults who aren't getting enough relief from medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues., 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for those who suffer from more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who provide this treatment usually work with the client to develop a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They will teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to master and have a high probability of success. A chart system is often used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. In the case of a child, this might be a daily journal that outlines all of the in-school activities or positive behaviors they must perform and a method of recording and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be imposed if a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new type of psychotherapy that assists people to change their thinking. This kind of therapy is effective for those with a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they affect their moods. This kind of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are able and effective.
The aim of this study was to investigate 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 indicated that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD however, it was not associated with regulatory processes. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, which suggests that they could explain an important portion of the variation in daily functioning for people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on modifying metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry or rumination as well as attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorder. However, it's still an emerging treatment and further research will be needed to determine if it can help with other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and could be more effective than other treatments. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD but it could be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with the whole family. This allows everyone to be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved one better. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. This kind of counseling can be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to understand the family's perspective and determine if they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The therapist will explain to each participant the nature of treatment as well as the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain an insight into the client's current symptoms, their history 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 depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you to control your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching you techniques to cope with anxiety and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be utilized alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD overcome emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties, frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can help you learn coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also address comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that are commonly associated with ADHD.