Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients do not respond to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medicines
Adults can use many medications to treat ADHD in children. However the dosages differ and the medications can cause side effects that are not present in children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history, and other health conditions of the patient to determine which drug is most appropriate for the patient.
The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is stimulant and is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide greater patient compliance and a longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first and medication utilized as a secondary measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).
Some patients might experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances an experiment of a short duration with a low-dose stimulant medication may prove beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health conditions, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or manage issues in their relationships or at work. It can also assist with people with mental disorders that coexist, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that beliefs and thoughts can affect how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then formulate and implement strategies to alter these. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person focus on their thoughts and emotions to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person could be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can aid with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also help in avoiding important dates and responsibilities and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial problems. It can help a person overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress through exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. adhd in adults treatment for families and marriage can assist families and couples communicate better and learn how to 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 employs dialogue based on skill with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to help patients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily lives.
In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can be lengthy. It is an option for those who are unable to get enough relief from their medication.
In the course of a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for those who suffer from more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this kind of treatment usually work with the client to create an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They teach them a set of skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Typically, a chart system is utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviour. This might include a daily report for children that details the tasks they have to complete at school, or the positive behavior that must be demonstrated, and a system of tracking and earning rewards. The therapists may also discuss the possibility of the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to finish their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer type of psychotherapy that assists people change their mindset. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for those who suffer from a range of mental health problems, such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thinking patterns and their effects on their emotions. This type of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are able and effective.
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To this end we evaluated self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition debugging, information management, and evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD, but not regulation processes. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states like worry, rumination and 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 anxiety disorders. However, it is still an in-development treatment and more research is needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety of disorders and is more effective than any other treatment. It is important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD however it can be employed as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the 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 helps them find ways to deal with their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression and addiction to drugs, which are typically associated with ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to get a clearer understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their ability to intervene with the family. This can be conducted in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each client and lay out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to get a better understanding of their present symptoms as well as their history and the impact that they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental issues are present, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind 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 educating you on how to handle anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people suffering from ADHD overcome emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement, failure academic issues, frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and finances more effectively. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.