Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.
Medications
Adults are able to take many different medications that are used for ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the medications can cause side effects that are not present in children. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which medicine is the best for them.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. They come in various forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medication used as secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients might experience an "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may prove beneficial.
Some people are unable tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it due to drug misuse or other health issues like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these instances, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants and carry a less risk of abuse and diversion.
treatment of add in adults (talk therapy) is a great option for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them learn skills to improve their life manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and manage issues 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-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and attitudes affect how they feel, think and act. CBT assists a person to identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person focus on their thoughts and emotions as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive choices that could lead to legal and financial problems. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to an individual in the family or with a partner who is dealing with the negative effects ADHD has on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on transforming the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to address the root cause of symptoms. This therapy aims to help patients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are compatible with their everyday lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. However, it is a viable option for those who do not receive enough relief from medications.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for those with more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to create an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They will teach them a set of practical skills which are easy to master and have a high probability of success. Often a chart system is used to monitor the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. This could include a daily report for children that details the tasks they must finish at school or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and an organized system for tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can consider creating negative consequences if a child does not complete their work. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety of mental health problems such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people recognize negative thought patterns and their effect on their moods. This type of therapy may assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To do this we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). It was discovered that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had a moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively new and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and could be more effective than other treatment. This isn't a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. All members can better understand the client's needs and learn to assist their loved family members. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to better understand the family's perspective and determine whether they are suitable for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. The counselor will explain to each participant the nature of treatment and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot 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 there are any other mental health issues present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage anger and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of failure, underachievement academic issues frequent job changes, and conflict in relationships. It can teach you strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction and also how to better manage your finances and time. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen alongside ADHD.