Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medications
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. The dosages and effects can be different. The doctor will look at the medical history, the family health history and other conditions of an individual to determine which medication is most appropriate for the patient.
The most popular type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which help improve focus and reduce aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting more smooth improvement of symptoms.
It is important to be aware that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that these mental health issues be treated first before medication is used 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 may experience an "rebound" effect where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these cases an experiment of a short duration with an atypical stimulant drug could be helpful.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medications or use it due to drug misuse or other health conditions such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't cause the same negative side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them gain techniques to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and cope with issues in 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 behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. treating adults with adhd are based on belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they feel, think and act. CBT helps people identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques of meditation to teach people how to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family may be useful for people who suffer from ADHD with significant secondary issues.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can assist in addressing the particular issues caused by ADHD, such as trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get along with others, forgetting important dates or obligations as well as impulsive decisions that lead to legal or financial problems. It can also help a person explore and overcome issues that be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family or partner member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the client's negative thinking patterns. It employs dialogue based on skill with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to correct the limitations and implement coping strategies that fit with the client's daily life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. It is a viable option for those who cannot receive enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for those with more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They train them in a series of practical skills which are simple to master and have a high probability of success. Charts are typically used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This might include the daily report of children that details the tasks they have to complete at school, or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and an approach to tracking and rewarding rewards. The therapists could consider creating negative consequences if a child does not finish their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new form of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This kind of therapy is effective for those who suffer from a variety of mental health issues which include depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thoughts and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults suffering from 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). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD however, it was not associated with regulatory processes. treating adult adhd had moderate predictive power which suggests they could explain an important amount of variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it is still an in-development treatment and more research is needed to determine if it can help with other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. It's important to keep in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD however it can be employed as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. This allows all members to learn about the client's issues and to learn how they can support their loved ones better. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling can be helpful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression and alcohol abuse, which are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to understand the family's views and determine if they're appropriate for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each client and lay out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into their present symptoms as well as their past and the impact they've had on their work, family, and relationships. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues that are present, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that helps you learn how 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 anxiety and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic struggles frequent job changes, and conflicts in relationships. It can help you learn stress reduction and coping techniques and also how to manage your finances and time. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD.