Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many patients who are depressed are not able to respond well to medication and could benefit from therapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar medications.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. However, the dosages are different and the drugs may cause adverse effects that aren't present in children. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history, family history, and other health conditions to determine what medication is best for him or her.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. They come in various forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored as they lead to better patient compliance, as well as an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might have a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could prove beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are not able to take them due to addiction or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine are effective. These medications don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help them gain strategies to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and manage problems in relationships and at work. treating adults with adhd can also assist with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps an individual identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then devise and implement strategies to change these. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history, may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also assist with forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive choices that lead to financial and legal issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For example 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. Marriage and family therapy helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to correct limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the daily routine of the client.
In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take some time. However, it is a viable option for adults who do not receive enough relief from medication.
In treating adults with adhd , it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social performance in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for those who suffer from more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to create an action plan to address their specific problems. They teach them a set of practical skills which are simple to master and have a high chance of success. Charts are typically utilized to track progress and to reward positive behavior. In the case of a child, this might involve a daily report that outlines all of the school-related tasks or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a method of tracking and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be inflicted upon a child who does not complete their task. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety mental health problems like depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thinking patterns and their effect on their emotions. This type of therapy may also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are able and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management, and Evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD but not with regulatory processes. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could explain a significant amount of variations in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, however it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than any other therapy. This isn't a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapy therapist works with the entire family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the issues of the client and learn how they can help their loved family members. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. This type of counseling can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as substance abuse and depression that are commonly associated as part of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to better understand the family's perception and determine if they're suitable for intervention with the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist with worked with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to get a better understanding of the current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they've had on their family, work and relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues present, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle anger and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that comes from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can help you learn ways to reduce stress and cope as well as how to better manage your time and finances. It can also help with problems that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety that are commonly associated with ADHD.