Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients who are depressed do not respond well to medication and could benefit from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different drugs that are prescribed 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 look at the medical history, the family health history, and other conditions of an individual to determine which medication is the best for them.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, including liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. adhd treatment adults -acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medications be 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 some 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 dosage of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant drugs 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 situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same adverse effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain strategies to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and manage problems in relationships and at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they feel, think and act. CBT helps individuals identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then devise and implement positive strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques of meditation to teach people how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focusing on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD with significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can assist with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or interacting with others. 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 anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy coping techniques 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 families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on changing the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to identify the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to eliminate the limitations and implement coping strategies that fit with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thinking patterns and assist them to build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. It's a possibility for those who cannot receive enough relief from their medications.
In an upcoming RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem, and social performance in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those with more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They will teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Charts are typically utilized to track progress and to reward positive behavior. In the case of a child, this might include a daily report that outlines all of the school tasks or positive behavior they need to accomplish and a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be imposed if a child does not complete their task. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer form of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This kind of treatment can be beneficial for people suffering from a range of mental health problems such as depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists individuals learn to recognize their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their emotions. This type of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are able and beneficial.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in 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 in adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with regulation processes. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, suggesting that they can account for a significant amount of the variation in daily functioning for people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than any other treatment. It is important to keep it in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD however it can be used as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. This allows all members to understand the client's problems and learn how to support their loved one more effectively. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. Additionally, this type of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression or substance misuse which are often seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get a better understanding of the family's view of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. This can be conducted in person or online. The counselor will explain to each participant the purpose of therapy and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask lots of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you how to manage your behavior and transform negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It concentrates on improving self-esteem and self-control through teaching strategies to manage anxiety and stress. This is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that comes from underachievement and failure. It can also help them deal problems with relationships or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can teach stress reduction and coping techniques, and how to better manage your finances and time. It can also help with the comorbidity of disorders like anxiety and mood disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.