Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many people who suffer from depression aren't able to take medication and could benefit from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medications
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects differ. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history and other conditions of an individual to determine which medication is most appropriate for the patient.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. These long-acting stimulants are preferred due to their improved patient compliance and more consistent, long-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first before medication is used as a second measure. The medications that can be utilized for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant drugs or are not able to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions, such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same high rates of adverse effects as stimulants and carry a lower risks of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain techniques to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships and at work. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses such as depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then formulates and implements strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques for meditation to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy that focus on a person's history with their family can be beneficial for those with ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also help with the particular issues caused by ADHD like difficulty 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 issues. Psychotherapy can also help people to identify and resolve issues that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For example exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a spouse or family member who may be dealing 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 which focuses on helping clients change their negative patterns of thinking. It uses skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to overcome the limitations and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the person's everyday life.
In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take time. However, it's a good option for those who do not receive enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study concluded that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with their clients to devise an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They will teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Typically, a chart system is used to monitor progress and reward positive behaviour. This might include a daily report for a child that outlines the tasks they have to complete at school, or the positive behaviors that need to be exhibited, and a system of tracking and rewarding. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be introduced when a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy is effective for those who suffer from a variety of mental health problems, including depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists individuals learn to recognize their negative thought patterns and how they impact their moods. This type of therapy may also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and useful.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish 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 showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with regulatory processes. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which suggests they could be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing 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 by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is required to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was created for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than other therapy. try these out is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD, but it can be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with the whole family. This allows everyone to be aware of the issues facing the client and learn how to support their loved one more effectively. It also assists them in finding ways to deal with their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. This kind of counseling can also be used to address other comorbidities, such as substance abuse and depression, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.
adhd treatment adults will begin with an intake session in order to gain a better understanding of the family's views and determine if they are appropriate for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each individual and set out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to get a better understanding of their current symptoms as well as their history and the impact that they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also ask if there are any other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It concentrates on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching strategies to manage stress and anger. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be paired with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of failure, underachievement, academic difficulties as well as frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can help you learn coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen alongside ADHD.