Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. The dosages and side effects can be different. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history, family history and other health conditions to determine which medicine is most suitable for him or her.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular because they improve patient compliance, and more consistent, long-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression may affect the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems 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 as well as bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients may experience an "rebound" effect where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be helpful.
Some people are unable take stimulant medications or take it because of drug misuse or other health conditions such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine can be effective. These medications do not cause the same high rates of adverse effects as stimulants and have lower risks of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help them develop skills to improve their life to manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and deal with issues in relationships or at work. It can also aid 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 idea that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps a person identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are used 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 psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history could be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also help with the specific issues that arise from ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get together with others, losing important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that lead to financial or legal troubles. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding 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 may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients to change their negative thoughts. It uses skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to eliminate the limitations and implement coping strategies that fit with the daily routine of the client.
In addition to educating clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing skills that allow them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a while. It is a viable option for those who are unable to get enough relief from their medication.
In a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social performance in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for those who suffer from more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan to address their specific problems. They usually teach them the fundamentals of therapy that are easy to implement and have a high chance of success. Often a chart system is used to monitor progress and reward positive behaviour. This could be a daily report for a child that outlines the tasks they have to finish at school or the positive behaviors to be displayed, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be imposed if a child does not complete their task. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy, assists individuals in changing how they think. This type of treatment can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health issues such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thoughts and how they affect their moods. This kind of therapy can help individuals develop psychological tools that can be flexible and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To this end, we evaluated self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition debugging, information management and evaluation). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety and rumination, as well as attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it's still an emerging treatment and further research is required to determine if it can help with other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than other treatment. It is not a cure, but can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all family members. Everyone is able to better understand the issues of the client and learn how to help their loved ones. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and build better communication skills. Additionally, this type of therapy is helpful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or substance misuse which are often associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to better understand the family's views and determine whether they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The therapist will explain to each participant the purpose of therapy and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire whether there are other mental health issues present like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It concentrates on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching you methods to deal with stress and anger. This is a short-term option that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement, failure, academic difficulties, frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and money more effectively. treating add in adults can also address comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety which are frequently associated with ADHD.