Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid conditions like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar drugs.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. The dosages and the side effects are different. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history as well as family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is best for him or her.
The most common 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 called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters. They can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These stimulants that last longer are popular as they lead to better patient compliance, and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that disorders be treated first and medication 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 may suffer from an "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to drug abuse or other health issues, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same high rates of adverse effects as stimulants, and are lower risks of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those with ADHD. It can help them gain skills to improve their life to manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with issues in relationships or at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, like depression and addiction 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 affect how they feel, think and act. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to alter them. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person's family history could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can aid with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also help in forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and lead to financial and legal problems. It can assist a person overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help someone find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, for example exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. adhd treatment in adults can also offer support to a partner or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients change their negative thoughts. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment aims to help clients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. But it is an effective alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from their medication.
In the course of a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavior therapy in combination 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 coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people with more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to devise an action plan to address their specific issues. They usually teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high chance of success. Charts are often used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. In the case of an infant, this could be a daily journal that lists all the school activities or positive behaviors they must perform and an approach to tracking and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be inflicted upon a child who fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer type of psychotherapy that assists people change their thinking. This type of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health problems, such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thought patterns and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy may assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To achieve this we evaluated self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which suggests that they could 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 modifying 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 created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety, but it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD but it could be used as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the Therapist works with the entire family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's needs and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to manage their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling can also be used to address other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse which are frequently associated as part of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain an understanding of the family's perception of the problem and evaluate their suitability for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each individual and set out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to get a better understanding of their present symptoms as well as their history and the impact they have on their family, work and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching techniques to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement, failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can teach you ways to manage stress and cope and teach you how to manage your time and money more efficiently. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.