Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar drugs.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. However the dosages differ and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't present in children. The doctor will look at the medical history, family health history, and other medical factors of the individual to determine which medication is best.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbidities like anxiety and depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medication be used as a second measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These drugs don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for people with ADHD. It can help them gain skills to improve their life to manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and manage problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that beliefs and thoughts can influence how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps individuals identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then devise and implement positive strategies to change these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs meditation techniques to teach a person how to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person's family history can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can assist with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also help in forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive decisions that can could lead to legal and financial problems. It can assist a person overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, for example exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to the family member or partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on transforming the client's negative thinking patterns. It uses skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to eliminate the limitations and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the client's daily life.
In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a while. It's a possibility for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medications.
In an upcoming RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan that addresses the specific issues they face. adhd treatment in adults train them in a series of skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. This might include a daily report for children that details the tasks they must complete at school, or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and an approach to tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences could be imposed if a child does not complete their task. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This kind of therapy can be effective for people with a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they affect their emotions. This type of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are flexible and beneficial.
The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To this end we compared the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not the processes that regulate. The predictive ability of a model incorporating metacognition predictors was moderate, which suggests that they can explain an important portion of the variance in daily functioning for people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention which focuses on reversing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was designed to determine the efficacy of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. This is not a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. This helps all family members learn about the client's issues and learn how to support their loved one more effectively. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. This type of counseling can be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as addiction and depression which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's view of the problem and assess their ability to intervene with the family. 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 with experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to gain an understanding of their present symptoms as well as their history and the impact they have on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also ask if any other mental issues are present, such anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that helps you change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to manage stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be paired with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that comes from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic challenges. It can help you learn ways to reduce stress and cope and also how to better manage your time and finances. It can also be used to address the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.