Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many people who suffer from depression are not able to respond well to medication and may be able to benefit from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar drugs.
Medicines
Adults can use many medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and effects can be different. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history, family history and other health issues to determine what medication is the best for him or her.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, including skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. These long-acting stimulants are preferred because they improve patient compliance, as well as more consistent, long-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders can alter the effectiveness of ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medication used as secondary measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine 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 discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases, a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could prove beneficial.
Certain people are not able to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it because of drug misuse or other health conditions like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't have the same side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them develop techniques to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and manage issues in relationships or at work. It can also assist with people with mental disorders that coexist, 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 belief that one's beliefs and attitudes affect how they feel, think and act. CBT helps a person recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person focus on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focused on a person's family history could be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help 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 could lead to legal and financial issues. adhd in adults treatment can also help people to identify and overcome issues that could cause ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help someone develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family member or spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on changing the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to identify the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the person's everyday life.
In addition, they teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take time. However, it's a good option for those who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They usually teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a high likelihood of being successful. Charts are typically utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. For an infant, this could include a daily report which outlines the school tasks or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as a method of tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also consider introducing negative consequences when a child does not complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer form of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This kind of treatment is effective for those suffering from a range of mental health problems such as depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy helps them develop mental tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities 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). add treatments for adults indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with regulatory processes. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they could explain a significant amount of the variance in daily functioning for adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of worry and rumination, as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it's still a relatively new treatment, and further research will be needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was conceived for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than other therapy. It is not a cure, but can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the Therapist works with the entire family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's issues and learn to assist their loved ones. It also assists them in dealing with their anger and develop better communication skills. This type of counseling could be used to tackle the underlying conditions, like substance abuse and depression, which are often seen as part of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's views and determine whether they are suitable for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to gain an understanding of their current symptoms as well as their past and the impact they've had on their work, family and personal relationships. They will also inquire if any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage anger and stress. This is a temporary option that can be utilized alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing with relationship conflicts as well as job changes and academic issues. It can teach stress reduction and coping techniques and also how to better manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.