Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many depressed patients are not able to respond well to medication and could be able to benefit from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the drugs can cause side effects that are not common in children. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is most suitable for him or her.
The most commonly used 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, which aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms, including chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred because they improve patient compliance, and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit some patients may experience a "rebound" effect, where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medications or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health issues, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, 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 carry a less risk of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or manage issues at work or in relationships. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that beliefs and thoughts can affect how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques for meditation to help a person learn to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person, may be helpful for people with ADHD.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can help address the specific issues that arise from ADHD, such as trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts and getting along with others, forgetting important dates or obligations, and impulsive decisions that lead to financial or legal troubles. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, such as exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD affects their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change their negative patterns of thinking. It uses skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment aims to assist clients overcome their difficulties and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily lives.
In addition, they teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a while. However, it's a good alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medications.
In the course of a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people who have more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to create an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They usually teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a good chance of success. Often a chart system is utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. In the case of a child, this might include a daily report that lists all the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as a system for tracking and earning rewards. The therapists may consider the introduction of negative consequences if a child does not finish their tasks. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer form of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This kind of treatment can be effective for people with a variety of mental health problems, including depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize negative thoughts and their effect on their moods. This kind of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management, and Evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with regulation processes. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they can account for a significant amount of the variance in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and could be more effective than other treatments. This isn't a cure, but can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapy therapist works with the entire 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 cope with their own feelings of frustration and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, adhd adults treatment of counseling is useful for addressing comorbidities like depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session in order to gain an understanding of the family's perception of the problem and evaluate their potential for intervention by the family. This can be conducted either in person or online. The counselor will go over the details of treatment with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life as well as their family and social life. They will also inquire whether any other mental health problems are present, for example depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that helps you change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to handle anger and stress. This is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic issues. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and teach you how to manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.