Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many depressed patients do not respond well to medication and could be able to benefit from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar drugs.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. However the dosages differ and the drugs can cause side effects that are not typical of children. A doctor will take into consideration the medical history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine which medication is most suitable for them.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They come in many forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to better patient compliance and longer lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can alter the effectiveness of ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, with medication used as secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be helpful.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to drug abuse or other health issues, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for people with ADHD. It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and manage issues in relationships or at work. It can also aid with co-occurring mental illnesses such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that beliefs and thoughts can affect how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to help a person learn to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive decisions that can result in legal and financial issues. It can help a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress, for example exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support 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 is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on changing the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It utilizes 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 overcome impairments and implement coping strategies that align with the client's daily life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a while. It is an option for adults who do not get enough relief from their medication.
In an upcoming RCT, it was found that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
The therapists that provide this treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop a detailed action plan for addressing their problems. They train them in a series of skills that are simple to master and have a high chance of success. Typically, a chart system is utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. This might include a daily report for children that lists the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and a system of monitoring and rewarding. Therapists can also discuss the possibility of introducing negative consequences when children fail to complete their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. adhd adults treatment of therapy could be beneficial for people who suffer from a range of mental health problems, such as depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people recognize negative thinking patterns and their impact on their emotions. This type of therapy may assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in 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). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not regulation processes. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it's still an in-development treatment and more research is required to determine if it could aid in other disorders.
This study was created to determine the efficacy of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and may even be more effective than other treatments. This is not a cure, but can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. This helps all family members be aware of the issues facing the client and to understand how to help their loved ones better. It also helps them find ways to manage their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as depression and substance abuse, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their ability to intervene with the family. This can be conducted either in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each participant the nature of treatment and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD asks lots of questions to gain insight into their present symptoms as well as their past and the impact that they have on their work, family and personal relationships. They will also ask whether there are other mental health issues that are present, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control through teaching methods to deal with anger and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties, frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can help you learn stress reduction and coping techniques and also how to better manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to address the comorbidities, like mood and anxiety disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.