Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar medications.
Medications
Adults are able to take many different medications to treat ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the drugs can cause side effects that are not present in children. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history, and other medical health conditions of the patient to determine which medication is the best for them.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, such as skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular because they improve patient compliance, and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and then medication utilized as a secondary measure. Medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients might suffer from some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications 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 cases, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine may be beneficial. These drugs do not have the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants and have lower risks of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also help co-existing mental disorders like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they feel, think and act. CBT helps an individual identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then devise and implement positive strategies to alter these. adhd symptoms and treatment -based cognitive therapy employs meditation techniques to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history, may be helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also help with the specific issues that arise from ADHD problems, like having trouble staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting together with others, losing important dates or obligations as well as impulsive decisions that result in legal or financial issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help someone to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress through exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD has on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can assist families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients overcome their negative thinking patterns. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to address the underlying causes of the symptoms. This treatment aims to assist clients overcome their limitations and develop coping strategies that are in line with their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. However, it is a viable option for adults who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
In an upcoming RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people who have more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a good chance of being successful. Typically, a chart system is used to track progress and reward positive behaviour. This could be a daily report for children that details the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behavior that must be exhibited, and an approach to monitoring and rewarding. The therapists may also consider the introduction of negative consequences if children fail to complete their tasks. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for people who suffer from various mental health issues like depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thoughts and how they impact their moods. This kind of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are able and beneficial.
The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. In order to do 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 comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not the processes that regulate. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, suggesting that they can explain an important portion 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, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness 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 in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD but it could be used as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapy therapist works with the entire family. This allows all members to learn about the client's issues and to learn how they can support their loved one more effectively. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. This type of counseling can be used to tackle the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to understand the family's perspective and determine whether they are suitable for intervention with the family. This can be conducted in person or online. The therapist will explain to each client the nature of treatment as well as the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history, and their impacts on their work as well as their family and social life. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues that are present, such as anxiety or depression.
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 boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders that are commonly associated with ADHD.