Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to depression medications and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medications
Adults can use many medications to treat ADHD in children. The dosages and the side effects are different. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history and other conditions of an individual to determine which medicine is best.
The most popular type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which help improve focus and reduce impulsivity and aggression. They come in various forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred due to their improved patient compliance, and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medication is utilized as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may have an "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medications or are in a position to not take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants and have a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them learn techniques to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs can affect how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative behaviors and thought patterns and then formulate and implement positive strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to teach a person how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family could be beneficial for those with ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also help with the specific problems caused by ADHD like difficulty getting through schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting together with others, losing important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that result in legal or financial issues. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients change their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to address the root cause of symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to overcome impairments and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. However, it is a viable option for those who do not receive enough relief from medication.
In an upcoming RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social performance for adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who provide this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to devise an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. treating add in adults teach them the fundamentals of therapy that are simple to implement and have a high likelihood of being successful. Charts are typically utilized to track progress and to reward positive behavior. For children, this could include a daily report that outlines all of the in-school tasks or positive behavior they need to accomplish and a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be introduced when a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new form of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This type of treatment can be beneficial for people with a variety of mental health problems, including depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize negative thinking patterns and their effects on their emotions. This kind of therapy can help to develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. In order to do this we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). It was discovered that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could be the cause of significant variation in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, however it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety disorders and could be more effective than any other therapy. This is not a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all members of the family. This helps all family members understand the client's problems and to understand how to help their loved one better. It also helps them find ways to manage their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling can also be used to address the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated as part of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a clearer understanding of the family's perception of the issue and determine their ability to intervene with the family. This can be conducted online or in person. The therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each person and spell out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work life as well as their family and social life. They will also ask if any other mental issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that helps you change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It is focused on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching you strategies to manage stress and anger. This is a short-term option that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with 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 anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen with ADHD.