Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Commonly 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 medications can cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history, and other conditions of an individual to determine which medicine is most appropriate for the patient.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they provide greater patient compliance and a longer lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbidities like anxiety and depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that these disorders be treated first and medication used as a second measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients may experience an "rebound" effect in which they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases an experiment of a short duration with an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it due to addiction to drugs or other health conditions like heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine can be effective. These drugs do not have the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants and have lower risks of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people with ADHD to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or deal with issues in their relationships or at work. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to teach a person how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focused on a person's history with their family could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
In addition to medicines, psychotherapy can help address the specific problems caused by ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflicts and getting together with others, losing important dates or obligations as well as impulsive decisions that result in legal or financial issues. It can assist a person overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For treating add in adults exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to an individual in the family or with a partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD affects their relationship. Marriage and family therapy helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients overcome their negative thinking patterns. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to help clients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are appropriate to their everyday lives.
In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take a while. It is a viable option for those who are unable to get enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the emotional symptoms, core symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying problems.
The therapists that provide this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to devise an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They will teach them a set of skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Typically, a chart system is used to monitor the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. For a child, this might involve a daily report that outlines all of the school tasks or positive behavior they must perform and a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from various mental health issues like depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are able and effective.
The purpose of this study was to explore 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 the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which suggests they could be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry and rumination, as well as attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively new and more research is required to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was created for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than other treatment. This isn't an effective treatment, but it can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. 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 assists them in finding ways to deal with their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. This kind of counseling can also be used to address the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session in order to gain a clearer understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their ability to intervene with the family. This can be conducted in person or online. The counselor will explain to each participant the nature of treatment and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain an understanding of the current symptoms, their past, and the impact they have on their family, work, and relationships. They will also inquire if any other mental issues are present, such anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you how to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on improving your self esteem and self-control through teaching techniques to cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that comes from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal problems with relationships or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also address the comorbidity of disorders like depression and anxiety, which are often seen with ADHD.