Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medications
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and the side effects differ. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history, family history, and other health issues to determine which medication is most suitable for him or her.
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 enhance the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular due to their improved patient compliance, and more consistent, long-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, and medication used as secondary measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may have some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are unable to take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same high rates of adverse effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or deal with issues at work or in relationships. It can also aid in the treatment of co-existing mental disorders like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then develop and implement positive strategies to change these. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their emotions and thoughts, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history, may be helpful for people with ADHD.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD problems, like having trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get along with others, forgetting important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that can lead to financial or legal troubles. It can help a person overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercise, sleep improvement 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 couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a dialog based on skill with an expert in mental health to address the root cause of symptoms. This treatment aims to assist clients overcome their impairments and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily lives.
In addition to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a while. However, it is a viable option for those who do not receive enough relief from medications.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the emotional symptoms, core symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al., 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 create an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to master and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. In the case of children, this could include a daily report which outlines the in-school activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as a method of recording and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be inflicted upon a child who isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer type of psychotherapy that assists people to change their thinking. This kind of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health problems, such as depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thinking patterns and their effects on their emotions. This kind of therapy can help to develop psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. 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 found that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictive ability of a model incorporating predictors of metacognition was moderate, indicating that they can explain significant proportions of the variance in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorder. However, it is still an emerging treatment and further research is needed to determine whether it can help with other disorders.
This study was created for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than other therapy. This is not a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all members of the family. This allows all members to understand the client's problems and to learn how they can support their loved ones better. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling is useful for addressing comorbidities like depression or substance misuse which are often found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to understand the family's perception and determine if they're appropriate for family intervention. Read Home Page can be done either in person or online. The counselor will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to gain an understanding of the current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they've had on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also inquire if any other mental issues are present, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that helps you learn how to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It is focused on improving self-esteem and self-control through teaching strategies to manage anger and stress. This is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of failure, underachievement academic struggles frequent job changes, and conflict in relationships. It can help you learn stress reduction and coping techniques, and how to better manage your finances and time. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.