Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medicines
Adults can use many drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. The dosages and effects differ. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history, and other medical conditions of an individual to determine which drug is best.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. They come in various forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored as they lead to better patient compliance and an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medications. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, with medication used as secondary measure. Medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may suffer from a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or use it due to addiction to drugs or other health conditions like severe hypertension or heart problems. In these situations, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same negative side effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for people with ADHD. It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or manage problems at work or in relationships. It can also help with co-existing mental illnesses such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then formulate and implement strategies to change them. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history can be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and lead to financial and legal problems. It can also assist a person explore and overcome underlying issues that be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, such as exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance 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 improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients overcome their negative thoughts. It employs dialogue based on skill with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to assist clients overcome their impairments and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily lives.
In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. The process can be long. However, it's a good alternative for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medication.
In a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to devise an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They usually teach clients a set of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high likelihood of success. Typically, a chart system is used to track progress and reward positive behaviour. This could be an everyday report for children that lists the tasks they are required to finish at school or the positive behavior that must be demonstrated, and an approach to monitoring and rewarding. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be introduced when a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health issues, such as depression. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thoughts and their effects on their moods. This type of therapy may also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are flexible and effective.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To do this we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments 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 but that regulatory processes were not. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, which suggests that they could explain a significant amount of the variation in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention 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 created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorder. However, it's still a relatively new treatment and more research is needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was created to determine the efficacy of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD however it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the Therapist works with the entire family. This allows everyone to learn about the client's issues and learn how to support their loved ones better. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop better communication skills. Additionally, adhd adults treatment of counseling can be helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression and addiction to drugs, which are typically associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to understand the family's perception and determine if they're suitable for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. The therapist will explain to each client the nature of treatment as well as the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain an insight into the client's current symptoms, their history and their impacts on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues that are present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It concentrates on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching methods to deal with anxiety and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues, frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can help you learn strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also address comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.