Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many people who suffer from depression are not able to respond well to medication and may get better results from therapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. However the dosages are different and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history as well as family history and other health conditions to determine which medicine is the best for them.
The most commonly used ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. They are available in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first and medication used as a second measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might suffer from a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these cases a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant drugs or are not able to take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop techniques to improve their lives manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of co-existing mental disorders like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they feel, think and act. CBT helps people recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques of meditation to teach a person how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history could be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also help in avoiding important dates and responsibilities and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial issues. It can help a person overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients to change their negative thinking patterns. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This treatment aims to assist clients overcome their difficulties and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily routines.
In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take some time. It is a viable option for those who are unable to get enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of the emotional symptoms, core symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues., 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people who suffer from more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this type of treatment typically work with the client to create a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They usually teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a high chance of being successful. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. In the case of an infant, this could be a daily journal that lists all the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they must perform and a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists may also consider creating negative consequences if the child fails to complete their work. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, assists individuals in changing how they think. This type of treatment is effective for those suffering from a range of mental health issues, including depression. adult treatment for adhd 's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thoughts and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy helps to develop mental tools that are flexible and useful.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities 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). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power which indicates that they can explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was created for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than other treatment. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD, but it can be employed as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapy therapist works with the entire family. This allows everyone to be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved one better. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. This kind of counseling can be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective and determine if they're suitable for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. The counselor will go over the details of treatment with each individual and set out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into their present symptoms as well as their history and the impact they have on their work, family and personal relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental problems are present, for example depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that helps you change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It is focused on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching you strategies to manage stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD overcome emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement, failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and teach you how to manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also address comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.