Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
adhd treatment in adults of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient, family history, and other health issues to determine what medication is best for them.
The most common type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide better patient compliance and longer lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medication be used as a second measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may exhibit a "rebound" effect where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a brief trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant drugs or are not able to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for people with ADHD. It can help those with ADHD to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or deal with problems at work or in relationships. It can also assist with people with mental disorders that coexist, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that beliefs and thoughts can influence how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps an individual identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then develop and implement strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques of meditation to teach a person how to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those with ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive choices that lead to financial and legal issues. It can also assist people to identify and resolve issues that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, for example exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients to change their negative thoughts. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to identify the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct limitations and implement strategies for coping that are compatible with the person's everyday life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. It is a viable option for those who cannot receive enough relief from their medication.
In an upcoming RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan to address their specific problems. They teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to learn and have a good chance of success. Charts are often used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This could be a daily report for a child that outlines the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behavior that must be demonstrated, and an organized system for recording and rewarding. Therapists can also consider the introduction of negative consequences if a child does not complete their work. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps individuals change how they think. add treatments for adults of treatment is effective for those who suffer from a variety of mental health issues, including depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thinking patterns and how they impact their emotions. This type of therapy helps individuals develop psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
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 daily functioning impairments with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management, and Evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety and rumination, as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety, but it's still relatively new and more research is required to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was conceived to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than other therapy. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD but it could be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with the whole family. All members can better understand the issues of the client and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own feelings of frustration and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this kind of therapy is helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression and substance misuse which are often seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective and determine whether they are suitable for intervention with the family. The session can be conducted in person or online. The therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their past and their impact on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire if any other mental problems are present, for example depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle anger and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be used alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic issues. It can help you learn stress reduction and coping techniques as well as how to better manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.