Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of medications to treat ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the drugs may cause side effects that are not present in children. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history, and other factors of the individual to determine which medicine is most appropriate for the patient.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective as they result in more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders can alter the effectiveness of ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, with medication be used as a second measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients might experience some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases an experiment of a short duration with an atypical stimulant drug could prove beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant drugs or are unable to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health issues, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same high rates of side effects as stimulants, and are lower risks of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them learn techniques to improve their lives to manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and deal with issues in relationships or at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps individuals identify negative behaviors and thought patterns and then devise and implement positive strategies to change these. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy can help address the specific problems caused by ADHD problems, like having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, getting together with others, losing important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that lead to financial or legal troubles. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support 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)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients change their negative thoughts. It uses skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to overcome impairments and implement coping strategies that align with the client's daily life.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing abilities that enable clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. The process can be long. But it is an effective option for those who aren't getting enough relief from medication.
In an upcoming RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem, and social performance for adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan to address their specific issues. They usually teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a high likelihood of success. A chart system is often utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. In the case of a child, this might include a daily report which outlines the school-related activities or positive behaviors they must perform and a method of tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be introduced when a child does not complete their task. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps individuals change how they think. This kind of treatment is effective for those suffering from a range of mental health issues such as depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize negative thoughts and their effect on their moods. This kind of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are adaptable and useful.
iampsychiatry.uk was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this, we compared self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning to indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition debugging, information management and evaluation). It was observed that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power which suggests that they could explain a significant amount of variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states like worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed 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 more research will be needed to determine if it can aid in other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD, but it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all members of the family. This allows all members to be aware of the issues facing the client and learn how to support their loved one more effectively. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. This kind of counseling can also be used to address other comorbidities, such as substance abuse and depression that are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get a clearer understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their potential for intervention by the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The Therapist will explain to each participant the nature of treatment as well as the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask whether there are other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to manage stress and anger. This is a temporary option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic issues. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and money more effectively. It can also be used to tackle other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.