Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many depressed patients do not respond well to medication and could benefit from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar medications.
Medications
Adults can take a variety of drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will look at the medical history, the family health history and other health conditions of the patient to determine which drug is best.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, such as skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred as they result in more patient compliance and lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to remember that co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect, where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these cases, a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial.
Some people are unable take stimulant medication or take it due to the misuse of drugs or other health conditions such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain strategies to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and cope with issues in relationships or at work. It can also assist with co-existing mental illnesses such as depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that thoughts and beliefs can influence how someone is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then develop and implement positive strategies to alter these. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history could be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can assist with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also help in avoiding important dates and obligations and making impulsive decisions that can lead to financial and legal issues. It can also help a person explore and resolve issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For example exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a partner or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It uses skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to assist clients overcome their difficulties and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and help them develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. It is an option for those who are unable to get enough relief from their medications.
In treatment of adhd in adults that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
The therapists that provide this kind of treatment usually work with the client to create an action plan specific to solving their issues. They teach them a set of practical skills which are easy to master and have a high chance of success. Often a chart system is utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. In the case of an infant, this could be a daily journal that outlines all of the in-school activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be imposed if a child does not complete their task. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative type of psychotherapy that assists people to change their thinking. This kind of therapy is effective for those suffering from a range of mental health problems which include depression. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thinking patterns and their effects on their emotions. This kind of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this, we evaluated self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain an important amount of variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of anxiety, rumination and 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 anxiety disorders. However, it's still a relatively new treatment, and further research is needed to determine if it can help with 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 may be more effective than any other treatment. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD but it could be used as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. This helps all family members be aware of the issues facing the client and learn how to support their loved one better. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. Additionally, this type of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or substance misuse which are often associated with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their suitability for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each client and lay 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 get a better understanding of their current symptoms as well as their past and the impact they've had on their family, work and relationships. They will also inquire if any other mental issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be paired with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships as well as job changes and academic challenges. It can teach you ways to reduce stress and cope as well as how to manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.