Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. However, the dosages are different and the drugs may cause adverse effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history, and other medical factors of the individual to determine which medicine is best.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant and works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. They come in various forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they lead to more patient compliance and lasting more smooth improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and medications be used as a secondary measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect, where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant drugs or are not able to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health issues, such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications do not cause the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants, and are lower risks of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or manage problems at work or in relationships. It can also assist with co-existing mental illnesses such as depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and then develop and implement strategies to change these. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone concentrate on their thoughts and emotions to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person’s family history could be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and obligations and making decisions that are impulsive and could lead to legal and financial problems. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, for example exercising, improving sleep 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.
treating add in adults is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change 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. The aim of this therapy is to correct the limitations and implement coping strategies that align with the person's everyday life.
In addition to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. The process can be long. It's a possibility for those who are unable to get enough relief from their medications.
In the course of a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem, and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to create an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They usually teach clients a series of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a high likelihood of being successful. A chart system is often used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. This might include the daily report of children that lists the tasks they must complete at school, or the positive behavior that must be displayed, as well as a system of recording and rewarding rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be imposed if a child does not complete their task. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people with a variety of mental health issues, including depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thoughts and their effect on their emotions. This kind of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that can be adaptable and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To do this we compared self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not the processes that regulate. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, which suggests that they can account for an important portion of the variance in daily functioning for people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of worry or rumination as well as attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and could be more effective than other therapies. This isn't a cure, but can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. All members can better understand the client's needs and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling can be helpful for addressing comorbidities such as depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to better understand the family's perspective and determine whether they are suitable for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD asks lots of questions to get a better understanding of their current symptoms as well as their past and the impact they have on their work, family and personal relationships. They will also inquire if any other mental issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle stress and anger. This is a temporary option that can be used alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD deal with emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of failure, underachievement academic issues, frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can help you learn strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and finances more effectively. It can be used to treat the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.