Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also have comorbid disorders such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many depressed patients aren't able to take medication and may get better results from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medications
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. The dosages and effects can be different. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history, family history and other health conditions to determine which medicine is best for them.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They are available in a variety of forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred because they improve patient compliance and more consistent, long-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric issues be treated first before medication is utilized as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might suffer from an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases an experiment of a short duration with the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health conditions, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same adverse effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be misused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain skills to improve their life, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships and at work. It can also aid in the treatment of people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and attitudes affect how they feel, think and act. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to teach a person how to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focusing on a person's family history can be beneficial for those with ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can assist with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also help with forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive decisions that can result in legal and financial problems. It can help a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For example, exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to an individual in the family or with a partner who is dealing with the negative effects ADHD has 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 form of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients overcome their negative thinking patterns. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to identify the root causes of the symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to correct the limitations and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. It's a possibility for adults who do not feel enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the severity of 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 particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan to address the specific issues they face. They teach them a set of practical skills which are simple to master and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This could include the daily report of children that lists the tasks they have to finish at school or the positive behaviors to be displayed, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can consider the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to complete their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This type of treatment is effective for those who suffer from a variety of mental health issues, including depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they affect their emotions. This type of therapy helps individuals develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
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 daily functioning impairments with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not the processes that regulate. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could be the cause of significant variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it's still a relatively new treatment and more research will be needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. It's important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD however it can be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the issues of the client and learn how they can help their loved family members. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. Additionally, this kind of therapy is helpful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to better understand the family's perspective and determine if they're suitable for intervention with the family. This can be conducted either in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to gain an understanding of the current symptoms, their past, and the impact they've had on their work, family and personal relationships. They will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues present like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control through teaching strategies to manage anxiety and stress. treatments for adhd in adults is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal problems with relationships as well as job changes and academic challenges. It can help you develop ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen alongside ADHD.