Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medications for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar drugs.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and effects can be different. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is the best for them.
The most common kind 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 called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, including liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular due to their improved patient compliance, and more consistent, long-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbidities like anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, and medication used as secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Certain patients might have some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases it is possible to try a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medications or are in a position to not take them due to abuse of drugs or other health issues, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications do not cause the same high rates of side effects as stimulants and carry a lower risks of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and deal with issues in relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of 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, as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT assists a person to identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques of meditation to help a person learn 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 with significant secondary problems.
In addition to medicines psychotherapy can also help with the specific problems caused by ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, getting along with others, forgetting important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial problems. It can help a person overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance, 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 effects ADHD has on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to address the underlying cause of symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to overcome limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. It is an option for adults who do not get enough relief from their medication.
In the course of a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem, and social performance in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for people who have more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to devise an action plan to address their specific problems. treating add in adults teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a high likelihood of being successful. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. For children, this could be a daily journal which outlines the school activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as an approach to recording and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences might be imposed if a child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done in a sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from various mental health issues like depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thought patterns and their impact on their emotions. This kind of therapy helps individuals develop mental tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management, and Evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD however, it was not associated with regulatory processes. treating add in adults had moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could explain an important amount of variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states like worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still an emerging treatment and further research is needed to determine whether it can aid in other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. It is not an effective treatment, but it can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. This allows everyone to be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved one better. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression or substance misuse which are often 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 appropriate for family intervention. It can be done in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment as well as the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their present symptoms, their past, and the impact that they have on their family, work and relationships. They will also inquire whether there are other mental health issues present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that helps you change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by educating you on how to manage anger and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that comes from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships as well as job changes and academic challenges. It can help you learn coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can be used to treat the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.