Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid conditions like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients do not respond to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.
treat adhd can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. However the dosages differ and the drugs can cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will look at the medical history, family health history, and other medical conditions of an individual to determine which drug is the best for them.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. They come in various forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbidities like anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant drugs or are not able to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that thoughts and beliefs affect how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, then develops and implements strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to teach people how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person may be useful for people with ADHD with significant secondary problems.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the particular issues caused by ADHD, such as trouble staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, getting together with others, losing important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that result in legal or financial problems. Psychotherapy can also help people to identify and overcome underlying issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can assist a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress through exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It employs dialogue based on skill with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment aims to help patients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are appropriate to their everyday lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize unhelpful thought patterns and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. However, it's a good option for those who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
In an upcoming RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this treatment usually collaborate with the client to devise a detailed action plan for addressing their problems. They usually teach clients the fundamentals of therapy that are easy to implement and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. For a child, this might be a daily journal which outlines the school-related tasks or positive behavior they have to perform, as well as a method of tracking and earning rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be inflicted upon a child who does not complete their task. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of treatment can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety of mental health issues, including depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people learn to recognize negative thought patterns and their effects on their emotions. This kind of therapy can help to develop psychological tools that can be adaptable and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this we examined the relationship between self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation 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. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively new and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and could be more effective than any other treatment. This is not an effective treatment, but it can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. This helps all family members understand the client's problems and learn how to support their loved one better. It also helps them find ways to manage their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this type of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain a better understanding of the family's views and determine if they're appropriate for family intervention. The session can be conducted 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 with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into the current symptoms, their past, and the impact they've had on their work, family, and relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues present like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It concentrates on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching strategies to manage anxiety and stress. This is a temporary option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can help you learn strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction as well as how to better manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to tackle other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD.