Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many people who suffer from depression are not able to respond well to medications and may get better results from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. The dosages and side effects differ. The doctor will look at the medical history, the family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which medicine is most appropriate for the patient.
The most popular kind of ADHD medication is stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms, including chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they lead to better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first before medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit a "rebound" effect where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In adhd treatment for adults of a short duration with the use of a low dose stimulant medication could prove beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health issues, such as severe heart problems 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 high rates of adverse effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people with ADHD to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or manage issues at work or in relationships. It can also assist with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then formulate and implement strategies to change these. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their thoughts and emotions to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family could be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
In addition to medicines psychotherapy can assist in addressing the particular issues caused by ADHD, such as trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get together with others, losing important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial issues. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding 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 spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD affects their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help couples and families communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients overcome their negative patterns of thinking. It employs dialogue based on skill with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that align with the client's daily life.
In addition to teaching clients to recognize harmful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a while. But it is an effective alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medications.
A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the severity of core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people with more serious underlying issues.
The therapists that provide this treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a high likelihood of success. Charts are often utilized to track progress and to reward positive behavior. In the case of children, this could include a daily report that lists all the school-related tasks or positive behavior they have to perform, as well as a system for monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be introduced when a child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for those who suffer from various mental health issues, such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people recognize negative thinking patterns and their impact on their emotions. This type of therapy helps individuals develop psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this, we evaluated self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition, debugging, information management, and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. The predictive ability of a model incorporating metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they could explain a significant amount of the variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry or rumination as well as attention fixation. adhd symptoms and treatment was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it's still an emerging treatment, and further research is required to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate 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 treatments. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD however it can be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapy therapist works with the entire family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the client's issues and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling can be used to tackle the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse, which are often seen with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective and determine if they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be conducted in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each individual and set out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an understanding of the client's present symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental health issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to handle anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts or job changes as well as academic issues. It can teach you ways to manage stress and cope and teach you how to manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also help with the comorbidity of disorders like depression and anxiety that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.