Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can use many medications that are used for ADHD in children. However the dosages differ and the drugs can cause side effects that are not common in children. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history, family history and other health issues to determine which medication is most suitable for them.
The most popular type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide greater patient compliance and a longer lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first before medication is utilized as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients might experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medication or take it because of addiction to drugs or other health issues like heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or deal with issues at work or in relationships. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and attitudes affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps people recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to help a person learn 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 could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can help address the particular issues caused by ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities and making impulsive choices that result in financial or legal troubles. It can help a person overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
adhd treatment adults can help people discover healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a spouse or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It uses skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This treatment aims to help patients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily lives.
In addition to educating clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can be lengthy. However, it is a viable option for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for those who have more serious underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this treatment usually collaborate with the client to devise an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They train them in a series of practical skills which are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Typically, a chart system is used to monitor the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. This could be an everyday report for children that details the tasks they must finish at school or the positive behavior that must be exhibited, and an organized system for tracking and earning rewards. The therapists may consider introducing negative consequences when a child does not complete their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This type of treatment can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety of mental health issues which include depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thought patterns and their impact on their moods. This type of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are able and beneficial.
The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To do 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 showed that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with the processes that regulate. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which suggests they could explain an important amount of variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of anxiety, 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 a relatively new treatment and further research is needed to determine if it could aid in other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than other therapy. It is not a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. Everyone is able to better understand the issues of the client and learn how to help their loved family members. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. Additionally, this type of therapy is helpful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression or substance misuse which are often seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to understand the family's perspective and determine if they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be done either in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each client and lay out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD asks lots of questions to get a better understanding of their present symptoms as well as their past and the impact they have on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also ask whether there are other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It is focused on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching methods to deal with anxiety and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic challenges. It can teach you strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction and also how to better manage your time and finances. It can also be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen alongside ADHD.