Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can use many medications to treat ADHD in children. However the dosages differ and the medications can cause side effects that are not present in children. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history, and other medical health conditions of the patient to determine which medicine is best.
The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide more patient compliance and lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders can alter the effectiveness of ADHD medications. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, and medication be used as a second measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may experience an "rebound" effect in which they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medicines or are unable to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same level of side effects as stimulants and have a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people with ADHD to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues in their relationships or at work. It can also help people with mental disorders that coexist, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that thoughts and beliefs affect how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps people recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques of meditation to teach people how to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also help in avoiding important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive choices that result in legal and financial issues. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and resolve issues that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can assist a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a spouse or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients to change their negative thinking patterns. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to assist clients overcome their limitations and develop coping strategies that are appropriate to their everyday lives.
In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take time. It's a possibility for those who are unable to receive enough relief from their medications.
In the course of a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this treatment usually work with the client to devise an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They usually teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a high likelihood of success. Often a chart system is used to track the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. For children, this could involve a daily report that outlines all of the school activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a method of tracking and earning rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be imposed if a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. natural add treatment of therapy is effective for those who suffer from a variety of mental health problems such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize negative thinking patterns and their effect on their moods. This kind of therapy helps individuals develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. In order to do this, we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with regulatory processes. Metacognition predictors had a moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorder. However, it's still an emerging treatment and more research will be needed to determine if it can help with other disorders.
This study was conceived for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it can be used 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 therapy therapist works with the entire family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's issues and learn how to help their loved family members. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling could also be used to address the underlying conditions, like substance abuse and depression which are frequently associated with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to understand the family's perception and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. The counselor will explain to each client the nature of treatment and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to get a better understanding of their current symptoms, their past, and the impact they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to manage anger and stress. This is a short-term option that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that comes from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts as well as job changes and academic difficulties. It can teach you strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction as well as how to manage your time and finances. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated with ADHD.