Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many depressed patients aren't able to take medication and could benefit from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medications
Adults can use many drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't common in children. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine what medication is most suitable for him or her.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they lead to more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and medication be used as a second measure. The medications that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Certain patients may have some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people are unable take stimulant medications or take it due to addiction to drugs or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine are effective. These drugs do not have the same level of adverse effects as stimulants and carry a less risk of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for people with ADHD. It can help people who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or deal with problems in their relationships or at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts influence how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps people identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to alter these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques for meditation to teach a person how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history can be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also help with forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive choices that lead to financial and legal issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help someone to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress, for example 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 has on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy helps couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients change their negative thinking patterns. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to help clients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily lives.
In add treatments for adults to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing skills that allow them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. The process can be long. It is a viable option for those who cannot receive enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for people who have more serious underlying issues.
The therapists who provide this type of treatment typically work with the client to devise an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high chance of success. Charts are typically utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This might include an everyday report for children that lists the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behavior that must be displayed, as well as an approach to recording and rewarding. The therapists could consider creating negative consequences if children fail to complete their work. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This kind of therapy can be effective for people suffering from a range of mental health issues such as depression. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thought patterns and their effects on their moods. This type of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this, we evaluated self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with the processes that regulate. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, indicating that they can explain an important portion of the variation in daily functioning for people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate 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. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and could be more effective than other therapies. This is not a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the Therapist works with the entire family. This allows everyone to be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved ones better. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. This kind of counseling can be utilized to treat the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's view of the problem and evaluate their potential for intervention by the family. This can be conducted either in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each participant the nature of treatment as well as the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impacts on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues that are present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that teaches you to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It is focused on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching you methods to deal with anxiety and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement, failure, academic difficulties, frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can teach ways to reduce stress and cope as well as how to manage your financial and time management. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen with ADHD.