Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (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.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing core symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However the dosages differ and the medications can cause negative side effects that aren't present in children. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history as well as family history and other health conditions to determine which medication is best for him or her.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They come in many forms, including chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored as they lead to better patient compliance and more consistent, long-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medications. Therefore it is recommended that these mental health issues be treated first, and then medication used as a second measure. The medications that can be utilized for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medications or are in a position to not take them due to addiction 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 carry a a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for people with ADHD. It can help those with ADHD to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or deal with issues at work or in relationships. It can also assist with co-existing mental disorders such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and then devise and implement positive strategies to change these. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people focus on their thoughts and emotions to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive decisions that can lead to financial and legal problems. It can also help people to identify and overcome underlying issues that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to the family member or partner who is dealing with the negative effects ADHD has on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help couples and families improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on changing the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It uses skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to help clients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily routines.
In addition to educating clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, those 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 are unable to receive enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.
The therapists that provide this treatment usually work with the client to create an action plan specific to solving their issues. They train them in a series of skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. In the case of a child, this might include a daily report which outlines the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a system for recording and earning rewards. Therapists can consider the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to finish their tasks. This can be done in a sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy could be beneficial to those who suffer from various mental health problems, such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize negative thinking patterns and their effect on their moods. This kind of therapy can help to develop psychological tools that can be adaptable and beneficial.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in 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 complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not regulation processes. Metacognition predictors had a moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can be the cause of significant variations in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of worry or rumination as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it's still a relatively new treatment and further research will be needed to determine whether it can help with other disorders.
This study was created for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety of disorders and is more effective than any other treatment. adhd symptoms and treatment isn't a cure, but can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. All members can better understand the client's needs and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. Additionally, this type of therapy is helpful for addressing comorbidities like depression or substance misuse which are often seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perception of the problem and assess their potential for intervention by the family. This can be conducted online or in person. The counselor will explain to each participant the nature of treatment and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask lots of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also ask if there are any other mental health issues that are present like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by educating you on how to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships or job changes as well as academic issues. It can teach you ways to reduce stress and cope as well as how to manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD.