Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
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 often prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause adverse 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 which medicine is most suitable for them.
The most commonly used 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 that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity, and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, such as skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, with medication be used as a second measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may exhibit an "rebound" effect in which they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Some people are unable take stimulant medications or take it because of drug misuse or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same amount of side effects as stimulants and carry a lower risks of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those suffering from ADHD. It can help people with ADHD to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or deal with issues in their relationships or at work. It can also aid those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that thoughts and beliefs influence how someone feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps people recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs meditation techniques to teach a person how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person's family history, may be helpful for people with ADHD.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also help with the particular issues caused by ADHD like difficulty keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts and being able to get along with others, forgetting important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial problems. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may be contributing 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 offer support to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD affects their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can assist families and couples improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change their negative patterns of thinking. adhd symptoms and treatment utilizes skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that align with the daily routine of the client.
In addition to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing skills that allow them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take a long time. It is a viable option for adults who do not feel enough relief from their medication.
In an upcoming RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people who suffer from more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan that addresses the specific issues they face. They teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to master and have a high chance of success. A chart system is often used to monitor the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. For children, this could be a daily journal that lists all the school-related tasks or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a system for recording and earning rewards. The therapists may also discuss the possibility of introducing negative consequences when a child does not complete their tasks. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy is effective for those who suffer from a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that can be flexible and useful.
The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To this end, we examined the relationship between the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was observed that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, which suggests that they can explain an important portion of the variance in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it's still a relatively new treatment and more research is needed to determine if it could aid in other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat various disorders and could be more effective than any other therapy. It is not a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. This allows everyone to learn about the client's issues and to understand how to help their loved one better. It also helps them deal with their anger and develop better communication skills. This kind of counseling can be utilized to treat comorbid conditions, such as addiction and depression which are frequently associated with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and assess their ability to intervene with the family. This can be conducted online or in person. The therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their current symptoms, their past, and the impact that they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health issues are present, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle stress and anger. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be paired with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD deal with emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement and failure academic issues, frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and teach you how to manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders which are frequently associated with ADHD.