Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many depressed patients aren't able to take medication 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 brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. The dosages and the side effects are different. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history, and other medical factors of the individual to determine which medicine is the best for them.
The most commonly used ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric issues be treated first, and then medication used as a second measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant drugs or are unable to take them due to addiction or other health issues, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or manage 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 behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and attitudes affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps individuals identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then formulate and implement positive strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques of meditation to help a person learn to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on the family history of a person may be useful for people who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also help with forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive decisions that can could lead to legal and financial problems. It can also help individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For treat adhd in adults , exercise, sleep improvement 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. 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 that focuses on helping clients overcome 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. The aim of this treatment is to overcome limitations and implement strategies for coping that align with the person's everyday life.
In addition to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take time. However, it is a viable alternative for adults who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who offer this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to create an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They train them in a series of practical skills that are easy to learn and have a high chance of success. Charts are typically used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This could include the daily report of children that details the tasks they are required to complete at school, or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and an organized system for recording and rewarding. Therapists can also consider creating negative consequences if the child fails to complete 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 type of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from various mental health issues, such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thought patterns and how they impact their moods. This type of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are able and useful.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this we examined the relationship between the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as 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 the processes that regulate. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain an important amount of variance in daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states like worry, rumination, or attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it is still an in-development treatment and more research is needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and may even be more effective than other treatments. It is not a cure, but can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with the whole family. All members can better understand the client's issues and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own feelings of frustration and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this kind of therapy is helpful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression and addiction to drugs, which are typically seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perception of the issue and determine their ability to intervene with the family. The session can be conducted in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each person and spell out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history and their impact on their work life as well as their family and social life. They will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that teaches you how to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It concentrates on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching methods to deal with anxiety and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can help you learn strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction, and how to better manage your finances and time. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.