Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medications
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. The dosages and effects differ. 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 them.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable as they result in more patient compliance and lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may suffer from a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it because of the misuse of drugs or other health issues like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these cases, nonstimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or manage issues in their relationships or at work. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that thoughts and beliefs can affect how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques of meditation to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person can be beneficial for those with ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD, such as trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts, being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or obligations as well as impulsive decisions that lead to legal or financial problems. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help someone develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to an individual in the family or with a spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to address the root reason for the symptoms. This treatment is designed to help clients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are in line with their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it's a good option for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medication.
In the course of a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for those who suffer from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They usually teach clients a series of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high chance of success. Typically, a chart system is used to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. In the case of a child, this might include a daily report which outlines the school-related activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and an approach to monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists may also consider introducing negative consequences when a child does not complete their work. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
treatment of add in adults of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health issues like depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thought patterns and their effect on their moods. This type of therapy helps them develop mental tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. 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 indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with regulatory processes. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power which suggests they could explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is required to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety of disorders and is more effective than other treatment. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD, but it can be used as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. All members can better understand the client's issues and learn how to help their loved family members. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop better communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful for addressing comorbidities such as depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's views and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each client and lay out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health issues are present, such anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching you techniques to cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that comes from failure and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can teach you ways to manage stress and cope and teach you how to manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.