Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients who are depressed do not respond well to medication and could get better results from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medications
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. The dosages and side effects are different. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history, and other medical factors of the individual to determine which medication is most appropriate for the patient.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. adhd adults treatment -acting stimulants are preferred as they lead to better patient compliance, as well as an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, and medication be used as a second measure. The drugs that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients might have an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or use it due to drug misuse or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart problems. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine may be beneficial. These drugs don't have the same side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them learn skills to improve their life to manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and manage problems in relationships and at work. It can also help with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to alter these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques of meditation to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy that focus on a person's history with their family could be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific problems caused by ADHD like difficulty getting through schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting along with others, forgetting important dates or responsibilities and making impulsive choices that lead to financial or legal troubles. It can also help individuals to address and resolve issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, for example exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients to change their negative thinking patterns. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the daily routine of the client.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. But it is an effective option for adults who aren't getting enough relief from medication.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the severity of the emotional symptoms, core symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan to address their specific problems. They train them in a series of skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Often a chart system is utilized to track progress and reward positive behavior. For a child, this might include a daily report that outlines all of the in-school activities or positive behaviors they must perform and a system for monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be inflicted upon a child who fails to complete their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from various mental health problems, such as depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their emotions. This type of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To this end, we compared 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). It was found that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, indicating that they could explain significant proportions of the variance in daily functioning for people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states like worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and could be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD, but it can be employed as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the Therapist works with the entire family. This allows everyone to understand the client's problems and learn how to support their loved ones better. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. Additionally, this type of therapy is helpful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain an understanding of the family's perception of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. The counselor will go over the details of the treatment with each client and lay out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history and their impact on their work life and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health issues are present, such anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It is focused on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching you strategies to manage anxiety and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD overcome emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement, failure academic issues frequent job changes, and relationship conflict. adhd adults treatment can teach stress reduction and coping techniques as well as how to better manage your financial and time management. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.