Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients are not responsive to depression medications 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 in the brain. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. However the dosages are different and the drugs can cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history, and other medical conditions of an individual to determine which medication is most appropriate for the patient.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly known as Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. These long-acting stimulants are preferred because they improve patient compliance, and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, and medication used as secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may experience a "rebound" effect, where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medication or use it due to drug misuse or other health conditions such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these situations, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same high rates of side effects as stimulants and have a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues at work or in relationships. It can also aid in the treatment of co-existing mental disorders like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that thoughts and beliefs can influence how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then devise and implement strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques of meditation to teach a person how to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person's family history could be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can assist with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive choices that result in legal and financial problems. It can also assist a person explore and overcome underlying issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For example exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a spouse or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can assist families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on transforming the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It uses skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment aims to help clients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are appropriate to their daily routines.
In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a while. But it is an effective 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 CBT on its own in reducing the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They will teach them a set of skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. A chart system is often used to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. In try this out of an infant, this could include a daily report that outlines all of the school tasks or positive behaviors they must perform and a system for monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists may also discuss the possibility of creating negative consequences if the child fails to finish their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, assists individuals in changing how they think. This type of treatment is effective for those who suffer from a variety of mental health problems such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thought patterns and how they affect their moods. This kind of therapy helps to develop mental tools that are flexible and useful.
The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish 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). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain a significant amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety, but it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. It's important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD, but it can be used as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with the whole family. This allows everyone to be aware of the issues facing the client and to understand how to help their loved ones better. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop more effective communication skills. Additionally, this type of counseling can be helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders like depression or substance misuse which are often found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to better understand the family's perception and determine if they're appropriate for family intervention. This can be done either in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each client and lay out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into the current symptoms as well as their past and the impact they have on their work, family and personal relationships. They will also ask if any other mental issues are present, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that teaches you how to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage anger and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal problems with relationships, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can help you learn coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and money more effectively. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD.