Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also have comorbid disorders like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many depressed patients aren't able to take medication and may benefit from therapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing core symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. However the dosages are different and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't common in children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history and other health conditions of the patient to determine which drug is best.
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 (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. They are available in a variety of forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred as they lead to better patient compliance, as well as more consistent, long-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medications. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, and medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).
Some patients may exhibit an "rebound" effect where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these cases a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medications or are unable to take them due to drug abuse or other health issues, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications don't cause the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain skills to improve their life manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and manage problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps an individual identify negative behaviors and thought patterns and then formulate and implement positive strategies to change these. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person, may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also help in forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and lead to financial and legal issues. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that may cause ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help someone develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to the family member or partner who is dealing with the negative effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients to change their negative patterns of thinking. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct impairments and implement coping strategies that align with the client's daily life.
In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing skills that allow them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take time. But it is an effective alternative for adults who aren't getting enough relief from medication.
In an upcoming RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to create an action plan to address their specific problems. They usually teach them the fundamentals of therapy that are easy to apply and have a high chance of being successful. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. This could be the daily report of children that lists the tasks they must complete at school, or the positive behavior that must be exhibited, and an approach to recording and earning rewards. The therapists may consider creating negative consequences if children fail to complete their work. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
adult treatment for adhd is an innovative type of psychotherapy that assists people change their mindset. This kind of treatment can be effective for people with a variety of mental health issues which include depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn to recognize their negative thoughts and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. In order 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 showed that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults with ADHD, but not regulation processes. Metacognition predictors 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 intervention which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate 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. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it is still an emerging treatment and further research will be needed to determine if it could aid in other disorders.
This study was designed for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorder. However adult add treatments is also able to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than other treatment. This is not a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the client's needs and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. This type of counseling can also be used to address other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse which are frequently associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and evaluate their ability to intervene with the family. This can be done online or in person. 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 variety of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work as well as their family and social life. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on improving your self esteem and self-control through teaching methods to deal with anger and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with relationship conflicts as well as job changes and academic challenges. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also be used to tackle other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.