Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medications
Adults are able to take many different drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't common in children. The doctor will look at the medical history, the family health history, and other medical factors of the individual to determine which drug is most appropriate for the patient.
The most popular kind of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly called Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which help improve focus and reduce impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbidities like anxiety and depression can alter the effectiveness of ADHD medications. Therefore it is recommended that disorders be treated first before medication is utilized 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).).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medications or take it due to addiction to drugs or other health conditions like severe hypertension or heart problems. In these instances, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't have 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 those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or manage issues at work or in relationships. It can also aid with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk adhd symptoms and treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and thoughts influence how they think, feel and behave. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and then develop and implement strategies to change these. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person focus on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can assist with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive decisions that can could lead to legal and financial issues. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can assist a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress through exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on changing the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to address the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct the limitations and implement coping strategies that fit with the person's everyday life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. It is an option for adults who do not get enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study concluded that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the severity of the emotional symptoms, core symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They typically teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a good chance of success. Charts are often used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. This could be the daily report of children that details the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and an organized system for monitoring and earning rewards. The therapists could also discuss the possibility of the introduction of negative consequences if children fail to finish their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer type of psychotherapy that assists people change their thinking. This kind of treatment can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thought patterns and their impact on their moods. This kind of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To this end, we compared self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation debugging, information management, and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD however, it was not associated with regulatory processes. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they can account for an important portion of the variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention which focuses on reversing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
adhd treatment for adults of this study was to determine the efficacy of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. It is not a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. This helps all family members be aware of the issues facing the client and learn how to support their loved ones better. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's views and determine if they are appropriate for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The counselor will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also ask if any other mental issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that helps you change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It is focused on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching you methods to deal with anger and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships, job changes, and academic challenges. It can help you learn coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also help with problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen with ADHD.