Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many people who suffer from depression are not able to respond well to medication and could benefit from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat the symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. However the dosages differ and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient, family history, and other health issues to determine what medication is most suitable for them.
The most commonly used ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. They are available in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred due to their improved patient compliance and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, and medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some 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.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medication or use it due to drug misuse or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart problems. In these instances, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same amount of side effects as stimulants, and are a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those with ADHD to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with problems in their relationships or at work. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses such as depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and attitudes affect how they feel, think and act. CBT helps people recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to change these patterns. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person focus on their thoughts and emotions as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person can be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also help with forgetting important dates and obligations and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial issues. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to address the underlying cause of symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to overcome the limitations and implement coping strategies that align with the person's everyday life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. But it is an effective alternative for adults who aren't getting enough relief from medications.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as 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.
The therapists that provide this treatment usually collaborate with the client to create an action plan specific to solving their issues. They usually teach clients a series of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a good chance of success. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. This might include the daily report of a child that outlines the tasks they must complete at school, or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as an approach to monitoring and rewarding. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be inflicted upon a child who does not complete their task. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps people change the way they think. This kind of treatment can be beneficial for people with a variety of mental health issues such as depression. holistic treatment for adhd is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize negative thought patterns and their effect on their moods. This type of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are able and effective.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. In order to do this, we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD but not with regulation processes. Metacognition predictors had a moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than any other therapy. This is not an effective treatment, but it can be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the 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 more effective communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to understand the family's perspective and determine if they are suitable for intervention with the family. This can be done online or in person. The counselor will explain to each client the nature of treatment and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to get a better understanding of their current symptoms, their past, and the impact that they have on their family, work, and relationships. They will also inquire whether there are other mental health issues present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that helps you change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that comes from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships or job changes as well as academic difficulties. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.