Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to depression medications and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different medications to treat ADHD in children. The dosages and the side effects can be different. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history, family history and other health issues to determine what medication is best for him or her.
The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is stimulant and is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they provide greater patient compliance and a longer lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first and medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or take it due to drug misuse or other health issues such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications do not cause the same high rates of adverse effects as stimulants and have less risk of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and cope with issues in relationships or at work. It can also help co-existing mental disorders such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs can affect how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative behaviors and thought patterns and then formulate and implement strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family may be useful for people who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
In addition to medicines, psychotherapy can help address the specific issues that arise from ADHD problems, like having trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts and getting along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities and making impulsive choices that can lead to financial or legal troubles. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD affects their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to address the root cause of symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to eliminate impairments and implement coping strategies that align with the client's daily life.
In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take some time. It is an option for those who cannot get enough relief from their medication.
In a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem, and social performance in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people with more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to create an action plan to address their specific issues. They train them in a series of practical skills which are simple to master and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. In the case of a child, this might be a daily journal that outlines all of the school activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a system for monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child does not complete their task. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people suffering from a range of mental health issues, including depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they impact their moods. This kind of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish treatment of add , 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 showed that complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and 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. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorder. However, it's still an emerging treatment, and further research is required to determine if it can help with other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. This 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. Everyone is able to better understand the issues of the client and learn how they can help their loved family members. It also assists them in finding ways to deal with their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling could be used to tackle other comorbidities, such as addiction and depression which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to get a clearer understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and evaluate their potential for intervention by the family. This can be conducted online or in person. The therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work, family life and relationships. They will also ask if any other mental issues are present, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that helps you learn how to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It is focused on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching methods to deal with anxiety and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be utilized alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic issues. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and money more effectively. It can be used to treat comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.