Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medications for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. 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. The dosages and effects differ. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history, family history and other health conditions to determine what medication is best for him or her.
The most commonly used ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they lead to better patient compliance and longer lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders can alter the effectiveness of ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, with medication used as secondary measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant drugs or are not able to take them due to addiction or other health conditions such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications do not cause the same level of adverse effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of co-existing mental disorders like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that beliefs and thoughts can influence how someone is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists a person to identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to teach a person how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focused on a person's family history can be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or interacting with others. homeopathy for adhd can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and could lead to legal and financial problems. Psychotherapy can also help people to identify and overcome underlying issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
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 family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help 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 changing the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialogue based on skills with a mental health professional to address the root reason for the symptoms. This therapy aims to help patients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients how to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. However, it is a viable option for those who are not getting adequate relief from medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to create an action plan to address the specific issues they face. They teach them a set of practical skills which are simple to master and have a high chance of success. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. This could be a daily report for a child that outlines the tasks they have to finish at school or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and an approach to tracking and rewarding. The therapists could consider the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer form of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This kind of treatment is effective for those suffering from a range of mental health problems which include depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thoughts and how they impact their emotions. This kind of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The goal 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 impairments in daily functioning with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management, and Evaluation). It was observed that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain an important amount of variation in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on modifying metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and could be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD however it can be used as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. This allows all members to understand the client's problems and to understand how to help their loved ones better. It also helps them find ways to deal with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's views and determine if they're suitable for family intervention. It can be done online or in person. The Therapist will explain to each client the nature of treatment as well as the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to get a better understanding of the current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they've had on their family, work, and relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you how to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching you methods to deal with anxiety and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of failure, underachievement, academic difficulties as well as frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can help you learn coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to 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.