Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar medications.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different medications that are used for ADHD in children. However the dosages differ and the drugs may cause adverse effects that aren't common in children. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient, family history, and other health issues to determine what medication is the best for him or her.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. They are available in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide greater patient compliance and a longer lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind 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 before medication be used as a second measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may suffer from a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases, a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it because of drug misuse or other health issues such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same negative side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those with ADHD. It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships and at work. It can also aid in the treatment of those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques of meditation to teach a person how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also assist with forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive choices that could lead to legal and financial issues. It can assist a person overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For example, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to the family member or partner who is dealing with the negative effects ADHD affects their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on transforming the client's negative thinking patterns. click here! involves a dialog based on skill with an expert in mental health to address the root reason for the symptoms. This therapy aims to help patients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. However, it's a good option for adults who are not getting adequate relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who provide this treatment usually collaborate with the client to create an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They usually teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high likelihood of being successful. Typically, a chart system is used to monitor progress and reward positive behaviour. For children, this could be a daily journal that lists all the in-school tasks or positive behavior they need to accomplish and a system for tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also discuss the possibility of introducing negative consequences when a child does not complete their tasks. This can be done in a sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps individuals change how they think. This type of treatment can be beneficial for people with a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people learn to recognize negative thinking patterns and their impact on their emotions. This type of therapy may assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To achieve this, we evaluated self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes metacognition predictors was moderate, which suggests that they can account for significant proportions of the variation in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention which focuses on reversing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model 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 more research will be needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat various disorders and is more effective than any other therapy. This isn't a cure, but can be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's issues and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop better communication skills. Additionally, this type of therapy is helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get a clearer understanding of the family's perception of the problem and evaluate their suitability for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each participant the nature of treatment and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to get a better understanding of their present symptoms, their past, and the impact they have on their work, family and relationships. click here! will also ask whether any other mental issues are present, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that helps you change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It concentrates on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching you methods to deal with anger and stress. This is a temporary option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that comes from underachievement and failure. It can also help them deal with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can help you develop coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also address the comorbidity of disorders like mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated with ADHD.