Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many depressed patients are not able to respond well to medication and could get better results from therapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar medications.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. The dosages and side effects differ. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health conditions to determine which medicine is the best for him or her.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. They are available in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred as they result in more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression may influence the response to ADHD medications. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might suffer from a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are not able to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these cases, nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same level of side effects as stimulants, and are lower risks of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues at work or in relationships. It can also help co-existing mental disorders like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts influence how they think, feel and behave. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to alter them. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family can be beneficial for those with ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also help in avoiding important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive decisions that can could lead to legal and financial problems. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to the family member or partner who is dealing with the negative effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling 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 changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It employs dialogue based on skill with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment aims to help clients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are in line with their everyday lives.
In addition, they teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing skills that allow them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. The process can be long. It is an option for those who are unable to receive enough relief from their medication.
In an upcoming RCT, it was found that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem, and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to devise an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They will teach them a set of practical skills which are simple to master and have a good chance of success. Often a chart system is used to track progress and reward positive behavior. This could include the daily report of children that lists the tasks they have to complete in school or the positive behavior that must be exhibited, and a system of monitoring and rewarding rewards. The therapists may also consider creating negative consequences if a child does not finish their tasks. This can be done in a sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This kind of treatment can be beneficial for people with a variety of mental health issues which include depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thought patterns and their effects on their moods. This kind of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this, we evaluated self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning to indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation debugging, information management and evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD, but not the processes that regulate. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they could explain a significant amount of the variance in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively new and more research is required to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders and could be more effective than other treatments. It is important to keep in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD however it can be employed as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. This allows all members to be aware of the issues facing the client and to understand how to help their loved one more effectively. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. In treatment of adhd in adults , this type of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression and addiction to drugs, which are typically found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to understand the family's views and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. This can be conducted either in person or online. The counselor will go over the details of the treatment with each individual and set out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into their current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they have on their family, work and relationships. They will also inquire whether there are other mental health issues present, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control through teaching strategies to manage anxiety and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be paired with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of failure, underachievement academic struggles as well as frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can be used to treat comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders which are often seen alongside ADHD.