Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients do not respond to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar drugs.
Medications
Adults can use many medications to treat ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the drugs may cause side effects that are not typical of children. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history as well as family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is the best for him or her.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. They come in many forms, including chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred because they improve patient compliance and an easier, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to be aware that co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first, and then medication utilized as a secondary measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).
Certain patients might experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it because of addiction to drugs or other health conditions like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications do not cause the same level of adverse effects as stimulants and carry a less risk of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those with ADHD. It can help them learn skills to improve their life manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist with people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that thoughts and beliefs can affect how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT assists a person to identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to alter these patterns. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their thoughts and emotions to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focused on a person's family history could be beneficial for those with ADHD with significant secondary problems.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also help with the specific problems caused by ADHD problems, like having trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts and being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities and making impulsive choices that lead to legal or financial issues. It can also assist individuals to address and resolve issues that cause ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For example exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to the family member or partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients overcome their negative patterns of thinking. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that align with the daily routine of the client.
treatment adult adhd who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thoughts and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. It is a viable option for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the severity of the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people who suffer from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to create an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They typically teach them a series of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a good chance of success. Often a chart system is used to track progress and reward positive behavior. This could be an everyday report for children that details the tasks they must complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as a system of monitoring and rewarding. The therapists may also discuss the possibility of introducing negative consequences when children fail to finish their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new form of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This type of treatment can be beneficial for people with a variety of mental health issues such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thoughts and their effect on their emotions. This kind of therapy can help them develop mental tools that are flexible and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this we compared the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with regulation processes. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, which suggests that they could explain a significant amount of the variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still a relatively new treatment and more research will be needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than any other therapy. This isn't an effective treatment, but it can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. This allows everyone to learn about the client's issues and learn how to support their loved one more effectively. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. In addition, this type of therapy is helpful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session in order to gain an understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their ability to intervene with the family. This can be conducted online or in person. The Therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health problems are present, for example depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching you methods to deal with anger and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships as well as job changes and academic challenges. It can help you develop coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders which are often seen alongside ADHD.