Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many depressed patients aren't able to take medication and could be able to benefit from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the drugs may cause side effects that are not common in children. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history, and other medical health conditions of the patient to determine which drug is most appropriate for the patient.
The most commonly used ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters. They can improve focus and decrease aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in various forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular because they improve patient compliance, as well as an easier, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medication used as secondary measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).
Some patients may exhibit a "rebound" effect, where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these cases an experiment of a short duration with the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it due to the misuse of drugs or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine are effective. These medications don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those suffering from ADHD. It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or manage problems at work or in relationships. It can also help people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that beliefs and thoughts can affect how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps people identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements strategies to alter them. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person’s family history can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medicines psychotherapy can assist in addressing the particular issues caused by ADHD problems, like having trouble staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or obligations as well as impulsive decisions that result in financial or legal troubles. It can help a person overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress, for example exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family member or spouse who is struggling 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 is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients overcome their negative thinking patterns. It uses skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to overcome limitations and implement strategies for coping that align with the client's daily life.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. The process can be long. However, it is a viable alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They usually teach them the fundamentals of therapy that are easy to implement and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. For an infant, this could involve a daily report which outlines the school tasks or positive behavior they must perform and a system for recording and earning rewards. The therapists could consider the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to finish their tasks. treatment for add can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This kind of therapy could be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health issues, such as depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people learn to recognize negative thoughts and their effects on their moods. This kind of therapy can help to develop psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To this end, we evaluated self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition, debugging, information management and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD, but not regulation processes. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which suggests they could explain an important amount of variation in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of 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 anxiety disorders. However, it is still an emerging treatment, and further research will be needed to determine if it can aid in other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and may even be more effective than other treatments. This isn't a cure, but can be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all members of the family. This helps all family members understand the client's problems and learn how to support their loved one better. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop more effective communication skills. This kind of counseling can be used to tackle other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse which are frequently associated as part of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to understand the family's views and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each individual and set out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also ask whether there are other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that teaches you how to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It is focused on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching methods to deal with anger and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be used alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with relationship conflicts or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can teach you strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction, and how to manage your time and finances. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.