Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients who are depressed do not respond well to medication and may get better results from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medications
Adults can take a variety of drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects are different. The doctor will look at the medical history, family health history, and other medical factors of the individual to determine which medicine is best.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They come in various forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide better patient compliance and longer lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbidities like anxiety and depression can alter the effectiveness of ADHD medications. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, with medication be used as a second measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot take it because of the misuse of drugs or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these situations, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications do not cause the same amount of side effects as stimulants, and are a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or deal with problems at work or in relationships. It can also aid in the treatment of people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps individuals identify negative behaviors and thought patterns and then devise and implement positive strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques of meditation to help a person learn to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, 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 could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also help with the specific problems caused by ADHD, such as trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, being able to get together with others, losing important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that lead to financial or legal troubles. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For example exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to an individual in the family or with a spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to identify the root reason for the symptoms. This therapy aims to assist clients overcome their limitations and develop coping strategies that are in line with their everyday lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. However, it is a viable alternative for adults who do not receive enough relief from medication.
In an upcoming RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people with more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this type of treatment typically collaborate with the client to develop a detailed action plan for addressing their problems. They train them in a series of practical skills that are simple to master and have a high probability of success. Typically, a chart system is used to monitor progress and reward positive behaviour. For children, this could include a daily report which outlines the school tasks or positive behavior they need to accomplish and a system for monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists may also discuss the possibility of the introduction of negative consequences if children fail to complete their tasks. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from various mental health problems like depression. It is a type of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thought patterns and their effects on their moods. adhd symptoms and treatment of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To do this we compared self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). It was found that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictive ability of a model incorporating metacognition predictors was moderate, suggesting that they can account for a significant amount of the variation in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it is still a relatively new treatment, and further research will be needed to determine whether it can help with other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety of disorders and could be more effective than other treatment. It is not a cure, but can be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapy therapist works with the entire family. This allows everyone to understand the client's problems and learn how to support their loved one better. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. This type of counseling could also be used to address the underlying conditions, like substance abuse and depression which are frequently associated with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to understand the family's perception and determine if they are suitable for intervention with the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each client and lay out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD asks lots of questions to gain insight into their current symptoms as well as their history and the impact that they have on their family, work and relationships. They will also ask if there are any other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that helps you learn how to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to cope with anger and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that comes from underachievement and failure. It can also help them deal problems with relationships as well as job changes and academic issues. It can help you learn strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and finances more effectively. It can be used to treat the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.