Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many depressed patients are not able to respond well to medication and could get better results from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. However, the dosages are different and the drugs can cause side effects that are not common in children. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history, and other medical factors of the individual to determine which medication is most appropriate for the patient.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in various forms, including skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide more patient compliance and lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medication be used as a second measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit an "rebound" effect in which they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases, a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may prove beneficial.
treatment for adult add are unable to take stimulant medication or take it due to drug misuse or other health issues such as heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications do not cause the same high rates of side effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop techniques to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships and at work. It can also aid with co-occurring mental illnesses such as depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs affect how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then devise and implement positive strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to teach people how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on the family history of a person can be beneficial for people with ADHD.
treatment of add , in addition to medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also assist with forgetting important dates and obligations and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial problems. Psychotherapy can also help people to identify and overcome issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help someone find healthy coping skills and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD affects their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients overcome their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a dialogue based on skills with a mental health professional to address the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to overcome the limitations and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.
In addition to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing skills that allow them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can be lengthy. But it is an effective alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medication.
A recent RCT study 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 with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
The therapists that provide this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Typically, a chart system is utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. For a child, this might involve a daily report that lists all the in-school tasks or positive behavior they must perform and a method of tracking and earning rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be imposed if a child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer kind of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This type of treatment can be effective for people with a variety of mental health issues, including depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their moods. This kind of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
The goal of this study was 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 observed that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which indicates that they can explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of people 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. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still a relatively new treatment and more research is required to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than other therapy. It is important to keep in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD but it could be employed as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapy therapist works with the entire family. All members can better understand the issues of the client and learn how to help their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to deal with their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. In addition, this type of therapy is helpful for addressing comorbidities such as depression and addiction to drugs, which are typically found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to understand the family's perception and determine if they're suitable for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The counselor will go over the details of treatment with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to gain insight into the current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they've had on their family, work and relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues present, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to cope with anger and stress. This is a temporary option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD overcome emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of failure, underachievement academic struggles as well as frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can teach you ways to manage stress and cope and teach you how to manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.