Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many depressed patients do not respond well to medication and could get better results from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medications
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and effects are different. A doctor will take into consideration the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health conditions to determine which medication is most suitable for him or her.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters. They can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These stimulants that last longer are popular due to their improved patient compliance and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are unable to take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or manage issues at work or in relationships. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the belief that one's beliefs and attitudes affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative behaviors and thought patterns and then develop and implement positive strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to help a person learn to focus on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medicines psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflicts and being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or obligations as well as impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial problems. Psychotherapy can also help people to identify and overcome issues that contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For treatment for add in adults , exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to an individual in the family or with a partner who is dealing with the 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 form of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients overcome their negative thinking patterns. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to address the root causes of the symptoms. This treatment is designed to assist clients overcome their difficulties and develop coping skills that are in line with their everyday lives.
In addition, they teach clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a long time. It is a viable option for those who cannot get enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and co., 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people with more serious underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to create an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They teach them a set of practical skills which are easy to master and have a high chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. In the case of a child, this might involve a daily report that outlines all of the school tasks or positive behaviors they must perform and an approach to recording and earning rewards. The therapists may also discuss the possibility of introducing negative consequences when children fail to complete their tasks. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This kind of treatment can be beneficial for people with a variety of mental health problems, including depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy which assists people in recognizing negative thinking patterns and their impact on their moods. This kind of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning to predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was discovered that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying 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 developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it's still an emerging treatment and further research is required to determine whether it can help with other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than other therapy. This is not a cure, but it could 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 helps them deal with their anger and develop better communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling can be helpful for addressing comorbidities such as depression and addiction to drugs, which are typically 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 problem and assess their ability to intervene with the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment as well as the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work life and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask if any other mental issues are present, such depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can teach you ways to manage stress and cope and teach you how to manage your time and money more effectively. It can also be used to tackle other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.