Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar drugs.
Medications
Adults are able to take many different medications to treat ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the drugs may cause side effects that are not common in children. A doctor will take into consideration the medical history of the patient, family history, and other health issues to determine what medication is best for them.
The most commonly used 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 boost the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They are available in a variety of forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide more patient compliance and lasting more smooth improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, natural add treatment is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, and medication be used as a second measure. Medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit a "rebound" effect, where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant drugs or are in a position to not take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or deal with issues in their relationships or at work. It can also help with co-existing mental illnesses 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 on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps people identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to alter these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques of meditation to teach a person how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focused on a person's family history may be useful for people with ADHD with significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also help with forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive choices that lead to financial and legal issues. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and resolve issues that contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help someone find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, for example exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to an individual in the family or with a spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD affects their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients to change their negative thoughts. It involves a dialog based on skill with an expert in mental health to address the root reason for the symptoms. This therapy aims to help patients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are compatible with their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it is a viable option for adults who aren't getting enough relief from medications.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the severity of the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co., 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people who suffer from more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to devise an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They will teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to master and have a high chance of success. Often a chart system is used to monitor progress 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 behavior they have to perform, as well as a method of recording and earning rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be introduced when a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new form of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health issues like depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thoughts and how they affect their moods. This kind of therapy can help individuals develop psychological tools that can be adaptable and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD, but not the processes that regulate. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which indicates that they can explain an important amount of variance in daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of worry and rumination, as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was conceived to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat various disorders and could be more effective than any other therapy. It is not a cure, but it could be used 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 ones better. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling could be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to understand the family's views and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life as well as their family and social life. They will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues present, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD overcome emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues frequent job changes, and conflicts in relationships. It can teach you ways to reduce stress and cope and also how to better manage your finances and time. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety which are frequently associated with ADHD.