Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.
Medications
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. The dosages and the side effects can be different. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine which medication is best for him or her.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly called Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. They are available in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric issues be treated first, and then medication used as a second measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may experience an "rebound" effect, where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant drugs or are in a position to not take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same level of side effects as stimulants and have lower risks of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). treating add in adults can help people with ADHD to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or manage issues in their relationships or at work. It can also assist with those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps individuals identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then develop and implement strategies to change them. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people focus on their emotions and thoughts, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family may be useful for people with ADHD with significant secondary problems.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can help address the particular issues caused by ADHD like difficulty keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting along with others, ignoring important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that result in legal or financial problems. It can also help people to identify and resolve issues that may cause ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress, such as exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a family member or spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD has 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 patterns of thinking. It employs dialogue based on skill with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that are compatible with the client's daily life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it's a good option for those who aren't getting enough relief from medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined 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 et al. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people who have more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They usually teach clients the fundamentals of therapy that are easy to apply and have a good chance of being successful. Charts are typically used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. In the case of an infant, this could involve a daily report which outlines the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as an approach to monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be introduced when a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative type of psychotherapy that assists people to change their thinking. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health problems like depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thinking patterns and their effects on their emotions. This type of therapy helps individuals develop psychological tools that can be versatile and useful.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To achieve this we compared self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had a moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain an important amount of variance in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety and rumination, as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still a relatively new treatment and more research is required to determine if it can help with other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. This is not a cure, but it could be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all members of the family. This allows everyone to understand the client's problems and to learn how they can support their loved one more effectively. treating adults with adhd helps them deal with their anger and develop more effective communication skills. Additionally, this type of therapy is helpful for addressing comorbidities such as depression and substance misuse which are often seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to better understand the family's perception and determine if they're suitable for intervention with the family. This can be done either in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history and their impact on their work life as well as their family and social life. They will also inquire if any other mental issues are present, like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by educating you on how to cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement, failure academic struggles frequent job changes, and conflict in relationships. It can teach you stress reduction and coping techniques as well as how to better manage your financial and time management. It can be used to treat the comorbidities, like mood and anxiety disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.