Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar medications.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of medications to treat ADHD in children. The dosages and the side effects are different. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine which medication is the best for him or her.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant and is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. They come in many forms, including chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, and medication used as secondary measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are not able to take them due to addiction or other health conditions, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These drugs do not have the same high rates of adverse effects as stimulants and have a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships and at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that beliefs and thoughts can influence how someone feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps a person recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family can be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also assist with forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive decisions that can lead to financial and legal issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family member or partner who is dealing with the negative 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 is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients change their negative thoughts. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to address the root causes of the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to overcome limitations and implement strategies for coping that are compatible with the client's daily life.
In addition, they teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take a while. It is an option for those who are unable to get enough relief from their medications.
In a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying problems.
The therapists that provide this kind of treatment usually work with the client to devise an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They train them in a series of skills that are simple to master and have a high probability of success. Often a chart system is used to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. This could be a daily report for children that details the tasks they have to finish at school or the positive behavior that must be demonstrated, and an approach to recording and earning rewards. The therapists could 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, assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health problems such as depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thinking patterns and their impact on their emotions. This type of therapy may also help them acquire psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To do 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). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which suggests they could be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorder. However, it is still an emerging treatment, and further research is needed to determine if it can help with other disorders.
This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat various disorders and is more effective than any other therapy. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD, but it can be used as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the Therapist works with the entire family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the client's needs and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop better communication skills. This type of counseling could be utilized to treat the underlying conditions, like substance abuse and depression which are frequently associated as part of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to better understand the family's perspective and determine whether they are suitable for intervention with the family. This can be done online or in person. The counselor will explain to each client the nature of treatment as well as the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to gain an understanding of their current symptoms as well as their history and the impact that they have on their work, family and relationships. my website will also inquire whether there are other mental health issues that are present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that teaches you to control your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control through teaching techniques to cope with anxiety and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that comes from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic issues. It can teach you ways to reduce stress and cope, and how to better manage your time and finances. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated with ADHD.