Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients do not respond to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar drugs.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. The dosages and the side effects differ. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history as well as family history and other health conditions to determine which medicine is best for them.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant and adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored because they improve patient compliance, and more consistent, long-lasting improvement in symptoms.
adhd adult treatment is crucial to be aware that comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that disorders be treated first, and then medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may have an "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people are unable take stimulant medication or take it due to the misuse of drugs or other health conditions like severe hypertension or heart problems. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't have the same side effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be misused or misused.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those with ADHD. It can help them learn techniques to improve their lives manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships and at work. It can also aid in the treatment of co-existing mental disorders such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they feel, think and act. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then formulates and implements strategies to alter these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques of meditation to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems.
In addition to medicines psychotherapy can also help with the particular issues caused by ADHD, such as trouble 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 lead to financial or legal troubles. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For example exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a family or partner member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD 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)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients overcome their negative thinking patterns. adhd adult treatment 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 clients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are compatible with their everyday lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. It is an option for those who cannot feel enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the severity of core symptoms, emotional symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan that addresses the specific issues they face. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to implement and have a high likelihood of being successful. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. For a child, this might include a daily report that lists all the school-related activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also discuss the possibility of creating negative consequences if a child does not complete their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps people change the way they think. This kind of treatment can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize negative thoughts and their effects on their moods. This type of therapy may assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. In order 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). The results showed that complete knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not the processes that regulate. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness 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 other treatment. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD however it can be used as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. This allows everyone to understand the client's problems and to understand how to help their loved ones better. It also helps them find ways to manage their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling can be utilized to treat the underlying conditions, like addiction and depression which are frequently associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get a clearer understanding of the family's perception of the problem and assess their potential for intervention by the family. It can be done either in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each client and lay out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist with worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into the current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental health issues are present, such anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that teaches you how to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by educating you on how to handle anger and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD deal with emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties, frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can teach stress reduction and coping techniques, and how to better manage your finances and time. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.