Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients are not responsive to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can use many medications to treat ADHD in children. The dosages and the side effects can be different. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history, family history and other health conditions to determine which medicine is most suitable for him or her.
The most commonly used 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 methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters. They can improve focus and decrease aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. These long-acting stimulants are favored because they improve patient compliance, and more consistent, long-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbidities like anxiety and depression may alter the effectiveness of ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. Medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may suffer from some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. 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 addiction or other health conditions for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same high rates of side effects as stimulants and carry a less risk of abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those with ADHD to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or manage issues at work or in relationships. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that beliefs and thoughts can influence how someone is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps an individual identify negative behaviors and thought patterns and then develop and implement positive strategies to change these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques of meditation to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also help with the particular issues caused by ADHD, such as trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, getting along with others, forgetting important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that can lead to legal or financial issues. It can also assist a person explore and overcome issues that contribute to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help someone to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress through exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a spouse or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It uses skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to assist clients overcome their limitations and develop coping strategies that are compatible with their everyday lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. It's a possibility for those who are unable to 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 emotional symptoms, core symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
The therapists that provide this treatment usually collaborate with the client to create an action plan specific to solving their issues. They will teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. For a child, this might involve a daily report which outlines the school tasks or positive behavior they must perform and a system for recording and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences could be inflicted upon a child who fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from various mental health problems, such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people learn to recognize negative thoughts and their effect on their emotions. This type of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are 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 achieve this, we compared self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition, debugging, information management 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 they could explain a significant amount of variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it is still an in-development treatment and further research will be needed to determine whether it can help with other disorders.
This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD but it could be used as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. adhd untreated in adults allows everyone to learn about the client's issues and to understand how to help their loved one more effectively. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own frustrations and improve their communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to understand the family's views and determine whether they are suitable for family intervention. This can be done either in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each client the nature of treatment as well as the rules for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their current symptoms as well as their history and the impact that they have on their work, family and relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues that are present like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you how to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage stress and anger. This is a temporary option that can be used alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic issues. It can teach you strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction as well as how to better manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.