treat adult adhd and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many depressed patients do not respond well to medications and may benefit from therapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and effects can be different. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history, and other medical factors of the individual to determine which drug is the 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 increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first before medication be used as a second measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may exhibit some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication may be helpful.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medications or use it due to the misuse of drugs or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart problems. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These drugs don't have the same side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be misused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop skills to improve their life to manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps an individual identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then formulate and implement positive strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs meditation techniques to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history could be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive decisions that can result in legal and financial issues. It can assist a person overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It employs dialogue based on skill with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to overcome limitations and implement strategies for coping that align with the client's daily life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a while. But it is an effective alternative for adults who do not receive enough relief from medication.
A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the core symptoms, emotional symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They train them in a series of practical skills which are easy to master and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This might include an everyday report for children that details the tasks they have to complete at school, or the positive behaviors to be displayed, as well as an organized system for monitoring and rewarding rewards. The therapists may also discuss the possibility of creating negative consequences if children fail to complete their work. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people with a variety of mental health issues which include depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thoughts and their effect on their emotions. This type of therapy helps individuals develop psychological tools that can be flexible and useful.
The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self- and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management, and Evaluation). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of anxiety, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, however it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders and may even be more effective than other treatments. This is not a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the Therapist works with the entire family. This allows all members to be aware of the issues facing the client and to understand how to help their loved ones better. It also helps them find ways to deal with their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling could be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as addiction and depression, which are often seen as part of ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. It can be done online or in person. The counselor will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain an insight into the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work as well as their family and social life. They will also inquire if any other mental problems are present, for example depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to cope with stress and anger. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of failure, underachievement, academic difficulties as well as frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can help you learn strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction as well as how to manage your finances and time. It can also address comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that are commonly associated with ADHD.