Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar drugs.
Medications
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. However the dosages are different and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't typical of children. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history, family history and other health issues to determine what medication is best for him or her.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They come in various forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first before medication is used as a second measure. Medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are unable to take them due to addiction or other health conditions such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications do not cause the same high rates of side effects as stimulants, and are a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and manage problems in relationships or at work. It can also help with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that thoughts and beliefs affect how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps an individual identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then devise and implement strategies to alter these. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person concentrate on their thoughts and emotions as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focused on a person's history with their family could be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the particular issues caused by ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, getting along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities and making impulsive choices that can lead to financial or legal troubles. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For treatment adult adhd iampsychiatry , exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to the family member or partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD has on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can assist families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients change their negative thoughts. It employs dialogue based on skill with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to correct limitations and implement strategies for coping that are compatible with the client's daily life.
In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing skills that allow them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take time. However, it is a viable option for adults who do not receive enough relief from medications.
A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for those with more serious underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They usually teach clients the fundamentals of therapy that are simple to implement and have a high chance of being successful. Typically, a chart system is used to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. In the case of children, this could include a daily report that outlines all of the in-school activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a method of tracking and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps individuals change how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from various mental health issues like depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thought patterns and how they impact their moods. This kind of therapy helps individuals develop mental tools that are versatile and useful.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this, we compared self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning to indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, information management, and evaluation). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they can account for an important portion of the variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorder. However, it's still a relatively new treatment and further research is required to determine whether it can help with other disorders.
This study was designed to determine the efficacy of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD, but it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all members of the family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's needs and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. This type of counseling could also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as addiction and depression that are commonly associated as part of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to get a better understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their ability to intervene with the family. This can be done in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each individual and set out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life, family life 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 helps you change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to cope with anger and stress. This is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships as well as job changes and academic challenges. It can help you learn ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also be used to tackle other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.