Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many people who suffer from depression aren't able to take medications and may get better results from therapy.
The most effective medications to treat the symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't common in children. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health conditions to determine what medication is the best for him or her.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to more patient compliance and lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbidities like anxiety and depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric issues be treated first and medication used as a second measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant drugs or are unable to take them due to drug abuse or other health issues, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same amount of side effects as stimulants, and are a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help them gain skills to improve their life, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to change these patterns. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people focus on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD with significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can aid with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and obligations and making impulsive decisions that can result in legal and financial problems. It can help a person overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress, for example exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the client's daily life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients how to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. It is an option for those who cannot receive enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the emotional symptoms, core symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people with more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who offer this treatment usually work with the client to develop an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They will teach them a set of practical skills which are easy to learn and have a high chance of success. Typically, a chart system is used to track progress and reward positive behaviour. For a child, this might involve a daily report that lists all the school-related tasks or positive behavior they must perform and a system for monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists may also consider introducing negative consequences when the child fails to finish their tasks. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps individuals change how they think. This kind of treatment can be effective for people suffering from a range of mental health problems, including depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are able and effective.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To achieve this, we examined the relationship between self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD but not with regulatory processes. The predictive ability of a model incorporating predictors of metacognition was moderate, indicating that they can explain an important portion of the variance in daily functioning for adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention 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 a model of information processing developed 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 more research is required to determine whether it can help with other disorders.
This study was conceived to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than other therapy. It is important to keep it in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD but it could be employed as an adjunctive therapy.
adhd treatment in adults
In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's issues and learn how to help their loved ones. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling can be utilized to treat comorbid conditions, such as depression and substance abuse which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to gain an understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. add treatments for adults will explain to each client the nature of treatment and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to gain an understanding of the current symptoms, their past, and the impact they've had on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues present, such as depression or anxiety.
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 is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching techniques to cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal with conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic challenges. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also address comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.