Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many people who suffer from depression are not able to respond well to medications and may get better results from therapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
treatment of add can use many drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However the dosages differ and the drugs may cause adverse effects that aren't common in children. The doctor will look at the medical history, family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which drug is best.
The most well-known 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 boost the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular because they improve patient compliance, as well as more consistent, long-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, and medication be used as a second measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may experience some patients may experience a "rebound" effect, where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these cases a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant drugs or are in a position to not take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them learn strategies to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and manage issues in relationships or at work. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs influence how someone behaves, thinks and feels. CBT assists a person to identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to change these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques for meditation to teach a person how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person’s family history, may be helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive decisions that can lead to financial and legal problems. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
treatment for adult add can help people discover healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to the family member or partner who is dealing with the negative effects ADHD has on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help couples and families improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients to change their negative thoughts. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to identify the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to overcome limitations and implement strategies for coping that are compatible with the person's everyday life.
In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a long time. It's a possibility for those who cannot receive enough relief from their medication.
In the course of a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own when it comes to improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social performance in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for those who suffer from more severe underlying problems.
The therapists that provide this treatment usually work with the client to develop a detailed action plan for addressing their problems. They teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Often a chart system is used to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. This could be a daily report for children that details the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and a system of tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also consider creating negative consequences if the child fails to finish their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a variety mental health issues, such as depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn to recognize their negative thoughts and how they impact their moods. This kind of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are flexible and beneficial.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To accomplish this, we compared the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition debugging, information management, and evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power which suggests they could explain an important amount of variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, or 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 disorder. However, it is still an in-development treatment and more research is needed to determine if it can help with other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat various disorders and is more effective than other therapy. It is not a cure, but it could be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all members of the family. All members can better understand the client's issues and learn how to help their loved family members. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. This type of counseling can be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as substance abuse and depression, which are often seen as part of ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to understand the family's perception and determine whether they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. The counselor will explain to each client the purpose of therapy and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their present symptoms as well as their past and the impact that they have on their work, family and relationships. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured which teaches you to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle stress and anger. This is a temporary option that can be utilized alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that comes from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic difficulties. It can teach you ways to manage stress and cope and teach you how to manage your time and money more effectively. It can be used to treat comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD.