Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used on adults. The dosages and effects differ. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history, family history, and other health conditions to determine which medication is the best for them.
The most common kind of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. They come in various forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they lead to more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression may alter the effectiveness of ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that these disorders be treated first and medication utilized as a secondary measure. The drugs that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).
Some patients may suffer from an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant drugs or are unable to take them due to addiction or other health conditions, such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them learn techniques to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and deal with issues in relationships or at work. It can also help people with mental disorders that coexist, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT assists a person to identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to alter these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques for meditation to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history, may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD, such as trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting together with others, losing important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial problems. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For example exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can assist families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients overcome their negative patterns of thinking. It employs dialogue based on skill with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct the limitations and implement coping strategies that fit with the daily routine of the client.
In addition to teaching clients to recognize harmful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take some time. But it is an effective alternative for adults who do not receive enough relief from medication.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the severity of the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and co., 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to devise an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They teach them a set of skills that are easy to master and have a high chance of success. Charts are often used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. This could be an everyday report for a child that outlines the tasks they are required to complete at school, or the positive behavior that must be displayed, as well as an approach to tracking and rewarding rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences might be imposed if a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health problems, such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy which assists people in recognizing negative thinking patterns and their impact on their emotions. This type of therapy may also help them acquire psychological tools that are able and useful.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this we compared the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was found that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which suggests they could be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states like worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for 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 could be more effective than other treatments. This is not an effective treatment, but it can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
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 helps them deal with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. Additionally, this kind of therapy is helpful for addressing comorbidities such as depression and substance misuse which are often seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to understand the family's perspective and determine whether they are suitable for intervention with the family. This can be conducted either in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each client the nature of treatment as well as the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain an insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work, family life and relationships. natural add treatment will also ask whether any other mental health issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts or job changes as well as academic difficulties. It can teach stress reduction and coping techniques and also how to manage your time and finances. It can be used to treat the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD.