Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many people who suffer from depression are not able to respond well to medications and may be able to benefit from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medications
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. The dosages and the side effects are different. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is the best for them.
The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is stimulant and works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly known as Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters. They can improve focus and decrease aggression and impulsivity. They come in various forms, including chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred as they lead to better patient compliance and more consistent, long-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first before medication is used as a secondary measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients might experience an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Certain people are not able to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot use it due to the misuse of drugs or other health conditions like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These drugs do not have the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants, and are a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain strategies to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, and manage problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist with those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that beliefs and thoughts can influence how someone is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then develop and implement strategies to change these. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person's family history can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also help in forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making decisions that are impulsive and lead to financial and legal issues. It can assist a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD has on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change their negative thoughts. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to identify the root cause of symptoms. This treatment aims to assist clients overcome their limitations and develop coping strategies that are appropriate to their everyday lives.
In addition to educating clients to recognize unhelpful 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 some time. But it is an effective option for those who do not receive enough relief from medications.
A recent RCT study found that when paired 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 who suffer from more serious underlying issues.
The therapists who provide this type of treatment typically work with the client to create an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They will teach them a set of skills that are simple to master and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. For children, this could involve a daily report which outlines the in-school activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as a method of tracking and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child does not complete their task. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This type of treatment is effective for those suffering from a range of mental health issues such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thoughts and how they impact their emotions. This kind of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are adaptable and useful.
The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. In order to do this, we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not regulation processes. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which suggests that they could be the cause of significant variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, it's still an in-development treatment, and further research is required to determine if it can help with other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD, but it can be employed as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. Everyone is able to better understand the client's needs and learn how to help their loved family members. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling can be helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders like depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to better understand the family's views and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or online. The therapist will explain to each participant the purpose of therapy and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also ask if there are any other mental health issues present like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that helps you change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching methods to deal with anger and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
treating adult add can help those with ADHD deal with emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement, failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can help you develop coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and money more effectively. It can also help with the comorbidity of disorders like mood and anxiety disorders which are frequently associated with ADHD.