Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
Adults are able to take many different medications to treat ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects differ. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health issues 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 like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease aggression and impulsivity. They are available in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they provide more patient compliance and lasting more smooth improvement of symptoms.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression may alter the effectiveness of ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric issues be treated first, and then medication used as a second measure. The medications that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients may have some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medication or take it due to drug misuse or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these cases, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same amount of side effects as stimulants and carry a lower risks of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues in their relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of co-existing mental disorders such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that thoughts and beliefs can influence how someone feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then devise and implement strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques of meditation to teach a person how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person can be beneficial for those with ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also assist 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 be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family or partner member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It uses skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to assist clients overcome their difficulties and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts and help them develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. It is an option for adults who do not feel enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study concluded 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 as well as self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people who have more serious underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this type of treatment typically work with the client to devise a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They train them in a series of practical skills which are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. In the case of a child, this might involve a daily report which outlines the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they must perform and a method of recording and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be inflicted upon a child who isn't able to finish their work. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health problems, such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people learn to recognize negative thought patterns and their impact on their emotions. This kind of therapy can help to develop psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To do this we compared 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 the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which suggests that they could explain an important amount of variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of worry and rumination, as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was designed to determine the efficacy of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD however it can be employed as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. This allows everyone to be aware of the issues facing the client and learn how to support their loved ones better. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling can be utilized to treat the underlying conditions, like addiction and depression which are frequently associated with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to understand the family's perception and determine if they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. treatment for add will discuss the nature of the therapy with each individual and set out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their past and their impacts on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask whether there are other mental health issues that are present like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle anger and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD overcome emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues, frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can help you learn strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also be used to tackle other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.