Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many depressed patients aren't able to take medication and could be able to benefit from therapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medicines
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. The dosages and effects can be different. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine which medication is the best for them.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting 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. They come in many forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting more smooth improvement of symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that disorders be treated first and medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens 2004).
Certain patients might suffer from a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are not able to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these cases, nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same 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 people with ADHD to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues at work or in relationships. It can also aid with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs affect how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative behaviors and thought patterns and then devise and implement strategies to change these. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person, may be helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD like difficulty keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts and being able to get along with others, forgetting important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that lead to legal or financial problems. It can assist a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress through exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative 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)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change their negative thoughts. It employs dialogue based on skill with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to assist clients overcome their limitations and develop coping strategies that are appropriate to their daily routines.
In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take a while. However, it is a viable option for adults who do not receive enough relief from medications.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of the emotional symptoms, core symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co., 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for those who have more serious underlying issues.
The therapists who offer this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to devise an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Typically, adhd untreated in adults is utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. This could include a daily report for children that details the tasks they are required to complete in school or the positive behavior that must be exhibited, and an approach to recording and earning rewards. Therapists can consider creating negative consequences if the child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with care and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps people change the way they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety mental health issues like depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists individuals learn to recognize their negative thought patterns and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are able and beneficial.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To do this, we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain a significant amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was designed to determine the efficacy of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders and could be more effective than other therapies. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD however it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all family members. This allows everyone to be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved ones better. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling could be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as addiction and depression, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to better understand the family's perspective and determine whether they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The counselor will go over the details of the therapy with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It concentrates on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching methods to deal with anxiety and stress. This is a temporary option that can be used alongside other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic difficulties. It can help you learn ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD.