Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause negative side effects that aren't common in children. A doctor will take into consideration the medical history of the patient, family history, and other health issues to determine which medication is most suitable for him or her.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They come in various forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are preferred due to their improved patient compliance and an easier, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.
It is important to be aware that comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, with medication be used as a second measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients may exhibit an "rebound" effect where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people are unable tolerate stimulant medication or cannot use it due to addiction to drugs or other health conditions like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. treatment for adhd adults do not have the same high rates of side effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for people with ADHD. It can help them learn strategies to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also assist with people with mental disorders that coexist, like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they feel, think and act. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative behaviors and thought patterns and then formulate and implement strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses meditation techniques to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also assist with forgetting important dates and obligations and making decisions that are impulsive and could lead to legal and financial issues. It can help a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress, for example exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a spouse or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help families and couples communicate better and learn how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients to change their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to identify the root cause of symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to overcome the limitations and implement coping strategies that fit with the client's daily life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thinking patterns and assist them to develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. It's a possibility for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who provide this kind of treatment usually work with the client to devise a detailed action plan for solving their issues. They usually teach clients a set of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high chance of success. A chart system is often used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. For an infant, this could include a daily report that lists all the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they must perform and a method of tracking and earning rewards. adhd adult treatment could also consider introducing negative consequences when the child fails to finish their tasks. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of treatment can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety of mental health issues such as depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn to recognize their negative thinking patterns and how they impact their emotions. This kind of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning in adults suffering from 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). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was related 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 a significant amount of variation in the daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and perpetuate states of anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat various disorders and could be more effective than any other treatment. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD, but it can be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. This allows all members to learn about the client's issues and to learn how they can support their loved one better. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. This type of counseling could be used to tackle the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse, which are often seen with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to better understand the family's views and determine if they are suitable for intervention with the family. This can be conducted in person or online. The counselor will go over the details 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 variety of questions 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 inquire whether any other mental health issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that comes from underachievement and failure. It can also help them deal problems with relationships or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can teach you ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.