Discover More Here and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many patients are not responsive to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can use many drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the drugs may cause negative side effects that aren't common in children. The doctor will look at the medical history, the family health history and other conditions of an individual to determine which medication is the best for them.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, such as skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. These long-acting stimulants are preferred because they improve patient compliance, as well as a smoother, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first before medication used as secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit some patients may experience a "rebound" effect in which they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health issues, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues in their relationships or at work. It can also aid those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps people recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to change these patterns. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people focus on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focused on a person's family history may be useful for people suffering from ADHD with significant secondary issues.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy can help address the specific issues that arise from ADHD like difficulty getting through schoolwork, resolving conflicts and being able to get together with others, losing important dates or obligations, and impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial issues. 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 exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients to change their negative patterns of thinking. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This therapy aims to help clients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are compatible with their everyday lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a long time. But it is an effective option for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medication.
In the course of a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem, and social performance in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to devise an action plan to address their specific issues. They usually teach clients a series of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a good chance of being successful. A chart system is often used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. For a child, this might include a daily report that outlines all of the in-school activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be imposed if a child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive manner.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new form of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from a range of mental health problems like depression. It is a type of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thought patterns and their effects on their emotions. This kind of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
The aim of this study was to investigate 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 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 the processes of regulation were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain a significant amount of variation in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling 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 assess the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat various disorders and may be more effective than other treatment. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD however it can be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. Everyone is able to better understand the issues of the client and learn how they can help their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. Additionally, this type of counseling can be helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to understand the family's perspective and determine whether they are suitable for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and transform negative thinking patterns to positive ones. It focuses on improving your self-esteem and self-control through teaching techniques to cope with anxiety and stress. This is a short-term option that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that comes from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with conflicts in relationships as well as job changes and academic difficulties. It can teach you strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and money more effectively. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.