Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to depression medications and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.

Treatments that are most effective in reducing the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.

Medications

Adults can use many drugs that are prescribed for ADHD in children. However, the dosages are different and the drugs can cause negative side effects that aren't present in children. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history, family history, and other health issues to determine what medication is best for them.

The most common kind of ADHD medication is stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease aggression and impulsivity. They are available in a variety of forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.

It is important to be aware that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that these mental health issues be treated first before medication is used as a secondary measure. The drugs that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).

Some patients may exhibit an "rebound" effect where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these cases a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication could be beneficial.

Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are unable to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or misused.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help those with ADHD to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or deal with problems 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) and mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then formulate and implement strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person, may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD.

Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive choices that result in legal and financial issues. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy can help someone to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress, such as exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to the family member or partner who is dealing 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 form of psychotherapy which focuses on transforming the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It employs dialogue based on skill with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to overcome impairments and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.

In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take some time. However, it's a good option for adults who do not receive enough relief from medications.

In a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom self-esteem, and social performance in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for those who suffer from more severe underlying issues.

The therapists that provide this treatment usually work with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They teach them a set of skills that are simple to master and have a high probability of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and to reward positive behavior. This could be the daily report of children that details the tasks they must finish at school or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and an approach to tracking and rewarding. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be introduced when a child does not complete their task. This can be done with care and support.

Metacognitive Therapy

Metacognitive therapy is an innovative type of psychotherapy that assists people change their thinking. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from various mental health issues, such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thoughts and their effect on their emotions. This type of therapy may also help them acquire psychological tools that are flexible and effective.

The goal of this study was to examine 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 discovered that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety or rumination as well as attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder. However, it is still an emerging treatment and more research will be needed to determine if it could aid in other disorders.

This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders, and may be more effective than other therapies. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD, but it can be employed as an alternative therapy.

Family Therapy

In family therapy the therapy therapist works with the entire family. This allows everyone to learn about the client's issues and to understand how to help their loved one more effectively. It also assists them in finding ways to deal with their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling can be helpful for addressing comorbidities such as depression and alcohol abuse, which are commonly seen alongside ADHD.

The therapist will begin with an intake session to better understand the family's views and determine if they're suitable for intervention with the family. This can be done either in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each person and spell out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.

A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work as well as their family and social life. They will also ask if any other mental issues are present, like depression or anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control through teaching strategies to manage anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment for severe adhd in adults option that can be paired with other forms of psychotherapy.

Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that comes from failing 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 strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction, and how to better manage your financial and time management. It can also help with problems that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety which are frequently associated with adhd intrusive thoughts treatment.