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Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medications for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. The dosages and effects differ. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient, family history, and other health conditions to determine what medication is most suitable 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 called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. They come in many forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored as they lead to better patient compliance and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens, 2004).
Some patients may experience an "rebound" effect where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people are unable take stimulant medication or take it due to drug misuse or other health issues like severe hypertension or heart problems. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or manage issues at work or in relationships. It can also aid those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that beliefs and thoughts can affect how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists a person to identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques for meditation to teach people 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 people suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also help with the specific issues that arise from ADHD problems, like having trouble staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting along with others, forgetting important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that result in legal or financial problems. It can also help a person explore and resolve issues that cause ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients change their negative patterns of thinking. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to identify the root reason for the symptoms. This therapy aims to help clients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a long time. It's a possibility for those who cannot receive enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the core symptoms, emotional symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
The therapists who provide this treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They will teach them a set of practical skills that are simple to master and have a high chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behaviors. This might include an everyday report for children that details the tasks they must finish at school or the positive behaviors to be displayed, as well as an organized system for tracking and rewarding rewards. The therapists could also discuss the possibility of the introduction of negative consequences if children fail to finish their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This type of treatment can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people learn to recognize negative thought patterns and their effect on their moods. This kind of therapy can help to develop mental tools that are versatile and useful.
The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this, we examined the relationship between self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning to indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition debugging, information management, and evaluation). It was discovered 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 they could explain an important amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry or rumination as well as attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
treatment for add was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than other therapy. It is important to keep it in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD, but it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. All members can better understand the client's issues and learn to assist their loved family members. It also assists them in finding ways to deal with their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling can be helpful for addressing comorbidities like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's perception of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or online. The counselor will go over the details of the therapy with each client and lay out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain an insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask whether there are any other mental health issues that are present, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type 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 cope with stress and anger. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that comes from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic difficulties. It can help you develop 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 mood and anxiety disorders, which are often seen alongside ADHD.