Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Many people with ADHD have comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many people who suffer from depression do not respond well to medications and may get better results from therapy.

Treatments that are most effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.

Medications

Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. The dosages and side effects can be different. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which medication is most appropriate for the patient.

The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant and works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They help improve focus and reduce aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in various forms, including liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. These stimulants that last longer are popular due to their improved patient compliance, and a smoother, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms.

It is important to remember that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression may influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that disorders be treated first and medication used as a secondary measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).

Some patients may exhibit an "rebound" effect, where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial.

Certain people are not able to take stimulant medication or use it due to drug misuse or other health conditions like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications don't cause the same level of adverse effects as stimulants, and are less risk of misuse and diversion.

Psychotherapy

People with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with problems in their relationships or at work. It can also assist with people with mental disorders that coexist, like depression and addiction disorders.

Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps an individual identify negative thoughts and behaviors 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 as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy that focus on a person's history with their family may be useful for people who suffer from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.

Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist with forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive decisions that can could lead to legal and financial problems. It can also help individuals to address and resolve issues that cause ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.

Psychotherapy can help someone find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, for example exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD affects 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 is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that align with the client's daily life.

Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize unhelpful thought patterns and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it's a good alternative 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 to cognitive behavior therapy alone when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social performance for adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.

Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with their clients to devise an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They teach them a set of skills that are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Charts are typically used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. For a child, this might involve a daily report that outlines all of the school-related tasks or positive behaviors they must perform and a method of tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be inflicted upon a child who does not complete their task. This can be done in a very sensitive and calming manner.

Metacognitive Therapy

Metacognitive therapy is an innovative type of psychotherapy that assists people change their thinking. This type of treatment for adhd can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health issues such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thought patterns and their effects on their moods. This kind of therapy helps individuals develop mental tools that are adaptable and beneficial.

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. 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 observed that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, indicating that they can account for significant proportions of the variation in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.

Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, however it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its efficacy for other disorders.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a range of disorders and could be more effective than other treatments. It is not a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.

Family Therapy

In family therapy, the therapist works with all members of the family. This helps all family members be aware of the issues facing the client and to understand how to help their loved one better. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. Additionally, this type of therapy is helpful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly seen alongside ADHD.

The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to gain an understanding of the family's view of the problem and evaluate their ability to intervene with the family. This can be done in person or via the internet. The counselor will go over the details of the treatment with each individual and set out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.

A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks lots of questions to get a better understanding of their present symptoms as well as their past and the impact they have on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also ask if there are any other mental health issues present like depression or anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that teaches you to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control through teaching techniques to cope with stress and anger. This is a short-term solution that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.

Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also help them deal with relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can teach ways to reduce stress and cope and also how to manage your finances and time. It can also address problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.