Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients 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 most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. However, the dosages are different and the drugs may cause side effects that are not typical of children. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history, family history and other health conditions to determine which medication is most suitable for them.
The most commonly used ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease aggression and impulsivity. They come in various forms, including chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable as they result in more patient compliance and lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression may affect the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first before medication be used as a second measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients might experience some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases it is possible to try a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could prove beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to abuse of drugs or other health conditions, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't cause the same adverse effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). adhd natural treatment can help them develop skills to improve their life, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and cope with issues in relationships or at work. It can also help with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that thoughts and beliefs can influence how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then develop and implement strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone focus on their emotions and thoughts to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person's family history, may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD.
In addition to medicines, psychotherapy can help address the particular issues caused by ADHD, such as trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts and getting along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that lead to financial or legal troubles. It can assist a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a spouse or family member who is struggling 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 transforming the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to address the underlying causes of the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to overcome limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the person's everyday life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. It is a viable option for adults who do not feel enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to devise an action plan to address the specific issues they face. They teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to master and have a high chance of success. Often a chart system is used to track the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. In the case of a child, this might include a daily report which outlines the school activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and an approach to recording and earning rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be inflicted upon a child who fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from a range of mental health problems, such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thinking patterns and their effect on their emotions. This kind of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. In order 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). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning in adults with ADHD but not with the processes that regulate. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, indicating that they can explain an important portion of the variation in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it's still an in-development treatment and more research will be needed to determine if it could help with other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and could be more effective than other treatments. This is not a cure, but can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the client's issues and learn to assist their loved family members. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop better communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful for addressing comorbidities such as depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to understand the family's perception and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. It can be done either in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each individual and set out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their current symptoms, their past, and the impact that they have on their family, work, and relationships. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
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 boosting self-esteem and self control by educating you on how to handle anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can help you learn stress reduction and coping techniques and also how to better manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to address the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.