Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients who are depressed aren't able to take medications and may get better results from therapy.

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed.


Medicines

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

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 called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce aggression. They are available in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they lead to more patient compliance and lasting more smooth improvement of symptoms.

It is important to be aware that co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, with medication be used as a second measure. Some medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).

Some patients may exhibit some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may prove beneficial.

Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or use it due to addiction to drugs or other health issues like severe hypertension or heart problems. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't cause the same high rates of adverse effects as stimulants and have less risk of misuse and diversion.

Psychotherapy

People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues in their relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.

Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that beliefs and thoughts can influence how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps individuals identify negative behaviors and thought patterns and then devise and implement strategies to alter these. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person’s family history can be beneficial for people with ADHD.

In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the particular issues caused by ADHD, such as trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting along with others, forgetting important dates or obligations as well as impulsive decisions that lead to financial or legal troubles. It can assist a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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 skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment 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 harmful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. However, it is a viable option for adults who aren't getting enough relief from their medication.

In an upcoming RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those with more severe underlying problems.

Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They typically teach them the fundamentals of therapy that are easy to implement and have a high likelihood of being successful. Typically, a chart system is used to track progress and reward positive behavior. This might include a daily report for children that lists the tasks they are required to finish at school or the positive behaviors to be demonstrated, and an organized system for recording and earning rewards. The therapists may also discuss the possibility of the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to complete their work. This can be done with sensitivity and support.

Metacognitive Therapy

Metacognitive therapy is a newer type of psychotherapy that assists people change their mindset. This kind of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from various mental health problems, such as depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thinking patterns and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that are adaptable and beneficial.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this we compared self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation 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 predictive effectiveness of a model that includes metacognition predictors was moderate, suggesting that they can explain an important portion of the variation in daily functioning for adults with ADHD.

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was created 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 reducing anxiety, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.

This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT in decreasing symptoms of anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD but it could be utilized as an adjunctive 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 better. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own feelings of frustration and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this kind of therapy is helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly associated with ADHD.

This Webpage will start with an intake session to better understand the family's perspective and determine if they are suitable for intervention with the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.

A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work, family life and relationships. They will also ask whether there are other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that helps you learn how to control your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to cope with anger and stress. This is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.

Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that comes from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic issues. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also help with problems that are comorbid, such as anxiety and mood disorders, which are often seen with ADHD.