Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients are not responsive to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar medications.

Medicines

Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. However the dosages are different and the drugs can cause side effects that are not typical of children. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health conditions to determine which medicine is the best for him or her.

The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferable because they lead to more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.

It is important to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first before medication be used as a second 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 might have a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication may be helpful.

Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot use it due to drug misuse or other health conditions like severe hypertension or heart problems. In these instances, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't have the same side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or misused.

Psychotherapy

People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues in their relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of co-existing mental disorders like addiction and depression disorders.

Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps a person recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements positive strategies to alter these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to help a person learn to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's history with their family may be useful for people who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary problems.

In addition to medication, psychotherapy can help address the specific issues that arise from ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, being able to get along with others, forgetting important dates or obligations as well as impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy can help someone develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can assist families and couples improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients overcome their negative thoughts. It involves a dialogue based on skills with a mental health professional to address the root cause of symptoms. This treatment aims to help clients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are compatible with their everyday lives.

Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. It is a viable option for adults who do not get enough relief from their medications.

A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of 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 especially effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.

Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to create an action plan to address the specific issues they face. They usually teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a good chance of being successful. Charts are often used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. This could be an everyday report for children that details the tasks they have to complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as an organized system for recording and rewarding rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive manner.

Metacognitive Therapy

A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of treatment is effective for those with a variety of mental health issues, including depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thoughts and how they affect their emotions. This type of therapy helps to develop mental tools that are flexible and useful.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this, we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults with ADHD but not with regulatory processes. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which suggests they could explain an important amount of variation in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.

Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states like worry, rumination, or 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 illness anxiety disorders. However, try these out is still an in-development treatment and more research is required to determine whether it can help with other disorders.

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than any other treatment. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD, but it can be utilized as an alternative therapy.


Family Therapy

In family therapy, the Therapist works with the entire family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's issues and learn how to help their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to deal with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as addiction and depression that are commonly associated as part of ADHD.

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

A therapist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their past and their impacts on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask if there are any other mental health issues that are present, such as depression or anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that helps you change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It concentrates on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching you strategies to manage anxiety and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be used in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.

Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of failure, underachievement academic struggles as well as frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can help you learn strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and finances more effectively. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.