Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.

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

Medicines

Adults can use many medications to treat ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause side effects that are not common in children. A doctor will consider the individual's medical history, family history and other health conditions to determine what medication is most suitable for them.

The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. They are available in a variety of forms like chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred as they result in more patient compliance and lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.

It is important to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these mental health issues be treated first before medication is used as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).

Some patients might experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medications. In these cases it is possible to try a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could prove beneficial.

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

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those with ADHD. It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or manage issues in their relationships or at work. It can also aid with co-occurring mental illnesses such as depression and substance abuse disorders.

Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and attitudes affect how they think, feel and behave. CBT helps an individual identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then formulate and implement strategies to change them. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person concentrate on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person’s family history could be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.

Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also help in forgetting important dates and obligations and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial problems. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms.


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

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a skill-based dialog with an expert in mental health to address the underlying causes of the symptoms. This treatment is designed to help patients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are in line with their daily lives.

In addition, they teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing abilities that enable them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take a while. It's a possibility for those who are unable to feel enough relief from their medication.

A recent RCT study concluded that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.

The therapists that provide this treatment usually work with the client to create an action plan specific to solving their issues. They train them in a series of practical skills which are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Charts are typically utilized to track progress and to reward positive behavior. This could include the daily report of a child that outlines the tasks they are required to finish at school or the positive behaviors that need to be exhibited, and an approach to monitoring and earning rewards. Therapists can also consider introducing negative consequences when children fail to finish their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and support.

Metacognitive Therapy

A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for people who suffer from a range of mental health problems like depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thought patterns and their effect on their emotions. This kind of therapy helps individuals develop psychological tools that can be adaptable and beneficial.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. In order to do this, we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD however, it was not associated with regulatory processes. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, suggesting that they can explain a significant amount of the variation in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.

adult add treatment Iam Psychiatry (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that are dysfunctional and 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. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it is still an emerging treatment and more research is required to determine if it can aid in other disorders.

This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. This isn't a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.

Family Therapy

In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the client's issues and learn how to help their loved family members. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. Additionally, this type of therapy is helpful for addressing comorbidities like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly seen alongside ADHD.

The therapist will start with an intake session in order to better understand the family's perception and determine whether they are suitable for family intervention. It can be done either 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 a lot of questions to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also ask if there are any other mental health issues present like anxiety or depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that helps you change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It is focused on improving your self-esteem and self-control through teaching techniques to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.

Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic issues. It can help you learn ways to reduce stress and cope, and how to manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.