Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). treatment of add who suffer from depression do not respond well to medications and may benefit from therapy.

Treatments that are most effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are 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 adverse effects that aren't typical of children. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which drug is most appropriate for the patient.

The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and reduce aggression. They come in various 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 and smoother improvement of symptoms.

It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that psychiatric issues be treated first, and then medication 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).).

Certain patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances it is possible to try a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be helpful.

Some people are unable take stimulant medications or take it because of drug misuse or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart problems. In these cases, nonstimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same high rates of adverse effects as stimulants and have a lower risk for abuse and diversion.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. It can help them develop skills to improve their life to manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses such as 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 a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then formulate and implement positive strategies to alter these. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person concentrate on their thoughts and emotions as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history can be beneficial for people with ADHD.

Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and obligations and making impulsive choices that result in legal and financial problems. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD has on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused 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 treatment is to overcome impairments and implement coping strategies that align with the person's everyday life.

Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. It is a viable option for adults who do not get enough relief from their medication.

A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the severity of 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.

The therapists who provide this kind of treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They will teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Charts are typically utilized to track progress and to reward positive behavior. In the case of an infant, this could involve a daily report that lists all the in-school tasks or positive behavior they have to perform, as well as a system for recording and earning rewards. The therapists may consider creating negative consequences if the child fails to complete their work. This can be done in a sensitive and calming manner.

Metacognitive Therapy

Metacognitive therapy is an innovative kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This type of therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from a variety mental health issues like depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists individuals learn to recognize their negative thoughts and how they impact their moods. This kind of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and useful.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive skills and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this, we compared the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power which indicates that they can explain a significant amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.

Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.

This study was created to determine the efficacy of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders and could be more effective than other therapies. It's important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD but it could be utilized as an alternative therapy.

Family Therapy

In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. This allows all members to understand the client's problems and to understand how to help their loved one more effectively. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and build better communication skills. Additionally, this kind of therapy is helpful for addressing comorbidities like depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically associated with ADHD.

The therapist will start with an intake session to better understand the family's views and determine if they're suitable for intervention with the family. It can be done in person or online. The therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the rules for 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 present symptoms, their past and their impact on their work, family life and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental issues are present, such depression or anxiety.


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

Individual therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can help you learn ways to manage stress and cope and help you manage your time and finances more efficiently. It can also be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD.