Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid conditions like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients who are depressed do not respond well to medication and could benefit from therapy.

Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.

Medicines

Adults are able to take many different medications to treat ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause side effects that are not typical of children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history, and other factors of the individual to determine which medication is most appropriate for the patient.

The most common type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. These long-acting stimulants are favored as they lead to better patient compliance and an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.

It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders can alter the effectiveness of ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. Medications that are used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).

Certain patients might have an "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be beneficial.

Some people are unable to take stimulant medications or take it due to addiction to drugs or other health issues like heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these cases, nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or diverted.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help them develop strategies to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and cope with problems in relationships or at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, such as depression and addiction disorders.

Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the belief that one's beliefs and attitudes affect how they feel, think and act. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then devise and implement strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques of meditation to teach people how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person, may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD.

Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive choices that result in legal and financial issues. It can also assist individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.

Psychotherapy can help a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress, such as exercising, improving sleep 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 helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients change their negative thinking patterns. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct the limitations and implement coping strategies that are compatible with the daily routine of the client.

Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. However, it is a viable option for those who do not receive enough relief from their medication.

A recent RCT study concluded that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing core symptoms, emotional symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues., 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.

The therapists who provide this type of treatment typically work with the client to devise an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. A chart system is often utilized to track progress and reward positive behavior. For an infant, this could involve a daily report that lists all the school tasks or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a system for tracking and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be inflicted upon a child who fails to complete their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive way.

Metacognitive Therapy

A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps individuals change how they think. This type of treatment can be effective for people with a variety of mental health issues which include depression. It is a type of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thought patterns and their effects on their moods. This kind of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are flexible and effective.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this we compared the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD however, it was not associated with the processes that regulate. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes metacognition predictors was moderate, suggesting that they can account for a significant amount of the variation in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.

Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, Full Posting 's still a relatively new treatment and more research is needed to determine if it could aid in other disorders.

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than any other treatment. This is not an effective treatment, but it can be used to treat ADHD.

Family Therapy

In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. This helps all family members learn about the client's issues and to learn how they can support their loved one more effectively. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and develop better communication skills. This type of counseling could also be used to address the underlying conditions, like substance abuse and depression which are frequently associated with ADHD.

The therapist will begin with an intake session to understand the family's perspective and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. This can be done either in person or online. The therapist will explain to each client the nature of treatment and the rules for family therapy.

A therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work life and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental issues are present, like depression or anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that teaches you to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It is focused on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching you techniques to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.

Individual talk therapy helps people with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing with conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic issues. It can help you learn ways to reduce stress and cope as well as how to better manage your financial and time management. It can also address comorbid disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.