Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to depression medications and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can use many medications to treat ADHD in children. The dosages and the side effects differ. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history, and other factors of the individual to determine which medication is most appropriate for the patient.
The most commonly used 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, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, such as skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they lead to better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression can influence the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and then medication used as a secondary measure. Medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).
Some patients might suffer from a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances an experiment of a short duration with an atypical stimulant drug could prove beneficial.
Some people are unable take stimulant medication or use it due to the misuse of drugs or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart issues. In these instances, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same amount of side effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for abuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). 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 assist with people with mental disorders that coexist, like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that thoughts and beliefs affect how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements positive strategies to alter these patterns. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person focus on their thoughts and emotions to control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history could be beneficial for people with ADHD.
In addition to medicines psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific problems caused by ADHD, such as trouble staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, getting together with others, losing important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that result in financial or legal troubles. It can also assist people to identify and overcome underlying issues that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress through exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy helps couples and families learn how to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It uses skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. adhd natural treatment aims to assist clients overcome their difficulties and develop coping skills that are appropriate to their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take some time. It is an option for those who are unable to feel enough relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the severity of the emotional symptoms, core symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT when combined with methylphenidate may be particularly effective for those who suffer from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to devise an action plan to address their specific issues. They teach them a set of practical skills which are easy to master and have a high chance of success. A chart system is often used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. In the case of an infant, this could include a daily report that lists all the school-related activities or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as a method of recording and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be introduced when a child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer type of psychotherapy that assists people to change their thinking. This type of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a variety mental health issues like depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy helps to develop psychological tools that are versatile and useful.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this, we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management, and Evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition 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 a type of psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat a variety of disorders and is more effective than any other therapy. This isn't a cure, but can be utilized to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's needs and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop better communication skills. In addition, this type of therapy is helpful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to get an understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and evaluate their suitability for family intervention. This can be done either in person or online. The counselor will go over the details of treatment with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into the current symptoms, their past, and the impact they have on their work, family and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental health issues are present, like anxiety or depression.
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 focuses on improving self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to cope with anger and stress. It is a short-term treatment option that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual talk therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure academic struggles frequent job changes, and relationship conflict. It can teach strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction and also how to manage your time and finances. It can also address comorbid disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.