Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many patients who are depressed are not able to respond well to medication and may be able to benefit from therapy.

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.

Medications

Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. However, the dosages are different and the drugs may cause side effects that are not typical of children. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history, and other medical health conditions of the patient to determine which drug is best.

The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which help improve focus and reduce aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective as they result in greater patient compliance and a longer lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.

It is important to keep in mind that comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that disorders be treated first before medication is used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include bupropion, atomoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).

Certain patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may be helpful.

Some people are unable take stimulant medication or use it due to addiction to drugs or other health issues like heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications do not cause the same level of side effects as stimulants and carry a less risk of misuse and diversion.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for people with ADHD. It can help people with ADHD to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or deal with issues in their relationships or at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and substance use disorders.

Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they feel, think and act. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, then develops and implements strategies to alter them. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on the family history of a person can be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.

Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also help in forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive decisions that can could lead to legal and financial issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome the root issues like depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy can help someone to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family or partner member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage 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 focuses on helping clients to change their negative thinking patterns. It employs dialogue based on skill with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to assist clients overcome their limitations and develop coping strategies that are appropriate to their daily lives.

Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and help them develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. But it is an effective option for adults who do not receive enough relief from medications.

A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in reducing the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those with more severe underlying problems.

Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan to address their specific issues. They teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to learn and have a high chance of success. Typically, a chart system is used to track the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. This could include an everyday report for children that details the tasks they must complete in school or the positive behaviors to be exhibited, and an approach to recording and rewarding rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be inflicted upon a child who does not complete their task. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.

Metacognitive Therapy

A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety of mental health problems, including depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thoughts and how they affect their moods. This type of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are able and beneficial.

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To achieve this we compared self- and informant-rated deficits in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictive ability of a model incorporating metacognition predictors was moderate, suggesting that they can explain an important portion of the variation in the daily functioning of people with alternative adhd treatment for adults.

Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it is still a relatively new treatment and further research will be needed to determine if it could aid in other disorders.

This study was designed for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorder. However it could be used to treat various disorders and is more effective than other treatment. It is not an effective treatment, but it can be utilized to treat adhd (http://www.stes.tyc.edu.tw/xoops/modules/profile/userinfo.php?uid=1657790).

Family Therapy

In family therapy the Therapist works with the entire family. This allows all members to be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved ones better. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop more effective communication skills. Additionally, this kind of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression or substance misuse which are often associated with ADHD.

The therapist will begin with an intake session in order to understand the family's views and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The therapist will explain to each client the purpose of therapy and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.

A therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an understanding of the current symptoms, their past, and the impact that they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues that are present like depression or anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that helps you change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by teaching you how to manage stress and anger. This is a short-term option that can be used alongside other types of psychotherapy.

Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing with relationship conflicts, job changes, and academic challenges. It can help you learn stress reduction and coping techniques and also how to better manage your time and finances. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders which are often seen alongside ADHD.