Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients do not respond to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.

The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.

Medicines

Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. The dosages and side effects differ. A doctor will consider the non Medical treatment for adhd history of the patient, family history and other health issues to determine which medicine is most suitable for him or her.

The most commonly used ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering 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. These stimulants are available in various forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they lead to better patient compliance and longer lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.

It is crucial to keep in mind that co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).

Some patients may exhibit a "rebound" effect, where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances an experiment of a short duration with the use of a low dose stimulant medication could prove beneficial.

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

Psychotherapy

People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or cope with problems in their relationships or at work. It can also aid with co-existing mental illnesses 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 notion that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps individuals identify negative patterns of behavior and thoughts and then formulate and implement positive strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques of meditation to teach a person how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history, may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD.

Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can aid with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also help in avoiding important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and result in legal and financial problems. Psychotherapy can also help people to identify and overcome underlying issues that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.

Psychotherapy can help people find healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a spouse or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage helps families and couples learn to communicate better and manage ADHD symptoms together.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on transforming the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It employs dialogue based on skill with a skilled mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This treatment aims to help patients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are compatible with their everyday lives.

Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and help them develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it is a viable option for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medications.

In an upcoming RCT, it was found that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social performance in adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.

The therapists that provide this type of non medical treatment for adhd typically collaborate with the client to create an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They teach them a set of skills that are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Typically, a chart system is utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. This could include a daily report for children that lists the tasks they must finish at school or the positive behavior that must be demonstrated, and an organized system for tracking and earning rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be inflicted upon a child who does not complete their task. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive manner.

Metacognitive Therapy

Metacognitive therapy is a newer type of psychotherapy that assists people change their thinking. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for people who suffer from various mental health issues, such as depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists individuals learn to recognize their negative thoughts and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy can help them develop psychological tools that are flexible and useful.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this, we examined the relationship between self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation, debugging, information management, and evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD however, it was not associated with regulation processes. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power which suggests they could explain a significant amount of variation in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing 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 efficacy for other disorders.

This study was created to determine the efficacy of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. It's important to keep in mind that this is not an effective non medical treatment for adhd for ADHD however it can be employed as an adjunctive therapy.

Family Therapy

In family therapy, the therapist collaborates with all family members. All members can better understand the client's issues and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to manage their own anxieties and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this type of counseling can be helpful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or alcohol abuse, which are commonly associated with ADHD.

The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain an understanding of the family's perspective of the issue and determine their ability to intervene with the family. This can be done in person or online. The counselor will go over the details of the treatment for adhd 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 lots of questions to gain an understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental issues are present, like anxiety or depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It concentrates on improving your self-esteem and self-control through teaching methods to deal with anxiety and stress. This is a short-term solution that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.

Individual talk therapy can help people suffering from ADHD overcome emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement, failure, academic difficulties, frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can teach you strategies for managing stress and coping and teach you how to manage your time and finances more effectively. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.