Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many depressed patients are not able to respond well to medications and may get better results from therapy.

Treatments that are most effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.

Medicines

A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. The dosages and the side effects can be different. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history and other conditions of an individual to determine which drug is the best for them.

The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide more patient compliance and lasting, smoother improvement in symptoms.

It is important to remember that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that disorders be treated first before medication is used as a second measure. The drugs that can be used to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens 2004).).

Certain patients may have a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these cases a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication may be 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 medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same amount of side effects as stimulants and have lower risks of misuse and diversion.

Psychotherapy

People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain strategies to improve their lives manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also help those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and addiction disorders.

Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs can affect how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps people recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to alter them. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with 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 also help with the particular issues caused by ADHD problems, like having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial problems. It can assist a person overcome the root issues like anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their untreated adhd life expectancy symptoms.

Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy ways to cope and reduce stress. For example exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a partner or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to address the underlying cause of symptoms. This therapy aims to assist clients overcome their difficulties and develop coping skills that are in line with 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 a while. However, it is a viable alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from their medication.

A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in improving the emotional symptoms, core symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people who have more serious underlying issues.

The therapists that provide this type of treatment typically collaborate with the client to create an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They teach them a set of practical skills which are easy to learn and have a good chance of success. Charts are often used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. This could be the daily report of children that details the tasks they must complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be exhibited, and an approach to tracking and earning rewards. Therapists can also discuss the possibility of introducing negative consequences when the child fails to finish their tasks. This can be done with care and encouragement.

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 doctors who treat adhd In adults suffer from a variety of mental health issues such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people learn to recognize negative thoughts and their impact on their emotions. This type 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 abilities and daily functioning in 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). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not regulatory processes. Metacognition predictors had a moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.

Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively new and more research is required to determine its efficacy for other disorders.

This study was created 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 other therapy. It is not a cure, but can be employed to treat ADHD.

Family Therapy

In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's needs and learn to assist their loved family members. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and build more effective communication skills. This kind signs of untreated adhd counseling can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as substance abuse and depression, which are often seen as part of ADHD.

The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a clearer understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their potential for intervention by the family. The session can be conducted in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment for adhd in adults with each individual and set out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.

A therapist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history and their impacts on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

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

Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to overcome the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can help you develop ways to manage stress and cope and teach you how to manage your time and money more effectively. It can also help with the comorbidity of disorders like depression and anxiety that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.