Blog entry by Stan Starks
Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.
Medicines
Adults can use many medications to treat ADHD in children. The dosages and effects differ. The doctor will look at the medical history, the family health history, and other conditions of an individual to determine which medication is best.
The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. These stimulants are available in different forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred as they result in better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that mental health issues be treated first and medication utilized as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients might suffer from a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms get worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication could be beneficial.
Some people are unable to take stimulant medication or take it because of addiction to drugs or other health conditions like heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these cases, nonstimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same level of adverse effects as stimulants, and are a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or cope with problems in their relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of people with mental disorders that coexist, like depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how to get treated for adhd in adults (www.fluencycheck.com) they behave, think and feel. CBT helps individuals identify negative behaviors and thought patterns and then formulate and implement strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques for meditation to teach people 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 could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD with significant secondary problems.
In addition to medicines psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD like difficulty staying on track with schoolwork, resolving conflict and getting along with others, forgetting important dates or obligations and making impulsive choices that can lead to legal or financial issues. It can also help people to identify and overcome underlying issues that contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to an individual in the family or with a spouse who is struggling with the 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 is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on transforming the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to identify the root causes of the symptoms. This treatment is designed to help clients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. It is a viable option for those who are unable to get enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for those with more serious underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with their clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They typically teach them the fundamentals of therapy that are easy to apply and have a good chance of being successful. Often a chart system is used to monitor progress and reward positive behavior. In the case of an infant, this could include a daily report which outlines the school-related activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a system for tracking and earning rewards. The therapists could also discuss the possibility of creating negative consequences if children fail to finish their tasks. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand how to get treated for adhd in adults new type of psychotherapy that assists people to change their thinking. This kind of therapy could be beneficial to those who suffer from a variety mental health problems like depression. It's a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thoughts and how to treat anxiety and adhd they affect their moods. This kind of therapy can help them develop mental tools that are adaptable and beneficial.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To this end, we compared self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition, debugging, information management, and evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with regulatory processes. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could explain a significant amount of variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for severe adhd in adults for ADHD however it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. Everyone is able to better understand the issues of the client and learn how to help their loved family members. It also assists them in finding ways to deal with their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling could also be used to address the underlying conditions, like addiction and depression which are frequently associated as a result of adhd symptoms and treatment.
The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain a clearer understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their suitability for family intervention. This can be done in person or via the internet. 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 experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also ask if there are any other mental health issues present, such as anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to manage stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment to deal with the emotional baggage that results from failure and underachievement. It can also help them deal with conflicts in relationships or job changes as well as academic issues. It can help you learn strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction, and how to manage your finances and time. It can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders which are often seen alongside ADHD.