Why We Enjoy Treatment Adult ADHD (And You Should Too!)

Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Many adults with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.

Medications that most effectively improve core symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.

Medicines

Adults can take a variety of medications to treat ADHD in children. The dosages and effects are different. The doctor will examine the medical history, family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which medicine 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. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine increase the availability of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease 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 more effective because they provide greater patient compliance and a longer lasting more smooth improvement in symptoms.

It is important to remember that comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression may affect the response to ADHD medications. Therefore, it is recommended that these mental health issues be treated first, and then medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).

Certain patients may experience an "rebound" effect, where they experience worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication may be beneficial.

Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are unable to take them due to addiction or other health issues, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be misused or diverted.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or manage problems in their relationships or at work. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and substance use disorders.

Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts affect how they feel, think and act. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and then devise and implement strategies to change these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history can be beneficial for people with ADHD.

Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and responsibilities and making decisions that are impulsive and lead to financial and legal issues. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.

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 assistance to the family member or partner who is dealing with the negative effects ADHD affects their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help families and couples improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients to change their negative patterns of thinking. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to correct the limitations and implement coping strategies that align with the person's everyday life.

Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT show clients to recognize harmful thoughts and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a long time. However, it's a good option for adults who do not receive enough relief from medications.

In a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and co. 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for those with more severe underlying problems.

The therapists who offer this treatment usually collaborate with the client to develop an action plan specific to solving their issues. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a good chance of being successful. Typically, a chart system is utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behavior. This could be an everyday report for children that lists the tasks they have to complete in school or the positive behavior that must be exhibited, and an approach to recording and earning rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences could be imposed if a child isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with sensitivity and support.

Metacognitive Therapy

A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, assists individuals in changing how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from a range of mental health problems like depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thought patterns and their impact on their moods. This type of therapy may also help them acquire psychological tools that are adaptable and effective.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. Metacognition predictors had a moderate predictive power, which indicates that they can be the cause of significant variations in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy which focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.

This study was conceived for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and could be more effective than other treatment.  treating adults with adhd  is not a cure, but it could be utilized to treat ADHD.

Family Therapy

In family therapy, the therapy therapist works with the entire family. This allows everyone to understand the client's problems and to learn how they can support their loved ones better. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. This type of counseling can be used to tackle the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.

The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a clearer understanding of the family's perspective of the problem and assess their potential for intervention by the family. The session can be conducted in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each person and spell out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.

A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into their current symptoms, their past, and the impact that they have on their family, work, and relationships. They will also inquire if there are any other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured 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 handle stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy.

Individual therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of underachievement, failure, academic difficulties as well as frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can help you develop coping and stress reduction techniques and help you manage your time and money more effectively. It can also address the comorbidity of disorders like mood and anxiety disorders which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.