(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/coe-2023.png)Adult Adhd Symptoms Treatment and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD have comorbid disorders like major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many people who suffer from depression aren't able to take medications and may be able to benefit from therapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications.
Medications
Many of the medications used to treat ADHD in children can also be used for adults. The dosages and side effects can be different. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history, and other conditions of an individual to determine which drug is best.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters. They aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide better patient compliance and longer lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first before medication is used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients might have a “rebound effect” where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medication or cannot use it due to the misuse of drugs or other health issues like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants, and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or cope with issues at work or in relationships. It can also help with co-existing mental illnesses such as depression and substance use disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on idea that a person's beliefs and attitudes affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT assists a person to identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to alter these patterns. Meditation techniques are employed in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person concentrate on their thoughts and emotions as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on a person’s family history can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, like difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making impulsive decisions that can result in legal and financial issues. It can assist a person overcome underlying issues such as depression and anxiety that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For example exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a spouse or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses 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 root causes of their symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to eliminate impairments and implement coping strategies that fit with the daily routine of the client.
In addition to teaching clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can take a long time. However, it's a good option for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medication.
In a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning for adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying problems.
The therapists who provide this treatment for inattentive adhd usually collaborate with the client to create an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high likelihood of success. A chart system is often used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. This could be the daily report of children that details the tasks they have to complete at school, or the positive behavior that must be displayed, as well as an organized system for recording and rewarding rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be introduced when a child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is an innovative form of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This kind 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 thinking patterns and their effects on their moods. This type of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that are versatile and useful.
The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To achieve this, we compared the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning with indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge as well as regulation of cognition debugging, information management and evaluation). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they could explain an important portion of the variance in daily functioning of people with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety or rumination as well as 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 managing illness anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively new and more research is required to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was conceived for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat various disorders and could be more effective than other treatment. It is important to keep it in mind that this isn't an effective treatment for ADHD, but it can be employed as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all members of the family. All members can better understand the client's issues and learn to assist their loved ones. It also helps them find ways to deal with their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling is useful in addressing comorbid conditions like depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perception of the problem and evaluate their suitability for family intervention. This can be conducted either in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each client the nature of treatment and the do's & don'ts for family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adhd naturally adults with ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain insight into their present symptoms as well as their past and the impact that they have on their family, work, and relationships. They will also inquire whether there are other mental health issues that are present, such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured kind of counseling that teaches you how to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It focuses on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching strategies to manage stress and anger. This is a short-term solution that can be used in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement, failure academic issues as well as frequent job changes and relationship conflict. It can teach you strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction and also how to manage your finances and time. It can also help with comorbid disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.