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Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders Many people with ADHD have comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler et al 2006). Many patients who are depressed are not able to respond well to medications and may benefit from therapy. The most effective medications to treat core symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed. Medicines Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. The dosages and effects can be different. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history and other health conditions of the patient to determine which drug is best. The most commonly used kind of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters. They help improve focus and reduce aggression and impulsivity. They are available in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These stimulants that last longer are popular due to their improved patient compliance, and an easier, longer-lasting improvement of symptoms. It is important to be aware that comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these disorders be treated first before medication is utilized as a secondary measure. The drugs that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens, 2004). Certain patients might experience an "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these cases, a short-term trial of an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial. Some people cannot tolerate stimulant drugs or are not able to take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions, like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be abused or misused. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help them learn skills to improve their life manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships and at work. It can also help people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders. Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that thoughts and beliefs can influence how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT assists a person to identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to change them. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help someone concentrate on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focusing on a person's family history can be beneficial for those with ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems. Psychotherapy, as well as medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also help in forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive choices that lead to financial and legal problems. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/ can also help individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that could cause ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression. Psychotherapy can help a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress through exercises, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to the family member or partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD has on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help couples and families communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a dialogue based on skills with a mental health professional to address the underlying causes of the symptoms. The goal of this treatment is to overcome the limitations and implement coping strategies that align with the daily routine of the client. Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients how to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and assist them to learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take a while. It is a viable option for adults who do not receive enough relief from their medication. A recent RCT study found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the core symptoms, emotional symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for people who have more serious underlying issues. Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan to address their specific problems. They typically teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to implement and have a high chance of being successful. Typically, a chart system is used to track progress and reward positive behavior. This could be a daily report for children that lists the tasks they must complete in school or the positive behaviors that need to be displayed, as well as an approach to recording and rewarding. The therapists could also consider creating negative consequences if the child fails to complete their work. This can be done in a sensitive and calming manner. Metacognitive Therapy Metacognitive therapy is a brand new form of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety mental health issues like depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people recognize their negative thoughts and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy can help them develop mental tools that are versatile and useful.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment which focuses on reversing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its efficacy for 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 of disorders and could be more effective than other therapy. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD, but it can be employed as an adjunctive therapy. Family Therapy In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. This helps all family members be aware of the issues facing the client and to understand how to help their loved ones better. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and build better communication skills. This type of counseling could be utilized to treat other comorbidities, such as addiction and depression which are frequently associated as part of ADHD. The therapist will commence with an intake session in order to gain an understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their suitability for family intervention. It can be done either in person or online. The counselor will explain to each client the purpose of therapy and the rules for family therapy. A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions in order to gain understanding of the client's current symptoms, their history and their impacts on their work, family life and relationships. They will also inquire whether there are other mental health issues that are present like depression or anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured type of counseling that teaches you to control your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle stress and anger. This is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy. Individual talk therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement, failure, academic difficulties as well as frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can help you learn strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction, and how to manage your time and finances. It can be used to treat comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders which are often associated with ADHD. |
