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Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders Many adults with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed. Medicines
The most popular type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters. They can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, such as skin patches, liquids, and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they lead to greater patient compliance and a longer lasting more smooth improvement of symptoms. It is crucial to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders can alter the effectiveness of ADHD medications. Therefore it is recommended that these disorders be treated first, and then medication utilized as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).). Some patients may suffer from a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short trial of a low dose of stimulant medication may be beneficial. Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medicines or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health conditions for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't cause the same level of side effects as stimulants and have less risk of misuse and diversion. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a great option for those with ADHD. It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or cope with issues in their relationships or at work. It can also assist with people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders. Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that thoughts and beliefs affect how a person behaves, thinks and feels. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to alter these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes techniques of meditation to teach a person how to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history could be beneficial for people with ADHD. Psychotherapy, along with medication, can aid with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive decisions that can result in legal and financial problems. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/ can help someone overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy can assist a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, such as exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a partner or family member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples improve communication and learn to manage ADHD symptoms together. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on changing the patterns of negative thinking of the client. It involves a dialog based on skill with an expert in mental health to address the root cause of symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to correct the limitations and implement coping strategies that fit with the daily routine of the client. Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize harmful thought patterns and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. The process can be long. However, it is a viable option for those who do not receive enough relief from their medication. In an upcoming 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 the core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem, and social performance for adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those with more severe underlying problems. The therapists who offer this type of treatment typically work with the client to devise an action plan that is specific to addressing their problems. They usually teach clients a series of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high likelihood of success. Often a chart system is used to track progress and reward positive behavior. For an infant, this could include a daily report which outlines the school tasks or positive behavior they must perform and a system for tracking and earning rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be inflicted upon a child who fails to complete their tasks. This can be done in a sensitive and calming manner. Metacognitive Therapy Metacognitive therapy is an innovative type of psychotherapy that assists people to change their thinking. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for people who suffer from a range of mental health issues like depression. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people recognize negative thoughts and their effects on their moods. This kind of therapy can help to develop mental tools that are versatile and useful. This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. In order to do this we compared self and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management, and Evaluation). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that the processes of regulation were not. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, indicating that they could explain an important portion of the variance in daily functioning for people with ADHD. Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on transforming dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, or attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders. This study was created for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety of disorders and may be more effective than other therapy. This is not an effective treatment, but it can be utilized to treat ADHD. Family Therapy In family therapy, therapists work with all members of the family. All members can better understand the client's needs and learn how to help their loved ones. It also helps them deal with their frustrations and develop more effective communication skills. This type of counseling could be used to tackle the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse, which are often seen as part of ADHD. The therapist will commence with an intake session in order to gain a clearer understanding of the family's perception of the problem and evaluate their potential for intervention by the family. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The Therapist will explain to each client the purpose of therapy and the do's & don'ts for family therapy. A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask lots of questions to gain an understanding of the client's present symptoms, their history and their impacts on their work, family life and relationships. They will also ask if any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured which teaches you to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage 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 that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy. Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from underachievement and failure. It can also help them deal problems with relationships or job changes as well as academic challenges. It can teach you ways to reduce stress and cope, and how to better manage your finances and time. It can be used to treat comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD. |
