Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders<br /><br />Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many people who suffer from depression aren't able to take medications and may be able to benefit from therapy.<br /><br />The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, and similar drugs.<br /><br />Medications<br /><br />Adults are able to take many different medications to treat ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the medications can cause negative side effects that aren't common in children. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/">adhd adults treatment</a> will examine the medical history, family health history, and other factors of the individual to determine which medication is the best for them.<br /><br />The most popular type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It adjusts levels of two chemical messengers within the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly called Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which help improve focus and reduce impulsivity and aggression. They come in various forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored due to their improved patient compliance, and an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.<br /><br />It is important 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 mental health issues be treated first, and then medication used as a second measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).<br /><br />Certain patients may have some patients may experience a "rebound effect" in which their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication may be beneficial.<br /><br />Some people are unable take stimulant medication or take it because of drug misuse or other health issues like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these cases, nonstimulant medication such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants, and are less risk of misuse and diversion.<br /><br />Psychotherapy<br /><br />Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, manage conflicts, or deal with issues at work or in relationships. It can also help with co-existing mental illnesses such as depression and addiction disorders.<br /><br />Talk therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT assists a person to recognize negative behaviors and thinking patterns, then develops and implements strategies to alter these patterns. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs meditation techniques to help a person learn to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focused on a person's family history may be useful for people suffering from ADHD with significant secondary problems.<br /><br />Psychotherapy, along with medication, can aid with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and responsibilities, and making decisions that are impulsive and lead to financial and legal issues. It can also assist people to identify and overcome issues that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.<br /><br />Psychotherapy can help people find healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a partner or family member who is struggling 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.<br /><br />Cognitive Behavioral Therapy<br /><br />CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on changing the negative patterns of thinking that clients have. It involves a dialog based on skill with a mental health professional to address the underlying causes of the symptoms. This treatment is designed to help clients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are in line with their daily routines.<br /><br />In addition to teaching clients to recognize harmful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT aid them in developing abilities that enable them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. The process can be long. It is an option for those who are unable to feel enough relief from their medication.<br /><br />In an upcoming RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy on its own in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.<br /><br />Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to create an action plan that addresses their specific problems. They train them in a series of practical skills which are easy to learn and have a high probability of success. Charts are often used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. For an infant, this could involve a daily report that lists all the in-school activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a system for recording and earning rewards. The therapists can also discuss the possibility that negative consequences may be introduced when a child does not complete their task. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive way.<br /><br />Metacognitive Therapy<br /><br />A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps individuals change how they think. This type of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health problems, such as depression. It is a type of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thoughts and their effects on their moods. This type of therapy helps them develop psychological tools that can be flexible and useful.<br /><br />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 daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). The results showed that complete knowledge was associated with daily functioning among adults with ADHD but not with regulatory processes. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes predictors of metacognition was moderate, suggesting that they can account for significant proportions of the variance in daily functioning for adults with ADHD.<br /><br />Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an treatment that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states like worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been shown to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it's still a relatively new treatment, and further research is needed to determine if it can help with other disorders.<br /><br />This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a range of disorders, and may be more effective than other treatments. This isn't a cure, but it could be used to treat ADHD.<br /><br />Family Therapy<br /><br /><br /><br />In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. This allows all members to be aware of the issues facing the client and learn how to support their loved one more effectively. It also assists them in finding ways to cope with their own anxieties and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling can be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.<br /><br />The therapist will start with an intake session in order to gain a better understanding of the family's perspective and determine if they're appropriate for family intervention. This can be conducted in person or online. The Therapist will explain to each participant the purpose of therapy and the rules and regulations for family therapy.<br /><br />A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to gain an understanding of their current symptoms as well as their past and the impact they've had on their family, work, and relationships. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues present, such as anxiety or depression.<br /><br />Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by teaching you how to cope with stress and anger. This is a short-term option that can be utilized in conjunction with other types psychotherapy.<br /><br />Individual talk therapy can help those with ADHD overcome emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of underachievement, failure academic issues, frequent job changes and conflicts in relationships. It can teach you stress reduction and coping techniques, and how to better manage your finances and time. It can also help with the comorbidity of disorders like depression and anxiety, which are often seen as a result of ADHD.<br /><br />