Why We Are In Love With 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 and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy. Medications that most effectively improve the symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar medications. Medicines A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used in adults. However the dosages differ and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't present in children. The doctor will examine the medical history, the family health history and other factors of the individual to determine which medicine is the best for them. The most common type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers within the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and aggression. These stimulants are available in various forms, including skin patches, liquids and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they provide better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression can influence the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that psychiatric issues be treated first, and then medication used as a secondary measure. The medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004). Some patients might suffer from some patients may experience a “rebound effect” where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be helpful. Some people are unable to take stimulant medication or take it because of drug misuse or other health issues like severe hypertension or heart issues. In these situations, nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications do not cause the same amount of adverse effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for abuse and diversion. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for people with ADHD. It can help people with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, deal with anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or manage issues in their relationships or at work. It can also help with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and substance abuse disorders. Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they feel, think and act. CBT helps people identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then formulates and implements positive strategies to alter them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy utilizes meditation techniques to teach people how to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history, may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. In addition to medication psychotherapy can assist in addressing the specific issues that arise from ADHD problems, like having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, getting along with others, forgetting important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that can lead to legal or financial issues. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and resolve issues that may cause ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Psychotherapy can assist a person to develop healthy coping methods and reduce stress through exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to a family member or spouse who is struggling with the negative effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients overcome their negative thinking patterns. It involves a skill-based dialog with a mental health professional to address the root causes of the symptoms. This treatment is designed to assist clients overcome their limitations and develop coping strategies that are compatible with their everyday lives. In addition, they teach clients to recognize harmful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing skills that allow them to replace unhelpful thinking with more productive ones. This process can be lengthy. It's a possibility for those who cannot feel enough relief from their medications. A recent RCT study concluded that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in improving the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). CBT coupled with methylphenidate could be particularly effective for people with more serious underlying issues. The therapists that provide this type of treatment typically work with the client to devise an action plan specific to addressing their problems. They usually teach them the fundamentals of therapy that are simple to implement and have a high likelihood of success. Charts are typically used to track progress and reward positive behaviors. For an infant, this could involve a daily report that outlines all of the in-school activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and an approach to monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists can also talk about the possibility that negative consequences may be introduced when a child does not complete their task. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement. Metacognitive Therapy A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of treatment can be effective for people with a variety of mental health problems which include depression. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thinking patterns and their impact on their moods. This type of therapy can also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are adaptable and effective. The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self- and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power which suggests that they could be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD. Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying metacognitive beliefs that cause states of anxiety, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on a model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. MCT has been proven to be effective in treating illness anxiety disorders. However, it's still an in-development treatment and more research is needed to determine if it could aid in other disorders. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of MCT in reducing symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, however it can be applied to a variety of disorders and could be more effective than other therapies. This is not an effective treatment, but it can be used to treat ADHD. Family Therapy In family therapy, the therapist works with all members of the family. This allows all members to learn about the client's issues and to learn how they can support their loved one better. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this type of therapy is helpful in dealing with comorbid disorders such as depression or substance misuse which are often found in conjunction with ADHD. The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perception of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The Therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each person and spell out the do's and don'ts of family therapy. A therapist with worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their current symptoms as well as their history and the impact that they have on their work, family, and relationships. They will also ask if any other mental issues are present, like anxiety or depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling which teaches you to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. adhd treatment guidelines is focused on improving your self esteem and self-control by teaching strategies to manage stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be combined with other forms of psychotherapy. Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that comes from underachievement and failure. It can also help them deal problems with relationships, job changes, and academic issues. It can help you develop strategies for managing stress and coping and help you manage your time and money more effectively. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, that are often associated with ADHD.