This Most Common Treatment Adult ADHD Debate It's Not As Black And White As You Think
Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people suffering from ADHD have comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to medication for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Treatments that are most effective in reducing core symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.
Medicines
Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can also be used in adults. The dosages and side effects can be different. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history, family history, and other health conditions to determine which medicine is best for them.
The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. The stimulants methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply 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. These long-acting stimulants are preferred due to their improved patient compliance, as well as an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to remember that co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric issues be treated first, and medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion) tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Certain patients might have an "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms become worse after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances an experiment of a short duration with an atypical stimulant drug could be beneficial.
Some people cannot tolerate stimulant medications or are in a position to not take them due to addiction or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these cases, nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same amount of side effects as stimulants and have lower risks of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be helpful for those with ADHD. It can help them gain skills to improve their life, deal with anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and manage problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These therapies are based on the belief that one's beliefs and thoughts influence how they feel, think and act. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative behaviors and thought patterns and then formulate and implement positive strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques for meditation to teach people how to concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other types of psychotherapy focusing on a person's history with their family may be useful for people with ADHD who suffer from significant secondary issues.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can help address the specific issues that arise from ADHD, such as trouble getting through schoolwork, resolving conflict and being able to get along with others, forgetting important dates or responsibilities as well as impulsive decisions that lead to legal or financial issues. Psychotherapy can help someone overcome underlying issues such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help people discover healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance, exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a spouse or family member who is struggling with the effects of ADHD 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 changing the client's negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialogue based on skills with an expert in mental health to address the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that align with the person's everyday life.
In addition to educating clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts, therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable them to replace negative thoughts with more productive ones. The process can be long. But it is an effective option for adults who aren't getting enough relief from medication.
A recent RCT study concluded that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms self-esteem, and social functioning of adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those with more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to create an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They usually teach clients a set of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a high likelihood of being successful. Typically, a chart system is utilized to track the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. In the case of an infant, this could involve a daily report that lists all the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists can consider the introduction of negative consequences if the child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their mindset. This kind of therapy can be effective for people who suffer from a variety of mental health problems such as depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people to identify their negative thoughts and how they affect their emotions. This kind of therapy helps individuals develop mental tools that are flexible and useful.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive abilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. To do 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). The results showed that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults with ADHD however, it was not associated with the processes that regulate. The predictors of metacognition had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain an important amount of variation in the daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry and rumination, as well as attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. treating add in adults has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing 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 to assess the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and is more effective than other therapy. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD but it could be utilized as an alternative therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. This allows all members to be aware of the issues facing the client and to learn how they can support their loved one better. It also helps them deal with their anger and develop more effective communication skills. This type of counseling can also be used to address other comorbidities, such as addiction and depression, which are often seen with ADHD.
The therapist will begin with an intake session to understand the family's perception and determine if they are suitable for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The Therapist will discuss the nature of treatment with each client and lay out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.
A therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD asks a lot questions to gain insight into their current symptoms, 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 depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It concentrates on improving your self esteem and self-control through teaching strategies to manage anger and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be combined with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal with conflicts in relationships, job changes, and academic challenges. It can teach you coping and stress reduction techniques and teach you how to manage your time and money more efficiently. It can also be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD.