Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders<br /><br />Many adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions, such as major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many depressed patients aren't able to take medications and may get better results from therapy.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/">treatment of add in adults</a> that are most effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD seem to boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed.<br /><br />Medicines<br /><br />Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and side effects are different. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, the family health history, and other health conditions of the patient to determine which drug is the best for them.<br /><br />The most common ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by altering the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (also known as Adderall) and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters, which help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease aggression. They come in many forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are preferred because they provide better patient compliance and longer lasting more smooth improvement of symptoms.<br /><br />It is crucial to keep in mind that co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression can affect the response to ADHD medication. It is therefore recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first before medication be used as a second measure. The medications that can be utilized for comorbidity disorders include atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).<br /><br />Some patients may experience an "rebound" effect where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these instances, a brief trial of a low dose of stimulant medication may be helpful.<br /><br />Certain people are not able to take stimulant medications or take it due to the misuse of drugs or other health issues such as severe hypertension or heart problems. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine may be beneficial. These medications don't cause the same level of adverse effects as stimulants, and are lower risks of abuse and diversion.<br /><br />Psychotherapy<br /><br />People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, manage stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or manage issues at work or in relationships. It can also assist with co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and addiction disorders.<br /><br />Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as well as schema therapy. These therapies are based on the idea that thoughts and beliefs influence how someone feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps a person identify negative behaviors and thinking patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to alter these patterns. Meditation techniques are used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help people focus on their emotions and thoughts as well as control their impulses and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person's family history could be beneficial for people with ADHD.<br /><br />Psychotherapy, along with medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with others. It can also assist in forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive decisions that can lead to financial and legal problems. It can also help people to identify and resolve issues that be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.<br /><br />Psychotherapy can assist a person find healthy coping skills and reduce stress, such as exercising, improving sleep 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. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.<br /><br />Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)<br /><br />CBT is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients change their negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialogue based on skills with a mental health professional to address the underlying reason for the symptoms. The aim of this treatment is to correct impairments and implement coping strategies that fit with the daily routine of the client.<br /><br />In addition to educating clients to recognize harmful thoughts, the therapists who specialize in adult ADHD CBT assist them in developing abilities that enable clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take time. It is an option for those who are unable to feel enough relief from their medication.<br /><br />In a recent RCT study, it was concluded that cognitive behavior therapy in combination with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.<br /><br />The therapists who offer this type of treatment typically work with the client to create an action plan that is specific to solving their issues. They train them in a series of skills that are easy to master and have a high probability of success. Charts are often used to monitor progress, and to reward positive behavior. This might include the daily report of a child that outlines the tasks they have to complete in school or the positive behaviors to be demonstrated, and an approach to recording and rewarding. Therapists can also discuss the possibility of creating negative consequences if the child fails to complete their tasks. This can be done with care and support.<br /><br />Metacognitive Therapy<br /><br />A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial for people who suffer from a variety mental health issues, such as depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn to recognize their negative thoughts and how they affect their emotions. This type of therapy may also assist in the acquisition of psychological tools that are flexible and useful.<br /><br />The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to predictors of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictive power of a model with predictors of metacognition was moderate, which suggests that they can explain an important portion of the variation in daily functioning of people with ADHD.<br /><br /><br /><br />Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing dysfunctional metacognitive belief patterns that perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model developed by Wells and Gerald Matthews. A case series has proven the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.<br /><br />This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However it is also able to treat a variety disorders and could be more effective than any other therapy. This isn't a cure, but can be utilized to treat ADHD.<br /><br />Family Therapy<br /><br />In family therapy, the therapist works with the whole family. This helps all family members be aware of the issues facing the client and learn how to support their loved ones better. It also helps them cope with their frustrations and build better communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling can be helpful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression or addiction to drugs, which are typically associated with ADHD.<br /><br />The therapist will start with an intake session to understand the family's perception and determine whether they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be done in person or online. The therapist will discuss the nature of the therapy with each person and spell out the guidelines and rules of family therapy.<br /><br />A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD asks lots of questions to gain insight into their current symptoms, their past, and the impact they've had on their work, family, and relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental issues are present, such depression or anxiety.<br /><br />Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of counseling that is structured that teaches you how to change your negative patterns of thinking and to manage your behavior. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.<br /><br />Individual therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional baggage from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure academic struggles as well as frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can help you learn stress reduction and coping techniques, and how to better manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to address comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders which are often seen alongside ADHD.<br /><br />