Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders<br /><br />Many adults with ADHD have comorbid conditions such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients do not respond to medications for depression and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.<br /><br />Treatments that are most effective in reducing core symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate, amphetamine and other similar medications.<br /><br />Medications<br /><br />Many medications that are used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. However, the dosages are different and the medications can cause negative side effects that aren't common in children. A doctor will take into consideration the individual's medical history, family history and other health issues to determine what medication is the best for him or her.<br /><br />The most common type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It is used to regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine enhance the supply of neurotransmitters that aid in improving concentration, decrease impulsivity, and decrease aggression. They come in various forms such as chewable tablets, liquids, and skin patches. These stimulants that last longer are popular due to their improved patient compliance, as well as an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.<br /><br />It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders can affect the response to ADHD medications. It is therefore recommended that psychiatric disorders be treated first, with medications be used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion (Wilens 2004).).<br /><br />Some patients may exhibit a "rebound" effect, where they experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a low dosage of stimulant medication can be beneficial.<br /><br />Some people cannot tolerate stimulant drugs or are in a position to not take them due to abuse of drugs or other health issues, for example, heart problems that are severe or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These medications don't cause the same amount of side effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for misuse and diversion.<br /><br />Psychotherapy<br /><br />Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It can help those who suffer from ADHD learn to improve their lives, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, or deal with issues at work or in relationships. It can also assist with those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing, like addiction and depression disorders.<br /><br />Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, and schema therapy. These treatments are based on the idea that a person's beliefs and thoughts influence how they feel, think and act. CBT helps a person recognize negative behavior and thought patterns, and then develops and implements strategies to change them. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques of meditation to teach people how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, along with other forms of psychotherapy that focus on a person’s family history could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.<br /><br />Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or interacting with other people. It can also assist in avoiding important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive decisions that can result in legal and financial problems. Psychotherapy can also help individuals to address and overcome underlying issues that may cause ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/">iampsychiatry</a> can help people find healthy coping techniques and reduce stress. For example exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to a family or partner member who may be dealing with the effects of ADHD on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help families and couples improve communication and learn 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 uses skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the root causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to help clients overcome impairments and develop coping skills that are compatible with their everyday lives.<br /><br />In addition, they teach clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop skills that allow clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can be lengthy. However, it is a viable option for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medication.<br /><br />In a recent RCT, it was found that cognitive behavioral therapy paired with medication is superior over cognitive behavior therapy by itself in terms of improving the core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke, et al. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.<br /><br />Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with their clients to devise an action plan to address their specific problems. They teach them a set of practical skills that are easy to learn and have a high chance of success. Often a chart system is used to track the progress of a child and reward positive behaviour. In the case of a child, this might include a daily report that outlines all of the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists may also discuss the possibility that negative consequences might be inflicted upon a child who isn't able to finish their work. This can be done with care and support.<br /><br />Metacognitive Therapy<br /><br />A more recent form of therapy, metacognitive therapy assists individuals in changing how they think. This kind of therapy could be beneficial for people who suffer from a range of mental health problems like depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people to identify their negative thought patterns and how they impact their emotions. This type of therapy can also help them acquire psychological tools that are flexible and beneficial.<br /><br />This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this we examined the relationship between the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to the indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge and cognition regulation debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was observed that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which suggests that they could explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.<br /><br />Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was created by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in tackling anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively new and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.<br /><br />This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of MCT to alleviate symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat various disorders and may be more effective than other treatment. It is important to keep in mind that this is not an effective treatment for ADHD however it can be employed as an alternative therapy.<br /><br />Family Therapy<br /><br />In family therapy, the Therapist works with the entire family. Everyone is able to better understand the client's issues and learn how to help their loved family members. It also helps them cope with their anger and develop more effective communication skills. This kind of counseling can also be used to address other comorbidities, such as addiction and depression that are commonly associated as part of ADHD.<br /><br />The therapist will start with an intake session to gain a better understanding of the family's perception and determine whether they are appropriate for family intervention. This can be conducted either in person or online. The therapist will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the rules and regulations for family therapy.<br /><br />A therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD asks lots of questions to gain an understanding of the current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they've had on their work, family and personal relationships. They will also ask whether any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.<br /><br /><br /><br />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 improving self-esteem and self control by educating you on how to manage anger and stress. This is a temporary option that can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.<br /><br />Individual therapy can help people with ADHD overcome emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of failure, underachievement, academic difficulties, frequent job changes and conflict in relationships. It can teach strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction and also how to better manage your time and finances. It can also be used to address other comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.<br /><br />