15 Terms That Everyone Who Works In Treatment Adult ADHD Industry Should Know
Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders such as major depression (Kessler and colleagues 2006). Many sufferers do not respond to medications for depression and may benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed.
Medicines
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used for adults. However, the dosages are different and the medications can cause adverse effects that aren't present in children. A doctor will look at the individual's medical history, family history, and other health conditions to determine which medication is the best for them.
The most commonly used type of ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. The stimulants like methylphenidate (also called Adderall), and dextroamphetamine boost the supply of neurotransmitters that help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce aggression. They come in various forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. These long-acting stimulants are favored because they improve patient compliance, as well as a smoother, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, with medication be used as a second measure. Some medications that can be used to treat comorbid psychiatric disorders include atomoxetine, bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients might suffer from an "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medications. In these instances, a short-term trial of a low-dose stimulant medication may be beneficial.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are unable to take them due to drug abuse or other health conditions like heart issues that are severe or hypertension. In these situations, nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine can be effective. These medications don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants and are less likely to be abused or diverted.
Psychotherapy
People suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain skills to improve their life, deal with stress and anxiety, resolve conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also aid those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing such as depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mind-body cognitive therapy, as well as schema therapy. These treatments are based on the notion that a person's beliefs and attitudes affect how they behave, think and feel. CBT helps individuals identify negative behaviors and thought patterns and then formulate and implement strategies to alter these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses techniques for meditation to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can help address the particular issues caused by ADHD problems, like having trouble keeping up with schoolwork, resolving conflicts, being able to get along with others, ignoring important dates or responsibilities, and impulsive decisions that lead to legal or financial problems. It can also assist individuals to address and overcome issues that may contribute to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can help people find healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For example, exercise, sleep improvement, and healthy eating habits. It can also provide support to an individual in the family or with a spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can assist families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients to change their negative thinking patterns. It involves a dialogue based on skills with a mental health professional to identify the root reason for the symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to eliminate limitations and implement strategies for coping that fit with the client's daily life.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts and help them build the skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it is a viable alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from medications.
A recent RCT study has found that when combined with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy on its own in reducing the severity of the core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). I Am Psychiatry of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying problems.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with their clients to create an action plan that addresses their specific issues. They train them in a series of practical skills that are easy to master and have a high probability of success. A chart system is often used to monitor progress, and reward positive behaviors. In the case of children, this could include a daily report which outlines the in-school tasks or positive behaviors they have to perform, as well as an approach to tracking and earning rewards. The therapists may consider creating negative consequences if children fail to finish their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer type of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This type of treatment is effective for those suffering from a range of mental health issues such as depression. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn to recognize their negative thought patterns and how they impact their moods. This type of therapy may assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are adaptable and useful.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning among adults with ADHD. To this end we compared the self- and informant-rated impairments in daily functioning to indicators of metacognition (comprehensive knowledge, regulation of cognition, debugging, management of information, and evaluation). It was found that comprehensive knowledge was related to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. The predictive effectiveness of a model that includes metacognition predictors was moderate, indicating that they could explain an important portion of the variation in daily functioning for adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs that perpetuate states of anxiety and rumination, as well as 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 efficacy for other disorders.
This study was created to assess the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat various disorders and could be more effective than any other treatment. It is not a cure, but it could be used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, the therapist works with all family members. This helps all family members understand the client's problems and to understand how to help their loved ones better. It also assists them in finding ways to deal with their own feelings of frustration and improve their communication skills. This type of counseling could be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as depression and substance abuse that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session to gain an understanding of the family's perception of the problem and evaluate their suitability for family intervention. The session can be conducted in person or via the internet. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each person and spell out the do's and don'ts of family therapy.
A therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD will ask a lot of questions to gain an understanding of their current symptoms as well as their history and the impact they've had on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental problems are present, for example anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of counseling that helps you learn how to manage your behavior and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. It focuses on improving self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to handle stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy helps those with ADHD to manage the emotional baggage that results from failing and underachievement. It can also assist them in dealing problems with relationships, job changes, and academic difficulties. It can teach you strategies for coping with stress and stress reduction as well as how to better manage your time and finances. It can also help with problems that are comorbid, such as mood and anxiety disorders that are commonly associated as a result of ADHD.