Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are essential to test to determine which is more efficient.
People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, as well as diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They are also illegally abused and are often mixed with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine. They can be taken in the form of syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are applied to the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, insomnia and a rise in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
About 70-80 percent of people who use ADHD medications will notice an improvement in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication, and the effects aren't always lasting.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work well or they don't like the side effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants but they can aid in improving attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to start working and don't work as fast. They don't increase dopamine levels and have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and Guanfacine. The most frequently reported adverse effect of these drugs is drowsiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication before bedtime. The drowsiness will subside in the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having medications that perform in slightly different ways. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A health care provider might recommend one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, since it could take several weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the most effective medication for you. You may mix two antidepressants or other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is called augmenting. The most common augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants may have a variety of adverse effects. It is essential to talk with your doctor about these side effects, because some could affect your daily activities. These side effects may be severe or mild, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have less side-effects than other types of antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are regarded as more effective than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other medications. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels, helping you to feel more awake. They may be useful for people who have anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of the most popular. adhd treatment in adults can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, but they can be useful for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They can also be used to treat bulimia and for smoking cessation.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that helps you discover new methods to manage stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
The purpose of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive emotions and behaviours. The method is a mix of two different therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that is often short-term, and it can be done in a private or group setting. The therapist will instruct you on different techniques, and you'll be able to apply them in your daily life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping journals.
A therapist can assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that lead to ineffective behaviors, and then teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They'll also help you develop problem-solving techniques to help you handle challenges that come up in your everyday life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to develop SMART goals (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, and time-based) to help you track your progress.
While each type of cognitive behavior therapy has an entirely different approach, they all focus on identifying the mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and then changing them. Therapists employ different methods however they all are based on the principle of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli to their effects. In treatment, you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized for failing to complete the task.
In your initial sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You might be assigned homework to help you master the skills. Depending on the nature of your condition you could require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be utilized to treat a variety of ailments such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective for adults suffering from ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to talk about your concerns. The typical session lasts about 50 minutes. They can be conducted face-to-face or in groups. They can also be conducted via the telephone. Counselling can assist people suffering from various mental health issues, including depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss family, friendship, and relationship issues, as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will listen attentively to your issues and provide an objective view. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you coping strategies and techniques for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you cope with major life changes like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others may be covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health plan from your doctor.
