Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatments for ADD. It is important to try both to determine which one is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and disorganized, as well as hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, including amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used, often mixed with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available in the form of pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, insomnia and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. They may interfere with certain medications and medical conditions It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70% to 80% of people who take them. However, not everyone responds to the same medications, and the effects may not be lasting.
Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or can't tolerate their adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can boost focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to start working, and they don't act as quickly. They don't increase dopamine levels and have different effects on neurotransmitters. treatment of adult adhd include atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and clonidine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side result. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness will diminish in the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group has distinct medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Your doctor may prescribe a medicine that belongs to one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, since it could take a few weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medication is best for you. You may mix two antidepressants or add other medications to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most popular enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants have distinct adverse effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your physician, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These side effects may vary from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have less adverse effects than other types of antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are considered more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life, and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels and make you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most commonly used. These medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness. However, they can be useful for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They can also be used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the belief that emotions and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that helps you discover new ways to deal with negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and emotions into positive thoughts or behaviours. The technique is a mixture of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term, and can be carried out either in a group setting or individually. A therapist will guide you through different methods, and you'll apply them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A Therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that lead you to adopting maladaptive behavior and teach you how to change your beliefs. They will also help you learn how to solve problems that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists will also guide you to develop goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, and time-based) to make it easier to track your progress.
While each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies are focused on identifying and changing the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. The therapists use different techniques but they all operate on the principles operant and classical conditioning that involves the association of stimuli with their effects. In treatment you will be rewarded for completing tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized when you fail to complete the task.
In the first few sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you master the techniques. You may need between six and twenty one-onone sessions, based on the severity and nature of your condition.
CBT can be utilized to treat a variety of ailments that include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (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 involves regular, scheduled meetings with an therapy (counsellor) to discuss your issues. The typical session lasts approximately 50 minutes and may be face-to-face in groups, or over the phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from a range of mental health issues including depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationships, friendships and family issues, as well as work-related difficulties.
A counsellor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective perspective. They can detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can modify them. They can teach you techniques and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress, or depression. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes like divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can teach you how to manage chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, whereas others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.