Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. It is important to try both to determine which one is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and often hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex as well as 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, and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and often mixed with other substances like methcathinone and cocaine. They can be taken as pills, syrups or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.
They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can cause side effects such as decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and a rise in heart rate or blood pressure. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It's important to talk with your physician about any concerns.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of those who are taking them. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication and the effects might not last long.
Some people find that stimulants don't work well or they aren't able to handle the side effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs might not be as effective as stimulants, but they can boost attention and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to effect and aren't as effective. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and they don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side effect. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication prior to the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. They are classified according to the way they affect neurotransmitters, with each group having drugs that work 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 doctor may start you on one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide which medication works best for you. They can also add other medications or mix two antidepressants in order to improve your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most popular augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Different antidepressants have different adverse effects. You should discuss these side effects with your doctor since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or serious, depending on the type antidepressant you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants and are known to have fewer side-effects than other types of antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are thought to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other drugs. add treatments for adults include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are primarily used for their energizing effects, helping you to feel more alert. They are beneficial for people with insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of the most commonly used. These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, but they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all connected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that can help you learn new ways to deal with negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive feelings or behaviours. The technique is an amalgamation of two treatments that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy which is usually short-term, and it can be performed in a group or individual setting. You will be taught various methods by a therapist and then you will practice them in daily life. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that can lead to ineffective behaviors, and then provide strategies to change these assumptions. They will also teach you how to deal with problems that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists encourage you to establish SMART goals to make it easier for you to track your progress.
Although each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavior treatments focus on identifying and changing underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. The therapists use a variety of methods, but they are all based on the concepts of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli with their effects. In treatment, you will be rewarded for completing tasks. You will also be penalized for failing to complete the task.
During the first few sessions your therapist will assist you to identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you master the techniques. Based on the degree of your illness, you may require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for adults with ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
adhd treatment in adults is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, planned meetings with a therapist to discuss your concerns. The typical session lasts around 50 minutes and can be face to face or in groups. They can also be conducted via the telephone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about relationship, family and friendship issues, as well as work-related issues.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to change them. They can teach you coping strategies and strategies for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you deal with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health care plans from your doctor.