Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counseling and medication. Both are essential to determine which is more efficient.
People with classic ADD are disorganized, inattentional and often hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, including amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally, often mixed with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be consumed in the form of syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are placed on the skin.
They improve concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. These are the most common drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can cause side-effects like a decrease in appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It's important to talk with your physician about any concerns.
Medicines can lessen ADHD symptoms in about 70% to 80% of the people who use them. However, not everyone responds to the same medication, and the effects aren't always lasting.
Some people discover that stimulants aren't working well or they don't like the side effects. In this situation, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve focus, attention and control of impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to get started and they don't react as quickly. They do not raise dopamine levels and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and the clonidine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side consequence. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to bedtime. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks after the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group has slightly different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Your health care provider might prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups in order to relieve depression or anxiety symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, since it could take several weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the best treatment for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medicines to boost the effectiveness of your treatment. This is known as an augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have different adverse effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These adverse effects can vary from mild to severe, and they can be triggered by 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, such as over-the-counter drugs and herbs like St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been known to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they are considered to be 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 utilized for their energizing effects, helping you to feel more awake. They can be helpful for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are among the most commonly used. These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia however they can be beneficial for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as for smoking cessation.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based upon the belief that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that helps you discover new strategies to handle anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
The goal of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive emotions and behaviors. The technique is a mixture of two treatments that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy which is usually short-term and can be done in a group or individual setting. You will be taught a variety of methods by a therapist and then you will practice them in your everyday life. These techniques include: learning how to recognize negative thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping a journal.
A therapist can assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that cause maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They will also help you learn how to tackle issues in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to set SMART goals (specific achievable, measurable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and modifying the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. The therapists will use different methods, but they are all based on the concepts of classical and operant conditioning, which involves relating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. In treatment you will be rewarded for completing tasks. You will also be punished if you fail to complete them.
In the initial few sessions your therapist will work with you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. add treatments for adults might also assign homework to help you master the abilities. Based on the severity of your condition you could require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions that include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with a counselor (counsellor) to discuss 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 phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from various mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationships, friendships and family issues as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will listen to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also help you learn how to manage addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health plans from your doctor.