Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatments for ADD. It is essential to try both to determine which one is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and often hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the body's systems. They are available as prescription drugs such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, as well as diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and are often mixed with other substances such as methcathinone and cocaine. They can be consumed in the form of syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are applied to the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and help improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects such as a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your physician about any concerns.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70 percent to 80% of the people who are taking them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last long.
Some people discover that stimulants don't work for them or they aren't able to handle the negative effects. In this instance doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medications. They aren't as effective as stimulants but they can help improve focus, attention and control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to effect and aren't as effective. They do not raise dopamine levels, and they have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and Clonidine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side consequence. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication prior to bedtime. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks of the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on how they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having drugs that act 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).
Your physician may prescribe a medicine that belongs to one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the best medication for you. You may mix two antidepressants or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most commonly used augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Different antidepressants can have different side effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects since some of them could interfere with your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or serious depending on the kind of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been known to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason 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. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be used to boost energy levels and help you feel more awake. They are beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of most popular. These medications can cause jitteriness or insomnia however they can be beneficial for people suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They can also be used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term process that can teach you new strategies to deal with negative stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
The goal of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. It is a combination of two therapies that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be done in a group setting or on an individual basis. You will be taught different techniques by a therapist and then you'll use them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include: the ability to recognize negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can help you identify the negative thoughts that cause maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques to help you deal with challenges that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists will also guide you to set goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavioral treatments focus on identifying and changing the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. treating adhd in adults employ various methods but they all operate on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli to their effects. During treatment you will be awarded for working through tasks. You will also be punished when you fail to complete the task.
In the first few sessions the therapist will help you identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you develop the techniques. Based on the degree of your illness, you may require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT can be utilized to treat a variety of conditions that include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It also works for adults with ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with the therapy (counsellor) to discuss your problems. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or over the phone. Counselling can assist people suffering from a range of mental health issues like depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss friendship, family and relationship issues as well as work-related problems.
A counsellor will pay attention to your problems and provide an objective perspective. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can teach you strategies for coping and strategies for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to manage addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health care plans from your doctor.