Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. It is important to try both to determine which one is more effective.
People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and the thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels are usually increased in response to treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up 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 used illegally and often mixed with other substances like methcathinone and cocaine. They are available as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are placed on the skin.
They improve concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, insomnia and increased 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.
About 70% to 80 percent of those who use ADHD medication will experience reduced symptoms. Different people respond in a different way to the medication, and the effects might not last long.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or don't like their adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs might not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve concentration and focus and control impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications are more difficult to use and don't perform as efficiently. They don't increase dopamine levels and have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and clonidine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication before bedtime. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks of the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect neurotransmitters, with each class having a variety of medications 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 health care provider may start you on one of these groups to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the most effective medication for you. They can also add additional medications or combine two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is called augmenting. The most common augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Different antidepressants can have different side effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These side effects can be mild or severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies like St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. This is why SNRIs are thought to be more effective 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 primarily used to boost your energy levels, helping you to feel more alert. They can be helpful for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, but they can be useful for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. treating adults with adhd are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the notion that feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that can help you learn new strategies to handle negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviours. The method is a mix of two different therapies that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group setting or in a private setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then you'll apply them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A Therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that cause you to engage in maladaptive behavior and help you learn to change these beliefs. They will also show you how to solve problems that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists will encourage you to set SMART goals in order to help you to keep track of your progress.
Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and modifying the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of methods, but they are all based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating events with their effects. During the treatment, the therapist will be rewarded for your accomplishments and punish those who fail to complete the tasks.
In your first few sessions, you and your therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthier ones. They might also assign homework to help you learn the skills. You may need anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the nature and severity of your condition.
CBT can be used to treat a number of disorders, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective for adults with ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that uses regular, planned meetings with a therapist to talk about your concerns. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationship, friendship and family issues as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will listen to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They can identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to modify them. They will be able to teach you strategies for coping and strategies for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you deal with major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of a loved. They can help you learn to deal with addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health care plans from your doctor.