Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counseling and medication. Both are essential to test to determine which is more efficient.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentive and unorganized, as well being hyperactive. They have a lack of blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and the basal Ganglia. adult adhd treatments have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used, often mixed with other substances, including methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available as syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and help improve working memory. These are the most common medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects like a decrease in appetite or trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your doctor regarding any concerns.
Medicines can lessen ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent to 80% of people who take them. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication and the effects may not last long.
Some people discover that stimulants don't work well, or they can't tolerate the adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant medications. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve focus, attention and control of impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs are more difficult to use and don't work as quickly. They do not raise dopamine levels and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and Guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side result. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication prior to the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within several weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to how they act on 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).
A health care provider may start you on a medication from one of these groups to help alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It may take several weeks to experience their full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the best medication for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is known as an augmentation. The most popular augmentation medicines are aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants may have a variety of side effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere with your daily activities. These effects can vary from mild to severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have less side-effects than other types of antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why SNRIs are considered 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 can be utilized to boost energy levels and make you feel more awake. They may be useful for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of the most popular. These drugs can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, however they can be beneficial for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used for bulimia and for smoking cessation.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the idea that feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that can help you learn new methods to manage negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and feelings into positive feelings or behaviours. It is a combination of two treatments that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy that's usually short-term and can be done in a private or group setting. The therapist will instruct you on different techniques, and you'll practice them in your 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 lead you to engage in maladaptive behavior and help you learn to change these beliefs. They will also show you how to tackle issues in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to set goals that are SMART (specific achievable, measurable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to help you track your progress.
Although each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and changing underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they all operate on the principles operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating stimuli to their effects. During treatment, you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be punished for failing to complete the task.
In the first few sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you master the skills. You could require anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the severity and nature of your condition.
CBT can be utilized to treat a variety of ailments such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that affects people as young seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist in order to discuss your issues. Usually these sessions last for around 50 minutes and may be face-to-face, in groups or via phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from many mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family, and relationship issues, as well as work-related issues.
A counselor will listen to your problems and provide an objective perspective. They will be able to discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to cope with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.