Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is crucial to test both to determine which one is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentive and unorganized, as well being hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels are usually increased as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are available as prescription drugs such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They are also illegally abused and often mixed with other substances such as cocaine and methcathinone. They can be taken as pills, syrups or liquids, or patches that are placed on the skin.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and help improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It's important to talk to your doctor about any concerns.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70% to 80% of those who take them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication and the effects might not last long.
Certain 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 non-stimulant medications. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do help improve attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin working and don't work as quickly. They do not raise dopamine levels, and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and Guanfacine. 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 the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are classified according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters with each class having a variety of medications 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).
A health care provider may start you on one of these groups to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you can feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the best medication for you. They may combine two antidepressants, or add other medicines to boost the effects of your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants may have a variety of adverse effects. It is recommended to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor since they could cause problems in your daily activities. These side effects may be severe or mild depending on the kind of antidepressant that you are taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're using, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been known to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is the reason they're believed 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 are utilized for their energizing effects, helping you to feel more awake. They are beneficial for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness. However, they can be useful for many people with 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 disorders. It is based on the idea that emotions, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure which can help you develop new methods to manage stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
The purpose of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. The method is a combination of two therapies: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term, and can be carried out 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 being able to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that can lead to ineffective behaviors, and then provide strategies to change these assumptions. They will also show you how to deal with problems in your daily life. CBT therapists advise you to establish SMART goals to help you to monitor your progress.
Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies are focused on identifying and changing the underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. The therapists will use different techniques, but most are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves relating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During the therapy the therapist will give you a reward for completing tasks and will punish you for not completing them.
In the initial sessions, you and your therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you master the abilities. Depending on the nature of your condition you could require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD which affects people as young seven.
adhd treatment in adults is a type of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist (counsellor) to discuss your problems. Usually these sessions last for around 50 minutes and may be face-to-face or in groups. They can also be conducted over the telephone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationship, friendship and family issues as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will listen to your problems and provide an objective viewpoint. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They will be able to teach you coping skills and strategies for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes like divorce or loss of a loved one. They can also teach you 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 care plans from your doctor.