Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. It is essential to try both to determine which one is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be irritable and unorganized, as well as hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased in response to treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, including amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used, often mixed with other substances, including methcathinone and cocaine (crack). adhd treatments adults are available as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are placed on the skin.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and help improve working memory. These are the most common medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It's important to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent to 80% of those who are taking them. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects aren't always lasting.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or don't like their adverse effects. In this case doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medication. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but they can aid in improving attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to begin working and they don't react as fast. They do not raise dopamine levels and have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side effect. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking them before the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks after the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of somewhat different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A doctor might recommend one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, since it can take weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the most effective medication for you. They can mix two antidepressants or add other medicines to boost the effects of your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most popular augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants may have a variety of side effects. It is important to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor because they could interfere with your daily activities. These side effects can be mild or severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant that you're taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, such as prescription drugs and herbal remedies like St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been known to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are regarded as 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 and make you feel more alert. They are beneficial for people with insomnia or severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness. However, they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based upon the notion that feelings and thoughts are connected and can be altered. CBT is a measurable, short-term procedure that can teach you new methods to deal with negative stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive feelings or behaviours. The technique is an amalgamation of two treatments: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy that is often 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 daily life. These techniques include learning to recognize negative thoughts as well as practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping journals.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that lead you to engage in maladaptive behavior and help you learn to change these thoughts. They'll also teach you problem solving techniques to help you face challenges in your daily life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to develop SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavioral therapy employs an approach that is slightly different, they all focus on identifying the underlying thoughts that cause emotional distress and then changing them. Therapists employ various methods however they all are based on the principles operant and classical conditioning that involves relating stimuli to their effects. During the treatment, the therapist will give you a reward for completing tasks and penalize you for failing to complete them.
In the first few sessions together, your therapist and you will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthier ones. They might also assign homework to help you master the skills. Depending on the severity of your condition you could require between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD which affects people as young seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled meetings with an therapy (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or over the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health problems that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family and relationship issues, as well as work-related problems.
A counselor will listen to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They can identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can alter them. They can teach you strategies for coping and techniques to manage depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also help you learn how to manage addictions or chronic illnesses.
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.