Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are crucial to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentional and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels tend to increase in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are available in the form of prescription drugs like amphetamines, methylphenidates, as well as diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be used illegally and often mixed with other substances such as methcathinone and cocaine. They can be consumed as pills, syrups or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. They can interfere with some medical and pharmaceutical treatments Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70% to 80% of the people who use them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication and the effects may not last for long.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work well or they don't like the adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These medications may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can boost attention and focus and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to effect and don't work as quickly. They don't raise dopamine levels and they have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. The most frequent adverse effect of these drugs is the feeling of drowsiness. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them at bedtime. The drowsiness should diminish within the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. They are classified according to how they affect these 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 might recommend a medication from one of these groups in order to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks to feel the full benefit. Your doctor and you will decide on the best medication for you. They can also add additional medications or combine two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most common augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about these side effects because some could affect your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe depending on the kind of antidepressant that you are taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been known to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. treating adhd in adults include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why 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 medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be used to boost energy and help you feel more awake. They could be helpful for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are among the most common. These medications can cause jitteriness or insomnia but they can be helpful for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used for bulimia and as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based upon the idea that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that helps you discover new methods to manage stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
The goal of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive emotions and behaviors. The technique is a combination of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy which is usually short-term and can be performed in a private or group setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist, and then you will practice them in your everyday life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that can lead you to take on a negative behavior, and show you how to change these thoughts. They will also show you how to deal with problems that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to develop goals that are SMART (specific achievable, measurable relevant, and time-based) to help you track your progress.
While each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and changing the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but the majority are built on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involve associating stimuli with their effects. In treatment you will be rewarded for working through tasks. You will also be punished when you fail to complete the task.
In the initial few sessions your therapist will work with you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They might also assign homework to help you develop the skills. It is possible that you will require anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the severity and nature of your illness.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD, a condition that can affect people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist to talk about your concerns. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from many mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationships, friendships and family issues as well as issues related to work.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your problems and provide an objective viewpoint. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping techniques to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life changes, 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 a fee for their services, and others are covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health plan from your doctor.