Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are essential to test to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be irritable and unorganized, aswell being hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and basal Ganglia. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels are typically increased in response to treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used frequently mixed with other substances, including cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available in the form of pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses, thereby improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and increased heart rate or blood pressure. They may interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Around 70 to 80% people who are taking ADHD medications will notice a reduction in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication, and the effects don't always long-lasting.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work for them or they don't like the side effects. In this case, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medications. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do aid in improving attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to work and don't perform as efficiently. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants and don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and clonidine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side result. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness will diminish in several weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having 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 medical professional might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups in order to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, as it could take several weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the best medication for you. You may mix two antidepressants or other medicines to improve the effects of your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most popular augmentation medicines are aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have distinct side effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects, as some may interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be severe or mild, depending on the type antidepressant you're taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, such as prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants and are believed to have less adverse effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have a longer half-life than SSRIs and are less likely 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 are beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. adult adhd treatments include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia, but can be helpful for people suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and also to aid smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that emotions, thoughts and behaviours are all connected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term program that teaches you new strategies to deal with stressors and bad habits. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and emotions into positive thoughts or behaviours. It is an amalgamation of two treatments that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term, and can be carried out in a group setting or in a private setting. The therapist will instruct you on various techniques, and you'll practice them in your daily routine. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative thoughts as well as practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a journal.
A therapist can help you identify the negative thoughts that can lead to behavior that is not optimal and provide strategies to change these beliefs. They'll also help you develop problem-solving skills so that you can face challenges in your everyday life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to set SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to make it easier to track your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavioral therapy employs an entirely different approach however, they all concentrate on identifying the thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and transforming them. The therapists will use different methods, but they are all based on the concepts of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating stimuli with their effects. During the treatment, the trainer will give you a reward for completing tasks and will punish you for failing to complete the tasks.
During the first few sessions your therapist will work with you to identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They may also assign homework to help you master the skills. Based on the degree of your illness it could take anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist in order to discuss your issues. Typically, these sessions last around 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face, in groups or over the phone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss relationship, family and friendship issues, as well as work-related issues.
A counselor will pay attention to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you coping strategies and techniques to manage depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also help you learn how to cope with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, whereas others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.