Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. Both are crucial to test to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentional 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 typically increased in response to treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They are also illegally abused and are often mixed with other substances like cocaine and methcathinone. They can be taken as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are applied to the skin.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia and a rise in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It's important to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns.
Medicines can lessen ADHD symptoms in 70 percent to 80% of people who are taking them. However, not everyone responds to the same medication and the effects aren't always lasting.
Some people don't like stimulants or don't like their adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can improve attention and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to work and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and they do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and Clonidine. The most frequent side effect of these medications is sleepiness. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking the medication before bedtime. The drowsiness will subside in a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of distinct medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A medical professional may start you on a medication from one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It could take a few weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the best treatment for you. You may mix two antidepressants or add other medicines to boost the effects of your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most popular augmentation medicines are aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about the side effects because some could affect your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or serious, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been proven to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why SNRIs are considered more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life, and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other medications. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are utilized to boost your energy levels and help you feel more awake. They may be useful for people who have insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, but they are beneficial to many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia and to assist 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 thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a measurable, short-term procedure that can teach you new strategies to deal with negative stressors and bad habits. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.
The purpose of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive emotions and behavior. The technique is a mixture of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be done in a group or on an individual basis. The therapist will instruct you on various techniques, and you'll practice them in your everyday life. These techniques include: learning to recognize negative automatic thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping a journal.
A therapist can also help you identify the negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies for changing these beliefs. They'll also help you develop problem-solving techniques so that you are able to handle challenges that come up in your everyday life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to establish SMART goals (specific goals that are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
While each kind of cognitive behavioral therapy employs an entirely different approach but they all are focused on identifying the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress and transforming them. Therapists employ different methods but they all operate on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves the association of stimuli with their effects. During treating add in adults will be rewarded for your accomplishments and punish you for failing to complete them.
In the initial sessions together, your therapist and you will identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They might also assign homework to help you learn the abilities. Depending on the nature of your condition, you may require 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 can also be effective for adults suffering from ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that uses regular, planned meetings with a therapist to talk about your concerns. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can assist people suffering from various mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about relationship, family and friendship issues, as well as workplace-related problems.
A counsellor will listen carefully to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you deal with major life events, such as divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can also teach you how to deal with 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 plans from your doctor.