Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. It is crucial to test both to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentive and disorganized, as well as hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are available in the form of prescription drugs like amphetamines, methylphenidates, and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be used illegally and often mixed with other substances like methcathinone and cocaine. They are available as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are placed on the skin.
They improve concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects such as decreased appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your doctor regarding any concerns.
About 70% to 80% people who are taking ADHD medication will experience a reduction in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication and the effects aren't always long-lasting.
Some people find that stimulants don't work for them or they don't like the adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve concentration and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines are more difficult to use and aren't as effective. They don't raise dopamine levels and have a different effect on neurotransmitters. adult treatment for adhd include the atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and Clonidine. The most common side effect of these medications is drowsiness. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dosage or taking the medication prior to the time of sleep. The drowsiness will diminish in a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to how they interact with neurotransmitters. Each group has distinct medications. 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 one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It can take several weeks before you feel the full benefit. Your doctor and you will determine the best treatment for you. They may combine two antidepressants or add other medications to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. This is known as augmentation. The most commonly used augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Different antidepressants have distinct side effects. It is essential to talk with your doctor about these side effects since some of them could interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant you're taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're using, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they're considered to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have a longer half-life than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are primarily used for their energizing effects and help you feel more alert. They could be helpful for people suffering from insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, however they can be beneficial for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true 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 process that can teach you new strategies to deal with negative stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
The purpose of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive emotions and behavior. The technique is a mixture of two different therapies that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy that is often short-term and is able to be carried out in a private or group setting. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist, and then you'll use them in daily life. Some of these techniques include learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can help you identify negative thoughts that cause you to take on a negative behavior and teach you how to change these thoughts. They will also show you how to tackle issues that arise in your daily life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to set goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior treatments focus on identifying and changing the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods however they all are based on the principle of operant and classic conditioning which involves the association of stimuli with their effects. While you are in treatment, you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized if you fail to complete the task.
During the first few sessions the therapist will help you identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be given homework to help you master the skills. Depending on the nature of your condition it could take up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD which can affect people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled meetings with a therapy (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or via 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 friendship, family, and relationship issues as well as work-related problems.
A counsellor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective perspective. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life changes, like divorce or the loss of a loved. They can also teach you how to deal with addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.