Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is crucial to test both to determine which one is more effective.
People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally frequently mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available as pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and enhance working memory. These are the most common medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They can also interfere with certain medical treatments and medications, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
About 70% to 80 percent of those who use ADHD medication will experience reduced symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects may not be lasting.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their adverse effects. In this situation, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medication. These drugs may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can boost focus and attention and control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to work and aren't as effective. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants and do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and Guanfacine. The most frequent side effect of these medicines is sleepiness. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication at the time of bed. The drowsiness will subside in the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on how they affect these neurotransmitters, with each class having a variety of medications that act 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 may start you on one of these groups in order to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, as it could take several weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the best medication for you. They can mix two antidepressants or other medicines to boost the effects of your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most popular augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Different antidepressants can have different side effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor because they could interfere with your daily activities. These adverse effects can vary from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs like St. adult add treatments .
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants and are believed to have fewer side-effects than other types of antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are thought to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be used to boost energy and make you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, but they are beneficial to many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that feelings, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term program that teaches you new strategies to deal with problems and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive feelings or behaviours. The method is the combination of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that's usually short-term, and it is able to be carried out in a group or individual setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then you will practice them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include: being able to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques so that you are able to deal with challenges that arise in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will also guide you to develop goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to help you track your progress.
While each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and modifying the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ different methods however they all are based on the principles operant and classical conditioning that involves the association of stimuli with their effects. In treatment, you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be penalized for failing to complete the task.
In the first few sessions the therapist will help you identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be assigned homework to help you master the skills. Based on the severity of your condition it could take between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD which can affect people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy which uses regular, scheduled meetings with an therapy (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. Typically, these sessions last approximately 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face, in groups or via the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family, and relationship issues, as well as workplace-related problems.
A counselor will listen attentively to your concerns and provide an objective viewpoint. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They will be able to teach you coping strategies and techniques for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you adjust to major life changes such as divorce or loss of a loved one. They can also help you learn 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 care plan from your doctor.