Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are crucial to test to see which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and often 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 as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up 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 illegally used and often mixed with other substances such as cocaine and methcathinone. They are available in the form of liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can cause side-effects such as decreased appetite or difficulty sleeping, and an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your physician about any concerns.
About 70-80 percent of those who use ADHD medications will experience a reduction in symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication, and the effects aren't always lasting.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can boost concentration and focus and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to effect and aren't as effective. They do not raise dopamine levels, and they have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side result. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication prior to the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way 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 health care provider may start you on 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 to experience their full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide which medication works best for you. They may add additional medications or combine two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is known as an augmentation. The most common augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects. It is essential to talk with your doctor about these side effects because some could affect your daily activities. These side effects could be mild or severe depending on the kind of antidepressant that you are taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications like St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been known to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are regarded as more effective 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 levels and help you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most popular. These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, but they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia and also to aid smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. treatment for add in adults is based on the idea that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a goal-oriented short-term procedure that can teach you new ways to cope with negative stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and emotions into positive thoughts or behaviours. The method is a mix of two different therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term, and can be carried out in a group or on an individual basis. The therapist will instruct you on various techniques, and you'll be able to apply them in your everyday life. These techniques include learning to recognize negative automatic thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that can lead you to engage in maladaptive behavior and help you learn to change your beliefs. They'll also help you develop problem-solving techniques to help you handle challenges that come up in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to set 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 employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and modifying the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. The therapists will use different techniques, but the majority are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves relating stimuli with their effects. During treatment you will be awarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be penalized when you fail to complete them.
During your first few sessions, you and your therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. You might be assigned homework to help you develop the skills. Based on the nature of your condition you could require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of disorders, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with the counselor (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. Typically, these sessions last around 50 minutes and may be face-to-face in groups, or via telephone. Counselling can aid people suffering from many mental health issues like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about family, friendship, and relationship issues - as well as issues related to work.
A counsellor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective perspective. They will be able to discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways to modify them. They can teach you techniques and coping skills for managing anxiety, stress or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to deal with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health plans from your doctor.