Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is essential to try both to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are irritable, 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. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are legal as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally often in combination with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available in the form of syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause adverse effects such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interfere with certain medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent to 80% of people who take them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last for long.
Some people discover that stimulants don't work well, or they can't tolerate the side effects. In this situation, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medications. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do help improve attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin working and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and they do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and clonidine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them at the time of bed. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks after the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having drugs 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 health care provider might suggest you start taking one of these groups to help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It could take a few weeks to experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the best medication for you. They can also add other medications or combine two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most common augmentation medications are aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about these side effects because some could affect your daily activities. These side effects can be mild or severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants and are known to have fewer side-effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they're considered to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used for their energizing effects, helping you to feel more awake. learn more can be helpful for people with anxiety or insomnia. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most common. These medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness. However, they can be useful for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia, and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the belief that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that can help you learn new ways to deal with stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to reframe unhelpful thoughts into positive feelings and behaviors. The method is a mix of two treatments, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be performed in a group setting or individually. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then you'll apply 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 will also help you identify negative thoughts that cause ineffective behaviors, and then teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They will also teach you how to solve problems in your daily routine. CBT therapists encourage you to establish SMART goals to help you to track your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavioral therapy employs a slightly different approach but they all are focused on identifying the underlying thoughts that cause emotional distress and then changing them. Therapists employ various methods however they all are based on the principle of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli to their effects. In treatment, you will be rewarded for working through tasks. Additionally, you will be punished when you fail to complete the task.
In the first few sessions your therapist will help you identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You might be given homework to help you build the skills. Based on the nature of your condition, you may require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a number of ailments, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It is also effective for adults suffering from ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that uses regular, planned meetings with a therapist to talk about your concerns. The typical session lasts about 50 minutes. They can be face to face, in groups or via phone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about family, friendship, and relationship issues, as well as issues related to work.
A counselor will pay attention to your concerns and provide an objective view. They will be able to detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can modify them. They can help you learn techniques and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress or depression. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes, such as divorce or loss of loved ones. They can also help you learn how to cope with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have mental health care plans from your doctor.