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 efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and the thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels tend to increase in response to treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate 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 mixed with other substances, like cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available in the form of syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They boost concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. They are the most frequently used medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, insomnia and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your physician about any concerns.
About 70% to 80 percent of people who are taking ADHD medication will experience an improvement in symptoms. Different people respond in a different way to the medication and the effects may not last for long.
Some people don't like stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their negative effects. In this instance doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medication. These medications may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can boost concentration and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to work and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters in a different way than stimulants and don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine and guanfacine. The most frequently reported adverse effect of these drugs is drowsiness. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking them before the time of bed. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group has slightly different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Your doctor may prescribe a medication that belongs to one of these groups to ease anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It can take several weeks to feel the full benefit. You and your doctor will decide which medication works best for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medicines to improve the effects of your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most popular augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about the side effects because some could affect your daily activities. These adverse effects can be mild or severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication, 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 less side-effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason 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 are utilized to boost your energy levels and help you feel more awake. They are beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, however they can be beneficial for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia, and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that helps you discover new methods to manage negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive emotions or behaviors. The technique is a mixture of two treatments, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group setting or in a private setting. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist, and then you will practice them in daily life. These techniques include: understanding how to recognize negative automatic thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping a journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that can lead you to take on a negative behavior and teach you how to change your beliefs. adult add treatment 'll also help you develop problem-solving techniques so that you are able to face challenges in your daily life. CBT therapists will encourage you to set SMART goals in order to aid you to track your progress.
While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy employs a slightly different approach, they all focus on identifying the thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and then changing them. Therapists employ different methods however they all are based on the principles operant and classic conditioning which involves relating stimuli to their effects. While you are in treatment you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be punished when you fail to complete the task.
In the initial few sessions, your therapist will work with you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you develop the skills. You may need anywhere between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the nature and severity of your illness.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that can affect people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy which uses regular, scheduled meetings with a counselor (counsellor) to discuss your problems. Usually these sessions last for approximately 50 minutes and can be face to face, in groups or via telephone. Counselling can assist people suffering from a range of mental health issues including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationship, friendship and family issues as well as issues related to work.
A counselor will pay attention to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They will be able to teach you coping strategies and strategies for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you cope with major life changes, like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can help you learn to manage addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, whereas others are covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health plan from your doctor.