Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. Both are crucial to test to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentive and unorganized, aswell as hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be used illegally and often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone. They can be taken 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 enhance working memory. These are the most common medication prescribed to people 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 can interfere with some medical and pharmaceutical treatments It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
About 70-80 percent of people who use ADHD medications will notice an improvement in symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medications, and the effects aren't always long-lasting.
Some people find that stimulants don't work for them, or they can't tolerate the side effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant medications. They aren't as effective as stimulants but they can aid in improving attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications are more difficult to use and don't perform as efficiently. They do not raise dopamine levels, and they have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and the guanfacine. The most frequently reported adverse effect of these drugs is the feeling of drowsiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication prior to bedtime. The drowsiness will diminish in the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to how they affect 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 medical professional may start you on a medication from one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks to experience their full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the best treatment for you. They may combine two antidepressants or other medicines to boost the effects of your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most common augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants have different adverse effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These side effects could be severe or mild dependent on the type of antidepressant that you are taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been known to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are thought to be more efficient 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 for their energizing effects and help you feel more awake. They could be helpful for people who have insomnia or very severe anxiety. adult add treatments (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most commonly used. These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia but they can be helpful for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the notion that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term process 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.
The purpose of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive emotions and behaviors. 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 can be performed in a private or group setting. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist and then you'll use them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include: the ability to recognize negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can help you identify negative thoughts that cause you to take on a negative behavior, and show you how to change your beliefs. They'll also teach you problem solving techniques to help you face challenges in your everyday life. CBT therapists will encourage you to set SMART goals in order to make it easier for you to track your progress.
While each kind of cognitive behavioral therapy takes a slightly different approach but they all are focused on identifying the underlying thoughts that cause emotional distress and then changing them. The therapists use a variety of techniques, but the majority are built on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves relating events with their effects. In treatment you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized for failing to complete the task.
In the initial few sessions the therapist will assist you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be given homework to help you develop the abilities. Based on the nature of your condition, you may require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that can affect people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that uses regular, planned meetings with a therapist to talk about your concerns. Typically, these sessions last around 50 minutes and can be face to face or in groups. They can also be conducted over the telephone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health problems, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss friendship, family, and relationship issues, as well as workplace-related problems.
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 teach you coping strategies and strategies for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in dealing with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to manage addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others may be covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health plan from your doctor.