Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are essential to test to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
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 are also illegally abused and are often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone. They are available in the form of syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, insomnia and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also interfere with certain medications and medical conditions It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of the people who use them. Different people respond in a different way to the medication, and the effects might not last long.
Some people find that stimulants don't work for them or they don't like the side effects. In this case doctors may prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can help improve focus and attention and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to start working and they don't react as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants and don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and guanfacine. The most frequently reported adverse effect of these drugs is drowsiness. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of sleep. The drowsiness will subside in the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. They are classified according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having medications 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 might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, since it can take weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medication is best for you. They may combine two antidepressants or add other medicines to boost the effects of your treatment. This is known as an augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It is important to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have less adverse effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is why SNRIs are thought to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels and make you feel more awake. They are beneficial for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of the most common. These drugs can cause insomnia or jitteriness, but can be helpful for people suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the notion that thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all connected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that helps you discover new methods to manage anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and emotions into positive emotions or behaviors. It is a combination of two different therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be done in a group or individually. You will be taught various methods by a therapist and then you will practice them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that cause you to take on a negative behavior and teach you how to change your beliefs. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques so that you are able to face challenges in your everyday life. treating adults with adhd advise you to establish SMART goals to aid you to monitor your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavior therapy has a slightly different approach however, they all concentrate on identifying the mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and then changing them. The therapists use different techniques but they all operate on the principles operant and classic conditioning which involves relating stimuli to their effects. During treatment, you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be penalized for failing to complete them.
In the first few sessions, your therapist will work with you to identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They may also assign homework to help you learn the abilities. Based on the degree of your illness you could require between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for adults suffering from ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that uses regular, planned meetings with a therapist to talk about your issues. Usually these sessions last for around 50 minutes and can be face to face or in groups. They can also be conducted over the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health issues that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about relationship, family and friendship issues, as well as workplace-related issues.
A counselor will listen to your problems and provide an objective perspective. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping skills for managing anxiety, stress, or depression. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can also help you learn how to manage addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health care plans from your doctor.