Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. Both are important to test to determine which is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and disorganized, as well as hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. They also have low dopamine levels. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used often in combination with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available in the form of liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, thereby improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently used medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and increased heart rate or blood pressure. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It's important to talk with your physician about any concerns.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent to 80% of those who use them. However, not all people respond to the same medications, and the effects don't always long-lasting.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or can't tolerate their side effects. In this instance doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medications. These medications may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can boost focus and attention and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to get started and they don't react as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and they don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. The most common side effect of these medications is sleepiness. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dosage or taking them at bedtime. The drowsiness will subside in a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. They are classified according to the way they affect neurotransmitters, with each class having a variety of 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 doctor might recommend one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It could take a few weeks to feel their full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. You may also take additional medications or combine two antidepressants in order to improve your treatment. This is known as augmentation. The most commonly used enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects. It is recommended to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These effects may be mild or severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they are considered 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 used to boost your energy levels which help you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are among the most common. These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness. However, they are beneficial to many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat bulimia and to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the idea that emotions, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process which can help you develop new strategies to handle negative thoughts and stressors. treat adhd in adults can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviours. It is a combination of two therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be done in a group setting or individually. The therapist will instruct you on different methods, and you'll apply them in your daily life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
A therapist can assist you in identifying negative thoughts that lead you to adopting maladaptive behavior and help you learn to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques so that you are able to deal with challenges that arise in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to establish SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based) to help you track your progress.
While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes an entirely different approach, they all focus on identifying the underlying thoughts that cause emotional distress and changing them. The therapists use a variety of techniques, but most are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating stimuli with their effects. In treatment you will be awarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You will also be penalized if you fail to complete them.
In your initial sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will look for 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 it could take between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a number of conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective for adults suffering from ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, planned meetings with a therapist to talk about your issues. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from many mental health issues including depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family and relationship issues as well as work-related issues.
A counselor will listen attentively to your concerns and provide an objective viewpoint. treat adult add will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you coping strategies and techniques to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can also teach you how to deal with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health care plans from your doctor.
