Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are crucial to test to see which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be irritable and unorganized, aswell being hyperactive. They have a lack of blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels tend to increase in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used often in combination with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be taken as pills, syrups, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are among the most commonly used medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is important to speak to your doctor about any concerns.
About 70% to 80 percent of people who are taking ADHD medications will notice a reduction in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medications, and the effects may not be long-lasting.
Some people discover that stimulants don't work for them, or they can't tolerate the adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These medications aren't as efficient 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 drugs are more difficult to use and aren't as effective. They do not raise dopamine levels and they have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include Atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and the clonidine. Drowsiness is the most common side consequence. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication at the time of bed. The drowsiness will diminish in several weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on how they interact with 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 health care provider might prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will decide which medication works best for you. They may combine two antidepressants or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is called augmenting. adhd treatment for adults are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects, because some could affect your daily activities. These adverse effects can vary from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been known to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they are considered to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life, and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are utilized to boost your energy levels which help you feel more alert. They could be helpful for those suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause insomnia or jitteriness but they can be helpful for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and also to aid smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based upon the notion that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process which can help you develop new strategies to handle stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
The goal of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive emotions and behavior. The technique is a combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be done either in a group setting or in a private setting. A therapist will teach you different methods, and you'll apply them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that cause you to adopting maladaptive behavior and teach you how to change these thoughts. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques so that you are able to handle challenges that come up in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will also guide you to establish goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavior therapy has a slightly different approach however, they all concentrate on identifying the underlying thoughts that cause emotional distress and transforming them. The therapists will use different techniques, but the majority are based on the concepts of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. In treatment you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized when you fail to complete them.
During your first few sessions, you and your therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you master the abilities. Based on the nature of your condition you could require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist in order to discuss your issues. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health problems that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about family, friendship, and relationship issues and also work-related issues.
A counselor will listen attentively to your issues and provide an objective perspective. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can also teach you strategies and coping skills for managing anxiety, stress or depression. They can help you adjust to major life changes like divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can also help you learn how to deal with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have mental health plans from your doctor.