Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is important to try both to determine which one is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have a lack of blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels are usually increased as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available in the form of prescription drugs like amphetamines, methylphenidates, and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and are often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone. They can be taken as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.
They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and improve working memory. These are the most common medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is essential to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70 percent to 80% of the people who take them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last long.
Some people don't like stimulants or can't tolerate their side effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they can help improve attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to start working and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and the clonidine. The most common side effect of these medications is drowsiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication before the time of bed. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by 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).
A medical professional might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It can take several weeks before you feel the full benefit. Your doctor and you will determine the best treatment for you. They may add other medications or mix two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most common augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can cause a variety of adverse effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects, as some may interfere with your daily activities. These side effects can range from mild to severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are known to have fewer side-effects than other types of antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of both serotonin and 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 drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost energy levels and make you feel more alert. They could be helpful for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are among the most popular. These medications can cause insomnia or jitteriness, but can be helpful for people suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all connected 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. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
The aim of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. The method is the combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term, and can be carried out in a group setting or individually. A therapist will guide you through different techniques, and you'll be able to apply them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include: being able to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that cause you to engage in maladaptive behavior, and show you how to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques so that you are able to handle challenges that come up in your everyday life. treating adhd in adults will also encourage you to develop SMART goals (specific achievable, measurable relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
While each form of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and modifying the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. The therapists use different techniques but they all operate on the principles operant and classical conditioning, which involves the association of stimuli with their effects. While you are in treatment you will be rewarded for working through tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized if you fail to complete them.
In the initial few sessions your therapist will help you identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They might also assign homework to help you learn the abilities. Depending on the nature of your condition you could require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for adult ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with a counselor (counsellor) to discuss your issues. The typical session lasts approximately 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face or in groups. They can also be conducted over the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about family, friendship, and relationship issues, as well as work-related difficulties.
A counsellor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you strategies for coping and techniques for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes, such as divorce or loss of a loved one. They can help you learn to manage addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health plans from your doctor.