Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are crucial to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used often in combination with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be taken as syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and a rise in heart rate or blood pressure. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your doctor regarding any concerns.
About 70-80 percent of those who take ADHD medications will notice a reduction in symptoms. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last for long.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their negative effects. In this case doctors may prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants but they can aid in improving attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to work and don't work as quickly. They do not raise dopamine levels and have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side consequence. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them at bedtime. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They are classified according to how 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 doctor might recommend one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the most effective medication for you. They may add other medications or combine two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most popular augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants may have a variety of side effects. It is recommended to discuss these side effects with your doctor since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These side effects could be mild or severe depending on the kind of antidepressant you're taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. treatment for adults with add include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are considered more efficient than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be used to boost energy and make you feel more awake. They could be helpful for people suffering from insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most commonly used. These medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, but they can be useful for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They can also be used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that helps you discover new ways to deal with anxiety and negative habits. It can also be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
The purpose of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. It is a combination of two treatments, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be done in a group or individually. A therapist will teach you various methods, and you'll apply them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include learning to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that cause behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies for changing these beliefs. They will also show you how to solve problems that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists encourage you to set SMART goals in order to make it easier for you to monitor your progress.
While each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and changing thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they all operate on the principles operant and classical conditioning that involves relating stimuli to their effects. During treatment you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. Additionally, you will be punished for failing to complete the task.
In the first few sessions your therapist will assist you to identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You may be given homework to help you build the skills. You could require anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the degree and nature of your condition.
CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD which affects people as young seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that consists of planned, regular meetings with a therapist (counsellor) to discuss your issues. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can assist people suffering from various mental health issues including 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 attentively to your concerns and provide an objective view. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They will be able to teach you strategies for coping and techniques to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can help you learn to deal with addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health plans from your doctor.