Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is crucial to test both to determine which one is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be irritable and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels are typically increased as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used, often mixed 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, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. These are the most common drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite or difficulty sleeping, and an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can interfere with some medications and medical conditions It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Around 70 to 80 percent of people who use ADHD medications will notice an improvement in symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication, and the effects aren't always long-lasting.
Some people don't like stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their adverse effects. In this situation doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medication. These medications may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve attention and focus and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines are more difficult to use and don't work as quickly. adhd natural treatment do not raise dopamine levels and they have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side effect. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking them before the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to how they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having drugs that act 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 relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It could take a few weeks to experience their full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the best medication for you. You may also take additional medications or combine two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is called augmenting. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants may have a variety of side effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your physician because they could interfere in your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're using, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been proven to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other medications. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels and make you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most popular. These medications can cause jitteriness or insomnia but they can be helpful for people suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They can also be used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as for smoking cessation.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the notion that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term procedure that can teach you new methods to deal with problems and bad habits. It can also be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
The goal of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive emotions and behavior. The technique is a mixture of two treatments, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy that is often short-term and can be performed in a private or group setting. You will be taught a variety of methods by a therapist and then you will practice them in your daily life. These techniques include: learning to recognize negative thoughts as well as practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a journal.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies to change these beliefs. They will also help you learn how to tackle issues in your daily routine. CBT therapists will also encourage you to set SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
While each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavioral treatments focus on identifying and modifying the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. The therapists will use different techniques, but the majority are based on the concepts of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating stimuli with their effects. While you are in treatment you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be penalized for failing to complete the task.
During the first few sessions, your therapist will work with you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be given homework to help you build the skills. You could require between six and twenty one-onone sessions, based on the nature and severity of your condition.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It is also effective for adults suffering from ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy which uses planned, regular meetings with the counselor (counsellor) to discuss your problems. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from various mental health issues including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationship, friendship and family issues as well as issues related to work.
A counsellor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can alter them. They can help you learn techniques and coping techniques to manage anxiety, stress, or depression. They can help you adjust to major life changes such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can also teach you how 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 care plans from your doctor.