Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counseling and medication. It is important to try both to determine which one is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and often hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally frequently mixed with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available in the form of liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently used drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects such as decreased appetite or difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your physician about any concerns.
More methods can lessen ADHD symptoms in around 70% 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 adverse effects. In this instance doctors will prescribe non-stimulant medication. They 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 drugs are more difficult to use and don't work as quickly. They don't increase dopamine levels and have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and the clonidine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side effect. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication before the time of sleep. The drowsiness will subside in a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having drugs that perform 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 medical professional may start you on a medication from one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. They can mix two antidepressants or other medicines to improve the effects of your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most common augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants have distinct side effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about these side effects, because some could affect your daily activities. These effects can be severe or mild, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are believed to have fewer side-effects than other types of antidepressants. The SSRIs 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 effective than SSRIs. They also have a longer half-life 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 levels and make you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for people with anxiety or insomnia. treatments for adhd in adults include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness or insomnia, but can be helpful for many people who suffer from 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 upon the notion that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that can help you learn new strategies to handle stressors and negative habits. It can also be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive feelings or behaviours. The method is an amalgamation of two treatments: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that is often short-term, and can be performed in a group or an individual setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist, and then you will practice them in your daily 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 help you identify negative thoughts that lead you to take on a negative behavior and teach you how to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques so that you are able to face challenges in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will also guide you to set goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based) to make it easier to track your progress.
While each kind of cognitive behavioral therapy takes a slightly different approach but they all are focused on identifying the thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and transforming them. Therapists employ different methods but they are all based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves the association of stimuli with their effects. During the treatment, the person who is treating you will give you a reward for completing tasks and punish you for not completing them.
In your initial sessions, you and your therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you master the skills. You may need anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the nature and severity of your condition.
CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD which can affect people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled meetings with an therapist (counsellor) to discuss your problems. The typical session lasts about 50 minutes. They may be face-to-face, in groups or via the telephone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about family, friendship, and relationship issues and also work-related issues.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your problems and provide an objective perspective. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They will be able to teach you coping skills and strategies for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you adjust to major life changes such as divorce or loss of a loved one. They can teach you how to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others may be covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.