Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. It is crucial to test both to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used frequently mixed with other substances, including methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available as liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They boost concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and a rise in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interfere with certain medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70% to 80% of people who take them. Different people respond in a different way to the medication and the effects may not last long.
Some people don't like stimulants or can't tolerate their negative effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can boost attention and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to begin working, and they don't act as fast. They do not raise dopamine levels, and they have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking them before bedtime. The drowsiness will subside in the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on how they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having drugs 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).
Your physician may prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups to relieve depression or anxiety symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, since it could take a few weeks before you can feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medicine is best for you. They can also add other medications or combine two antidepressants in order to improve your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most popular augmentation medicines are Aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants may have a variety of adverse effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about these side effects, as some may interfere with your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or severe, depending on the type antidepressant you're taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're using, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants and are known to have less side-effects than other types of antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are regarded as more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a longer half-life than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are utilized for their energizing effects which help you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness. However, adhd treatments adults can be beneficial for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia and also to aid smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the idea that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term program that teaches you new methods to deal with stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive emotions or behaviors. The technique is an amalgamation of two treatments: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that is often short-term, and it can be performed in a group or an individual setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then you'll apply them in daily life. Some of these techniques include being able to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist will also help you identify the negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies 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. CBT therapists will encourage you to set SMART goals in order to make it easier for you to track your progress.
While each form of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and changing thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but the majority are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. While you are in treatment, you will be rewarded for working through tasks. You'll also be penalized if you fail to complete the task.
During your first few sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthier ones. You might be given homework to help you master the skills. Depending on the degree of your illness it could take anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that involves planned, regular meetings with an 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 via the phone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health issues that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationship, friendship and family issues as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will listen attentively to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They can identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress, or depression. They can help you cope with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health plans from your doctor.