Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. Both are essential to determine which is more efficient.
adhd in adults treatment suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels tend to increase as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, as well as diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be used illegally and often mixed with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine. They can be consumed in the form of syrups, pills or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.
They improve concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and enhance working memory. These are the most common drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, insomnia and a rise in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interfere with some medications and medical conditions, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Around 70 to 80% people who take ADHD medications will notice an improvement in symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication, and the effects may not be long-lasting.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their negative effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs might not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve concentration and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to start working, and they don't act as fast. They don't increase dopamine levels and have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. The most common adverse effect of these drugs is the feeling of drowsiness. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them at bedtime. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to 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).
Your physician may prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups in order to relieve depression or anxiety symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, since it can take weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the best medication for you. They can mix two antidepressants or add other medicines to improve the effects of your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have different adverse effects. It is essential to talk with your doctor about the side effects because some could affect your daily activities. These side effects may be mild or serious, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're using, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies like St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are considered more efficient 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 are primarily used to boost your energy levels, helping you to feel more awake. They can be beneficial for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are among the most popular. These medications can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, but they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.
add treatments for adults for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure which can help you develop new ways to deal with stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive thoughts or behaviours. It is a combination of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term, and can be carried out in a group or on an individual basis. A therapist will teach you various techniques, and you'll be able to apply them in your daily routine. Some of these techniques include the ability to recognize negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that lead you to adopting maladaptive behavior, and show you how to change these thoughts. They will also show you how to tackle issues in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to set SMART goals (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavior therapy has an entirely different approach, they all focus on identifying the underlying thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and transforming them. The therapists use a variety of techniques, but the majority are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves relating stimuli with their effects. During treatment you will be awarded for completing tasks. You will also be punished if you fail to complete the task.
In the initial few sessions your therapist will work with you to identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You might be given homework to help you master the skills. You may need anywhere between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the degree and nature of your condition.
CBT is effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It is also effective for adults suffering from ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to talk about your concerns. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family, and relationship issues as well as work-related issues.
A counselor will pay attention to your concerns and provide an objective viewpoint. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They will be able to teach you strategies for coping and techniques for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can also teach you how to cope with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.