Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. It is important to try both to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be irritable and unorganized, as well as hyperactive. They have a lack of blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and the basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available in the form of prescription drugs like amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and often mixed with other substances like methcathinone and cocaine. They can be consumed as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and help improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can cause side effects such as decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and a rise in heart rate or blood pressure. They may interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of people who use them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication and the effects may not last long.
Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants but they can aid in improving attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to start working and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters in a different way than stimulants, and don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and the clonidine. Drowsiness is the most common side result. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication before the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks of the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on how they interact with neurotransmitters. Each group contains slightly different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A health care provider might suggest you start taking one of these groups to help relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It could take a few weeks to feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medicine is best for you. They may add additional medications or combine two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is called augmenting. The most commonly used augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Different antidepressants have distinct adverse effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects, since some of them could interfere with your daily activities. treating adults with adhd can vary from mild to severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, such as over-the-counter drugs and herbs like St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. These 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 longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used for their energizing effects which help you feel more alert. They may be useful for people who have anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are among the most commonly used. These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia however they can be beneficial for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the belief that emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process which can help you develop new strategies to handle anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive emotions or behaviors. The technique is a mixture of two therapies that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that's usually short-term, and can be performed in a group or individual setting. A therapist will guide you through various techniques, and you'll practice them in your daily life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative thoughts as well as practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a journal.
A therapist can help you identify negative thoughts that can lead you to take on a negative behavior and teach you how to change these thoughts. They'll also teach you problem solving techniques so that you are able to deal with challenges that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to develop SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to aid in tracking your progress.
While each form of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and changing fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they all operate on the principle of operant and classical conditioning that involves relating stimuli to their effects. In treatment you will be rewarded for completing tasks. You will also be punished when you fail to complete the task.
In the first few sessions your therapist will help you identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you develop the techniques. You may need between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the severity and nature of your illness.
CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works for adult ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled sessions with the therapy (counsellor) to discuss your problems. Usually these sessions last for about 50 minutes. They can be conducted face-to-face, in groups or via the telephone. 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 relationships, friendships and family issues, as well as issues related to work.
A counselor will pay attention to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to change them. They will be able to teach you strategies for coping and techniques for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you cope with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can also teach you how to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have mental health plans from your doctor.