Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. Both are crucial to determine which is more efficient.
People with classic ADD tend to be irritable and unorganized, aswell as hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels tend to increase in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the body's systems. They are available in the form of prescription drugs like amphetamines, methylphenidates, and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be used illegally and often mixed with other substances such as methcathinone and cocaine. They are available as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are placed on the skin.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, thereby improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. These are the most common medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects such as a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your physician about any concerns.
Medicines can lessen ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of the people who are taking them. However, not all people respond to the same medications, and the effects aren't always long-lasting.
Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or can't tolerate their adverse effects. In this case, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medication. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants but they can help improve attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to get started and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and they don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side effect. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dose or taking them before bedtime. The drowsiness will subside in several weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way 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).
A medical professional might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It could take a few weeks to experience their full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine which medication is best for you. They may add other medications or combine two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is known 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. You should discuss these side effects with your physician, as they may interfere with your daily activities. treating adults with adhd may be severe or mild, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is why they are considered to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life and are less likely than SSRIs 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 may be useful for those suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, but they can be useful for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They can also be used to treat bulimia and to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that emotions, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that helps you discover new strategies to handle negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
The goal of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. It is the combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be done either in a group setting or in a private setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then you'll use them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include being able to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A Therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that can lead you to engage in maladaptive behavior and teach you how to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem-solving skills so that you can deal with challenges that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists encourage you to set SMART goals in order to make it easier for you to keep track of your progress.
While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy employs a slightly different approach, they all focus on identifying the underlying mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and changing them. Therapists employ a variety of methods, but they are all built on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating stimuli with their effects. In treatment, you will be rewarded for completing tasks. Additionally, you will be punished when you fail to complete them.
In the first few sessions, you and your therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be given homework to help you develop the abilities. It is possible that you will require between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the nature and severity of your condition.
CBT can be used to treat a number of conditions that include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also works for adults with ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy which uses regular, scheduled sessions with the counselor (counsellor) to discuss your problems. Usually these sessions last for about 50 minutes. They can be conducted face-to-face, in groups or over the phone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationship, friendship and family issues, and also work-related issues.
A counselor will listen attentively to your concerns and provide an objective view. They can discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways to modify them. They can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you adjust to major life changes like divorce or loss of a loved one. They can help you learn to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have mental health care plans from your doctor.