Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are essential to test to see which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentional and disorganized, as well as hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. treating adult add have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are typically increased as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used, often mixed with other substances, including methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available as pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, insomnia and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interfere with some medical and pharmaceutical treatments It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent to 80% of those who use them. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects don't always lasting.
Some people don't like stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their negative effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs might not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve attention and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs are more difficult to use and don't perform as efficiently. They affect neurotransmitters in a different way than stimulants, and don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and the clonidine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side consequence. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking the medication before bedtime. The drowsiness will subside in a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way they affect 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 doctor might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups to help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It may take several weeks before you feel the full benefit. You and your doctor will decide which medication works best for you. You may mix two antidepressants or other medicines to improve the effectiveness of your treatment. This is called augmenting. The most popular augmentation medicines are aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants can have different adverse effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These side effects could be mild or serious dependent on the type of antidepressant that you are taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications like St. John's wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have less side-effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they are considered to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be utilized to boost energy levels and make you feel more alert. treating adults with adhd could be helpful for people suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness. However, they can be useful for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term program that teaches you new strategies to deal with stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive feelings or behaviours. The method is a mix of two treatments which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be done in a group setting or on an individual basis. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist and then you will practice them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can assist you in identifying negative thoughts that cause you to take on a negative behavior, and show you how to change these thoughts. They'll also teach you problem solving skills so that you can handle challenges that come up in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will encourage you to set SMART goals in order to make it easier for you to monitor your progress.
While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes an approach that is slightly different but they all are focused on identifying the thoughts that cause emotional distress and transforming them. The therapists will use different techniques, but the majority are based on the concepts of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating stimuli with their effects. While you are in treatment you will be awarded for working through tasks. You'll also be penalized for failing to complete the task.
In your first few sessions, you and your therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them by healthy ones. You might be given homework to help you build the skills. Depending on the nature of your condition, you may require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be utilized to treat a variety of conditions that include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD which can affect people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face 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. It can also be used to discuss relationships, friendships and family issues, and also work-related issues.
A counselor will pay attention to your issues and provide an objective view. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can teach you techniques and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress, or depression. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes like divorce or loss of loved ones. They can teach you how to manage addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, whereas others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.