Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are crucial to test to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be irritable and unorganized, as well being hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used often in combination with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available in the form of syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They enhance concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia and a rise 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.
About 70% to 80 percent of those who are taking ADHD medications will notice a reduction in symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects may not be lasting.
Some people don't like stimulants or can't tolerate their adverse effects. In this case doctors will prescribe non-stimulant medication. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do aid in improving attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to effect and don't perform as efficiently. They affect neurotransmitters in a different way than stimulants and don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and the clonidine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side effect. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking the medication before the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks of starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. They are classified according to how they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having medications 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 health care provider might suggest you start taking one of these groups to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. add and treatment may take several weeks before you feel their full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medication is best for you. They may add other medications or mix two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most common augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different side effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere with your daily activities. These effects may vary from mild to severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they're considered to be 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 can be utilized to boost energy and help you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia, but can be helpful for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as as a smoking cessation aid.
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 thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that can help you learn new strategies to handle stressors and negative habits. treatment adult adhd can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive emotions and behavior. The method is a mix of two therapies that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy that is often short-term, and is able to be carried out in a private or group setting. You will be taught different techniques by a therapist, and then you will practice them in your daily life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative thoughts and meditative practices; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that lead you to take on a negative behavior and teach you how to change these thoughts. They will also show you how to solve problems in your daily routine. CBT therapists advise you to set SMART goals to make it easier for you to monitor your progress.
Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and changing the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ different methods but they all operate on the principles operant and classical conditioning that involves the association of stimuli with their effects. During the therapy, the person who is treating you will give you a reward for completing tasks and penalize you for not completing the tasks.
In the first few sessions, your therapist will assist you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you master the skills. You could require anywhere between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the nature and severity of your condition.
CBT is effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD which is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with an counselor (counsellor) to discuss your problems. The typical session lasts approximately 50 minutes and can be face to face, in groups or via the phone. Counselling can help people with many mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about relationship, family and friendship issues as well as work-related issues.
A counselor will listen to your concerns and offer an objective viewpoint. They can detect patterns of behavior and suggest ways to modify them. They can also teach you strategies and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes, such as divorce or loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to manage addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health plans from your doctor.