Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatment options for ADD. It is important to try both to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and unorganized, as well as hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are available as prescription drugs such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and are often mixed with other substances such as methcathinone and cocaine. They are available in the form of syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and improve working memory. These are the most common medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is important to speak to your doctor about any concerns.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70% to 80% of those who take them. Different people respond in a different way to the medication and the effects might not last long.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or can't tolerate their negative effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications. These medications may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can help improve concentration and focus and control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to start working and they don't react as quickly. They do not raise dopamine levels and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and the guanfacine. The most frequently reported side effect of these medicines is the feeling of drowsiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication at the time of sleep. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by how they act on 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).
Your health care provider might prescribe a medicine that belongs to one of these groups in order to ease anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, since it could take a few weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the best medication for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medications to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. This is referred to as an augmentation. The most commonly used augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants can have different side effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These adverse effects can vary from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have fewer side-effects than other types of antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they are considered to be more effective 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 utilized to boost your energy levels and help you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. adhd symptoms and treatment (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most popular. These medications can cause insomnia or jitteriness, but can be helpful for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the idea that feelings, thoughts and behaviours are all connected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that helps you discover new methods to manage stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
The purpose of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviors. The method is a mix of two therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group or on an individual basis. You will be taught different techniques by a therapist and then you'll use them in your daily life. These techniques include learning to recognize negative thoughts as well as practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a journal.
A therapist will also help you identify the negative thoughts that cause maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They'll also teach you problem-solving skills so that you can handle challenges that come up in your everyday life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to set goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to help you track your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes a slightly different approach, they all focus on identifying the underlying mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and transforming them. Therapists employ a variety of methods, but they are all based on the concepts of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating events with their effects. During the treatment the therapist will reward you for completing tasks and will punish you for failing to complete them.
In your initial sessions together, your therapist and you will identify problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you master the abilities. Depending on the nature of your condition you could require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD which can affect people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or over the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health problems, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss family, friendship, and relationship issues, and also work-related issues.
A counselor will listen attentively to your problems and offer an objective viewpoint. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping techniques to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes such as divorce or loss of loved ones. They can teach you how to deal with addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health plans from your doctor.