Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatment options for ADD. It is crucial to test both to determine which one is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate 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 illegally used and often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone. They are available in the form of pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They improve concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is essential to talk with your physician about any concerns.
About 70-80% people who take ADHD medications will notice a reduction in symptoms. Not all people respond the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last long.
Certain people find that stimulants aren't working well or they aren't able to handle the negative effects. In this case, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medication. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they can help improve attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to effect and don't perform as efficiently. They do not raise dopamine levels, and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side effect. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication before the time of sleep. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect 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 one of these groups to help relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks to experience their full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the best medication for you. You may mix two antidepressants or other medications to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most common enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different side effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor because they could interfere with your daily activities. These side effects could be mild or serious, depending on the type antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been proven to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they are 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 are used to boost energy and help you feel more awake. They are beneficial for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness. However, they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat bulimia and for smoking cessation.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process which can help you develop new ways to deal with anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive emotions or behaviors. The method is an amalgamation of two treatments which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group setting or on an individual basis. A therapist will guide you through different techniques, and you'll practice them in your daily life. adults adhd treatment of these techniques include being able to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that lead to behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies to change these assumptions. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques to help you face challenges in your everyday life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to establish goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, and time-based) to help you track your progress.
Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral treatments focus on identifying and modifying the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. The therapists will use different methods, but they are all based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating events with their effects. During treatment you will be rewarded for completing tasks. Additionally, you will be punished when you fail to complete them.
During your initial sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you learn the abilities. Based on the degree of your illness, you may require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a number of ailments such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective for adults suffering from ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled sessions with a therapist to discuss your concerns. Usually these sessions last for approximately 50 minutes and may be face-to-face, in groups or via the telephone. Counselling can help people with a range 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 counsellor will listen carefully to your problems and offer an objective view. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways you can alter them. They can teach you strategies for coping and techniques to manage depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in dealing with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a loved. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health care plans from your doctor.