Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are crucial to determine which is more efficient.
People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They are also illegally abused and are often mixed with other substances such as methcathinone and cocaine. They are available in the form of liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They boost concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects like a decrease in appetite or difficulty sleeping, and an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is essential to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of people who take them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication and the effects may not last for long.
Certain people find that stimulants aren't working well or they don't like the side effects. In this situation, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medications. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they do help improve attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to work and don't perform as efficiently. They don't raise dopamine levels and have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and Clonidine. Drowsiness is the most common side consequence. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to bedtime. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks of beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of slightly different medications. 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 recommend a medication from one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks before you feel the full benefit. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. They may combine two antidepressants, or add other medicines to improve the effects of your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are Aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants may have a variety of side effects. treating add in adults is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects, as some may interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be severe or mild depending on the kind of antidepressant you're taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications like St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been known to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are regarded as more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be utilized to boost energy and make you feel more alert. They are beneficial for people with insomnia or severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, however they are beneficial to many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that emotions, thoughts, 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 ways to deal with anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
The goal of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. The technique is a combination of two therapies: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed either in a group setting or in a private setting. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist and then you will practice them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that lead to maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these beliefs. They will also teach you how to deal with problems in your daily 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 changing fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. The therapists will use different techniques, but the majority are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating events with their effects. In treatment, you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized when you fail to complete the task.
In the first few sessions your therapist will help you identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you master the skills. Depending on the degree of your illness, you may require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD which is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that involves regular, planned meetings with a therapist in order to discuss your concerns. Typically, these sessions last approximately 50 minutes and may be face-to-face, in groups or via the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss family, friendship, and relationship issues - and also work-related issues.
A counsellor will listen carefully to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can also teach you strategies 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 help you learn to deal with addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health care plans from your doctor.