Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. It is crucial to test both to determine which is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentive and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in 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 legally as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used, often mixed with other substances, including cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available as syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently used medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects such as decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can interfere with some medical and pharmaceutical treatments It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
About 70-80% people who take ADHD medications will notice an improvement in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medications, and the effects may not be long-lasting.
Some people find that stimulants aren't working well or they aren't able to handle the negative effects. In this instance doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medications. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants but they can help improve focus, attention and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to get started and don't work as quickly. They don't raise dopamine levels, and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side consequence. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dose or taking them before the time of sleep. The drowsiness will subside in a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by how they interact with 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 health care provider might recommend one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It can take several weeks to feel the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medication is best for you. You may mix two antidepressants or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most common augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants have different side effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. add treatment for adults can vary from mild to severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been known to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why SNRIs are regarded as more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are primarily used to boost your energy levels, helping you to feel more alert. They are beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia but they 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 therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term procedure that can teach you new strategies to deal with negative stressors and bad habits. It can also be used to treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and emotions into positive feelings or behaviours. The technique is an amalgamation of two treatments which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a kind of psychotherapy which is usually short-term and can be performed in a private or group setting. You will be taught various techniques by a therapist and then you'll apply them in your daily life. These techniques include understanding how to recognize negative thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
A therapist will also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies to change these beliefs. They'll also help you develop problem-solving skills so that you can face challenges in your everyday life. CBT therapists will encourage you to set SMART goals in order to aid you to keep track of your progress.
While each form of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and changing underlying thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. Therapists employ different methods however they all are based on the principles operant and classic conditioning which involves relating stimuli to their effects. During the therapy the person who is treating you will be rewarded for your accomplishments and penalize you for not completing them.
In the first few sessions the therapist will help you identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be given homework to help you master the abilities. You could require between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the degree and nature of your condition.
CBT is effective in treating a wide range of disorders, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD which can affect people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist in order to discuss your issues. 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 aid people suffering from many mental health issues like schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. webpage can also be used to talk about relationship, friendship and family issues, as well as issues related to work.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your concerns and offer an objective viewpoint. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can also teach you strategies and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can assist you in adapting to major life changes like divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can teach you how to deal with addictions and chronic illnesses.
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.