Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. It is important to try both to determine which one is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentional and unorganized, aswell being hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Treatment usually involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and are often mixed with other substances such as cocaine and methcathinone. They are available as pills, syrups or liquids, or patches which are placed on the skin.
They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and help improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can interfere with some medical and pharmaceutical treatments Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
About 70-80 percent of those who use ADHD medication will experience a reduction in symptoms. Not all people respond the same way to the medication and the effects may not last for long.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or can't tolerate their side effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs might not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can boost focus and attention and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to start working, and they don't act as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters in a different way than stimulants, and don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side consequence. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dose or taking the medication at bedtime. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks of beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having drugs that act 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).
Your doctor may prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups to ease anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the best treatment for you. You may also take other medications or mix two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most common augmentation medications are Aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have distinct adverse effects. It is essential to talk with your doctor about these side effects, as some may interfere with your daily activities. These side effects could be mild or severe dependent on the type of antidepressant that you are taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are believed to have fewer side-effects than other types of antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are thought to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be utilized to boost energy and make you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of the most popular. These drugs can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness. However, they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They can also be used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the notion that thoughts and feelings are interconnected 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 negative thoughts and stressors. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive feelings or behaviours. The technique is a mixture of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be done in a group setting or in a private setting. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist and then you'll apply them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that cause ineffective behaviors, and then teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques so that you are able to deal with challenges that arise in your daily life. adhd treatment in adults advise you to establish SMART goals to make it easier for you to track your progress.
While each form of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior therapies focus on identifying and changing the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. The therapists use different techniques however they all are based on the principles operant and classic conditioning which involves the association of stimuli with their effects. During the therapy the therapist will give you a reward for completing tasks and penalize you for not completing them.
During your first few sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you master the skills. Depending on the nature of your condition you could require anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It is also effective for adults with ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist in order to discuss your concerns. Usually these sessions last for approximately 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face or in groups. They can also be conducted over the telephone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family and relationship issues, as well as work-related problems.
A counsellor will listen carefully to your issues and provide an objective perspective. They can discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping skills for managing anxiety, stress or depression. They can help you adjust to major life changes like divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can also teach you how to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health plans from your doctor.