Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. adhd treatment in adults is essential to try both to determine which one is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They have a lack of blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used often in combination with other substances, including methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be taken in the form of syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are placed on the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as a decreased appetite, difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It is essential to talk to your doctor about any concerns.
About 70% to 80 percent of people who take ADHD medications will notice an improvement in symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medications, and the effects aren't always lasting.
Some people don't like stimulants or can't tolerate their adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications. These medications may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve concentration and focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to work and aren't as effective. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include Atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and clonidine. Drowsiness is the most common side consequence. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, called neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having medications that perform 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 medicine that belongs to one of these groups to relieve depression or anxiety symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, since it could take several weeks before you experience the full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. You may mix two antidepressants or add other medicines to boost the effects of your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants have different adverse effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor since they could cause problems in your daily activities. These adverse effects can be mild or severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been known to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. This is why SNRIs are thought to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life, and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be utilized to boost energy and make you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are among the most common. These medications can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness. However, they are beneficial to many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and also to aid smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based on the belief that feelings, thoughts and behaviours are all connected and can be altered. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that helps you discover new methods to manage stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
The goal of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviors. The method is the combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that is often short-term, and it can be performed in a group or an individual setting. The therapist will instruct you on various techniques, and you'll practice them in your daily routine. Some of these techniques include: the ability to recognize negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can help you identify the negative thoughts that can lead to behavior that is not optimal and teach you strategies to change these assumptions. They will also teach you how to deal with problems that arise in your daily life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to establish SMART goals (specific achievable, measurable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to aid in tracking your progress.
While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes an approach that is slightly different but they all are focused on identifying the thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and transforming them. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but most are built on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involve associating stimuli with their effects. During the treatment the person who is treating you will be rewarded for your accomplishments and punish you for failing to complete the tasks.
In the first few sessions, you and your therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You may be given homework to help you build the abilities. You could require anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the nature and severity of your illness.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of disorders that include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective for adults with ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that uses regular, planned meetings with a therapist in order to discuss your issues. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or over the phone. Counselling can be used to treat 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 counselor will listen attentively to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They will be able to discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They will be able to teach you strategies for coping and techniques for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to manage addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have mental health care plans from your doctor.