Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is important to try both to determine which is more efficient.
People with classic ADD tend to be irritable and unorganized, aswell being hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
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 are also illegally used often in combination with other substances, including methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They can be taken as pills, syrups, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. These are the most common medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping and a rise in heart rate or blood pressure. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It's important to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns.
Medicines can lessen ADHD symptoms in around 70 percent to 80% of those who use them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last for long.
Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or don't like their negative effects. In this situation, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medications. These drugs may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can improve focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs together with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to work and aren't as effective. They don't increase dopamine levels and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side consequence. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of sleep. The drowsiness will diminish in a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect the brain's chemical makeup, known as neurotransmitters. The drugs are classified based on the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of somewhat different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Your health care provider might prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. adult adhd treatments might not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks to feel their full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. You may mix two antidepressants or other medications to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. This is known as augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are Aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have different adverse effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your doctor since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These side effects may vary from mild to severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been found to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are regarded as more effective than SSRIs. They also have a shorter half-life and are less likely than SSRIs to interact with other medications. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels and make you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for people who have insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness. However, they can be beneficial for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based upon the belief that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that helps you discover new methods to manage negative thoughts and stressors. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive emotions or behaviors. The technique is a mixture of two different therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term, and can be carried out in a group setting or on an individual basis. A therapist will teach you different techniques, and you'll practice them in your daily routine. These techniques include: learning how to recognize negative thoughts as well as practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping journals.
A therapist can help you identify negative thoughts that cause you to engage in maladaptive behavior and help you learn to change these thoughts. They'll also help you develop problem-solving techniques to help you handle challenges that come up in your everyday life. CBT therapists will also guide you to establish SMART goals (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
While each form of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and modifying the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but most are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During the treatment, the trainer will reward you for completing tasks and penalize those who fail to complete the tasks.
In your initial sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthier ones. They might also assign homework to help you develop the skills. It is possible that you will require anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the nature and severity of your illness.
CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It also works for adults with ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that uses regular, planned meetings with a therapist to talk about your issues. Usually these sessions last for around 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face, in groups or via phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health problems that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss family, friendship, and relationship issues, and also work-related issues.
A counselor will pay attention to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They can spot 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 help you cope with major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a beloved. 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 when you have mental health care plans from your doctor.