Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is essential to try both to determine which one is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD are disorganized, inattentional and are often hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are legal as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally often in combination with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available as pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, insomnia and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It's important to talk to your doctor about any concerns.
About 70-80% people who are taking ADHD medications will experience reduced symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medications, and the effects don't always lasting.
Some people find that stimulants don't work for them or they aren't able to handle the negative effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do help improve focus, attention and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to begin working, and they don't act as fast. They don't raise dopamine levels and have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and Clonidine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side consequence. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to 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 physician may prescribe a medication that belongs to one of these groups to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks to experience their full benefits. You and your doctor will decide which medication works best for you. They may add other medications or mix two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have distinct adverse effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about the side effects since some of them could interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be severe or mild dependent on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are known to have less side-effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as 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 for their energizing effects which help you feel more awake. They could be helpful for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia however they can be beneficial for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used to treat bulimia and as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that emotions, thoughts and actions are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a measurable, short-term process that can teach you new methods to deal with problems and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to reframe unhelpful thoughts into positive emotions and behavior. It is an amalgamation of two treatments: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be performed in a group setting or on an individual basis. A therapist will teach you various methods, and you'll apply them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include being able to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can help you identify the negative thoughts that can lead to maladaptive behaviors and then teach you strategies to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem solving skills so that you can handle challenges that come up in your day-to-day 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 make it easier to track your progress.
While each type of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and changing the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. The therapists use different techniques however they all are based on the principles operant and classical conditioning that involves relating stimuli to their effects. In treatment you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be penalized for failing to complete the task.
During the first few sessions, your therapist will help you identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You may be given homework to help you build the skills. Depending on the degree of your illness, you may require between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a number of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD which can affect people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to discuss your concerns. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from a range of mental health issues like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. treatment for adult adhd can also be used to discuss family, friendship, and relationship issues - and also work-related issues.
A counselor will listen to your problems and provide an objective view. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They will be able to teach you coping strategies and techniques to manage depression, anxiety, or stress. They can help you cope with major life events, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to manage chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health care plans from your doctor.