Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is crucial to test both to determine which one is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used, often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available as liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They improve concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. These are the most common medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is essential to talk with your physician about any concerns.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of people who use them. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication and the effects may not last for long.
Some people discover that stimulants aren't working well, or they can't tolerate the negative effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs might not be as effective as stimulants, but they can boost focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin working, and they don't act as fast. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side effect. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them at the time of sleep. The drowsiness will subside in a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters with each group having medications 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 that belongs to one of these groups to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It could take a few weeks before you feel their full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medication is best for you. You may mix two antidepressants or other medicines to boost the effectiveness of your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most popular enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different side effects. It is recommended to discuss these side effects with your doctor because they could interfere with your daily activities. These effects may range from mild to severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants and are believed to have less adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why 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 drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be used to boost your energy levels and make you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for people who have insomnia or very severe anxiety. treatment for adhd adults include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia, but can be helpful for people suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia, and to help smokers quit.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based upon the idea that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. treatments for adhd is a goal-oriented short-term process that can teach you new ways to cope with stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive thoughts or behaviours. The method is a mix of two different therapies that are cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be done either in a group setting or individually. You will be taught different techniques by a therapist and then you will practice them in daily life. Some of these techniques include being able to recognize your negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist will also help you identify the negative thoughts that cause maladaptive behaviors and then provide strategies to change these beliefs. They will also teach you how to deal with problems in your daily life. CBT therapists will encourage you to establish SMART goals to help you to monitor your progress.
While each form of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and changing fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. The therapists use different techniques but they all operate on the principle of operant and classical conditioning that involves relating stimuli to their effects. During the treatment, the therapist will be rewarded for your accomplishments and will punish you for not completing the tasks.
In the initial sessions, you and your therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them by healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you master the techniques. Based on the nature of your condition, you may 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 adult ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled meetings with an counselor (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. The typical session lasts around 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or over the telephone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health problems, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about relationship, family and friendship issues, as well as workplace-related issues.
A counsellor will pay attention to your problems and provide an objective perspective. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can teach you techniques and coping skills for managing stress, anxiety, or depression. They can help you adjust to major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can help you learn 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 care plans from your doctor.