Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are crucial to test to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They are also illegally abused and often mixed with other substances such as methcathinone and cocaine. They are available in the form of liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They enhance concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently used drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. They can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is essential to talk with your physician about any concerns.
About 70% to 80% people who are taking ADHD medications will notice reduced symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects may not be lasting.
Some people discover that stimulants aren't working well or they aren't able to handle the side effects. In this situation doctors will prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can boost concentration and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines are more difficult to use and aren't as effective. They don't increase dopamine levels and have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include Atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and clonidine. Drowsiness is the most frequent side effect. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking them before bedtime. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to the way they affect neurotransmitters. Each group is comprised of slightly different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A doctor might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups in order to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It may take several weeks to experience their full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the best medication for you. You may mix two antidepressants or add other medicines to improve the effects of your treatment. This is called augmenting. The most popular enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants have distinct side effects. It is recommended to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere with your daily activities. These effects can vary from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications, such as 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), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be 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 are used to boost your energy levels and help you feel more alert. They are beneficial for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness, sleepiness or drowsiness, however they can be beneficial for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat bulimia and to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the idea that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term procedure that can teach you new strategies to deal with stressors and bad habits. adhd adults treatment can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviours. The method is an amalgamation of two treatments: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy that's usually short-term, and it can be done in a group or individual setting. You will be taught various methods by a therapist and then you'll apply them in your everyday life. These techniques include: learning how to recognize negative thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping a journal.
A therapist can assist you in identifying negative thoughts that lead you to adopting maladaptive behavior and teach you how to change these beliefs. They will also teach you how to tackle issues in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to set SMART goals (specific achievable, measurable, relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of cognitive behavior therapy has a slightly different approach, they all focus on identifying the underlying thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and changing them. The therapists use a variety of techniques, but the majority are based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating stimuli with their effects. In treatment you will be rewarded for completing tasks. You'll also be punished for failing to complete the task.
In the initial sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you master the abilities. It is possible that you will require anywhere from six to twenty one-onone sessions, based on the severity and nature of your condition.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also works for adult ADHD, which affects people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to discuss your concerns. Typically, these sessions last approximately 50 minutes and can be face to face, in groups or via telephone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationships, friendships and family issues and also work-related issues.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your problems and provide an objective viewpoint. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can teach you strategies for coping and techniques 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 also teach you how to manage addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others may be covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.