Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. Both are crucial to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentive and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal Ganglia and the 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 medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as 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 cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available in the form of liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They enhance concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, sleep disturbances and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Around 70 to 80 percent of those who use ADHD medication will experience a reduction in symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects may not be long-lasting.
Some people find that stimulants aren't working well or they don't like the adverse effects. In this instance doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medications. These medications may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can improve attention and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to get started and they don't react as quickly. They don't raise dopamine levels, and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most common side effect. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of sleep. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks of starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to the way they affect these neurotransmitters with each class having a variety of 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 health care provider might prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups to relieve depression or anxiety symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide which medication works best for you. They may combine two antidepressants or other medicines to boost the effects 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 distinct side effects. You should discuss these side effects with your physician because they could interfere with your daily activities. These adverse effects may vary from mild to severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant that you're taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, such as prescription drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been found to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and 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 are used to boost energy and make you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are among the most popular. adhd untreated in adults can cause jitteriness or insomnia, but can be helpful for many people who suffer 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 is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that feelings and thoughts are connected and can be altered. CBT is a measurable, short-term procedure that can teach you new strategies to deal with negative stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and feelings into positive feelings or behaviours. The technique is a mixture of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be performed either in a group setting or on an individual basis. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist, and then you will practice them in daily life. Some of these techniques include: learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that lead to ineffective behaviors, and then teach you strategies to change these beliefs. They'll also help you develop problem-solving techniques so that you are able to deal with challenges that arise in your day-to-day life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to develop goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to make it easier to track your progress.
While each kind of cognitive behavioral therapy takes an entirely different approach, they all focus on identifying the fundamental thoughts which contribute to emotional distress and changing them. Therapists employ different methods however they all are based on the principle of operant and classic conditioning which involves associating stimuli to their effects. In treatment you will be rewarded for completing tasks. You will also be punished for failing to complete them.
In your first few sessions, you and your therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. adult add treatments may also assign homework to help you master the skills. It is possible that you will require anywhere between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the severity and nature of your condition.
CBT can be utilized to treat a variety of disorders, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, planned 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 via the phone. Counselling can assist people suffering from various mental health issues like depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationships, friendships and family issues as well as work-related difficulties.
A counsellor will pay attention to your problems and provide an objective view. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to alter them. They can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. They can help you cope with 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, and others are covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.