Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatment options for ADD. Suggested Browsing are important to test to see which is more effective.
People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and often hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels tend to increase as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the body's systems. They are available as prescription drugs such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and are often mixed with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine. They can be taken in the form of syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are placed on the skin.
They improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects such as decreased appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can also interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
About 70-80 percent of people who are taking ADHD medications will experience reduced symptoms. Different people respond in a different way to the medication and the effects may not last for long.
Certain people find that stimulants aren't working well, or they can't tolerate the negative effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can boost focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications are more difficult to use and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants, and do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine, clonidine and the guanfacine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side consequence. However, drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking them at the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks after the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect neurotransmitters, with each group having 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).
A medical professional might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups to help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It can take several weeks to feel the full benefit. You and your doctor will determine which medication is best for you. They can also add other medications or combine two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants can have different side effects. It is recommended to discuss these side effects with your physician since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These side effects can be mild or extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have fewer side-effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is why SNRIs are thought to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants can be used to boost energy levels and help you feel more awake. They are beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or 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 with depression, ADHD and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based upon the notion that emotions and thoughts are connected and can be altered. CBT is a goal-oriented short-term procedure that can teach you new ways to cope with stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive thoughts or behaviours. The method is a combination of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. It's a kind of psychotherapy that is often short-term and can be done in a private or group setting. You will be taught a variety of methods by a therapist and then you'll use them in your daily life. Some of these techniques include: being able to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist will also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that lead to ineffective behaviors, and then teach you strategies for changing these assumptions. They will also show you how to tackle issues in your daily routine. CBT therapists advise you to establish SMART goals to make it easier for you to keep track of your progress.
While each form of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavior treatments focus on identifying and changing fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. The therapists use a variety of techniques, but the majority are based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During the treatment, the trainer will give you a reward for completing tasks and punish those who fail to complete them.
In the first few sessions the therapist will work with you to identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You might be given homework to help you master the abilities. You could require anywhere from six to twenty one-onone sessions, based on the severity and nature of your illness.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of ailments that include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It is also effective for adults with ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a kind of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to talk about your concerns. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationships, friendships and family issues - as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will listen attentively to your issues and provide an objective view. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to modify them. They can help you learn techniques and coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes like divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can teach you how to deal with addictions and chronic illnesses.
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.