Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatments for ADD. It is important to try both to determine which one is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD are inattentive, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They lack blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and the basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment usually involves increasing the levels of dopamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available legally as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used, often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They are available as syrups, pills, liquids or patches that are placed on the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They may interfere with certain medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Medicines can lessen ADHD symptoms in around 70 percent to 80% of people who are taking them. However, not everyone responds to the same medication and the effects may not be long-lasting.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or aren't able to tolerate their negative effects. If this is the case, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants but they can aid in improving attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin working, and they don't act as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters in a different way than 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 effect. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks of beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by how they act on neurotransmitters. Each group has 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 medical professional might suggest you start taking a medication from one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It could take a few weeks before you feel the full benefit. Your doctor and you will decide which medication works best for you. They can mix two antidepressants, or add other medications to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. This is known as augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants can have different adverse effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about these side effects, as some may interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe depending on the kind of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are known to have less side-effects than other types of antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine levels in 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 medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels and help you feel more awake. They can be 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 suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and also to aid smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based upon the idea that feelings and thoughts are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term procedure that can teach you new strategies to deal with stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
The purpose of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive feelings and behaviours. treatment adult adhd is the combination of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is typically short-term, and can be carried out in a group setting or in a private setting. A therapist will guide you through different techniques, and you'll practice them in your daily routine. Some of these techniques include: being able to recognize your negative 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 provide strategies to change these assumptions. They will also teach you how to solve problems in your daily routine. Therapists in CBT will also help you to set SMART goals (specific achievable, measurable relevant, and time-based) to help you track your progress.
While each kind of cognitive behavioral therapy takes an entirely different approach, they all focus on identifying the fundamental mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and changing them. The therapists use a variety of methods, but they are all built on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating stimuli with their effects. During the therapy the therapist will be rewarded for your accomplishments and punish you for not completing them.
During the first few sessions the therapist will help you identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You might be assigned homework to help you master the abilities. Depending on the severity of your condition you could require between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It is also effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that can affect people as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled meetings with an therapy (counsellor) to discuss your problems. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss family, friendship, and relationship issues, as well as issues related to work.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your problems and provide an objective viewpoint. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can help you learn techniques and coping techniques to manage anxiety, stress or depression. They can help you adjust to major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, and others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.