Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatment options for ADD. It is crucial to test both to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentive and unorganized, aswell being hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels tend to increase as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They are also illegally abused and often mixed with other substances like cocaine and methcathinone. They are available as liquids, pills, syrups or patches.
They enhance concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects like a decrease in appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interfere with certain medications and medical conditions, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70 percent to 80% of the people who take them. However, not all people respond to the same medication, and the effects aren't always long-lasting.
Some people find that stimulants aren't working well or they don't like the side effects. In this situation doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medication. These medications may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can help improve focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to effect and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and clonidine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side result. However the drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dosage or taking them prior to the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within the following weeks after beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. The medications are grouped by how they interact with neurotransmitters. Each group has distinct medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Your physician may prescribe a medication belonging to one of these groups in order to relieve depression or anxiety symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, since it could take several weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will determine the best treatment for you. You may also take other medications or mix two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is called augmentation. The most common enhancement drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine, and lithium.
Different antidepressants can have different adverse effects. You should discuss these side effects with your physician since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These side effects may range from mild to severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant that you're taking. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're using, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs such as St. John's wort.
SSRIs have been known to have fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is why they are considered to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have a longer half-life than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used for their energizing effects and help you feel more awake. They can be helpful for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia. treating adhd in adults (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of the most popular. These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia but they can be helpful for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used for bulimia and to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried and true treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the belief that emotions and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term process that can teach you new ways to cope with problems and bad habits. It can also be used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive feelings or behaviours. The method is the combination of two therapies: cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be done either in a group setting or individually. The therapist will instruct you on various methods, and you'll apply them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include the ability to recognize negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A Therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that cause you to adopting maladaptive behavior, and show you how to change these thoughts. They will also help you learn how to tackle issues in your daily routine. CBT therapists will also encourage you to establish goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
While each form of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and modifying the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they all operate on the principle of operant and classic conditioning which involves relating stimuli to their effects. In treatment you will be rewarded for working through tasks. You'll also be punished for failing to complete the task.
In the initial few sessions, your therapist will assist you to identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You may be given homework to help you develop the skills. Based on the nature of your condition you could require between 6 and 20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be utilized to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that is prevalent in children as young as seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, planned meetings with a therapist to talk about your issues. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can be utilized to treat a variety of mental health problems, including schizophrenia, depression 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 listen carefully to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They can identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They can teach you techniques and coping techniques to manage anxiety, stress or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can help you learn to deal with addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health plans from your doctor.