Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counseling and medication. It is important to try both to determine which one is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be irritable and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and the basal Ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased in response to treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and often mixed with other substances such as methcathinone and cocaine. They can be taken as pills, syrups or liquids, or patches which are applied to the skin.
They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and enhance working memory. They are the most frequently used medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, insomnia and increased blood pressure or heart rate. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is essential to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns.
About 70-80 percent of people who are taking ADHD medications will experience an improvement in symptoms. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication, and the effects may not last for long.
Some people aren't fond of stimulants or can't tolerate their adverse effects. In this case, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medications. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants but they can help improve focus, attention and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to start working, and they don't act as fast. They don't raise dopamine levels, and they have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and Clonidine. The most frequent side effect of these medications is drowsiness. The drowsiness can be reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication prior to the time of bed. The drowsiness will diminish in a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on the way they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having medications that act 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 health care provider might suggest you start taking one of these groups in order to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you feel the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide which medication works best for you. You may mix two antidepressants, or add other medicines to boost the effectiveness of your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lithium.
Antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your physician, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These side effects may vary from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications like St. John's wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants and are believed to have fewer side-effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac), paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why they're considered 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 energy and make you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia that is very severe. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) and mirtazapine are two of most popular. These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia but they can be helpful for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the belief that emotions and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented that can help you learn new strategies to handle negative thoughts and stressors. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and emotions into positive feelings or behaviours. The method is a mix of two therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term and can be performed in a group or on an individual basis. You will be taught different techniques by a therapist, and then you'll apply them in your everyday life. Some of these techniques include being able to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that can lead you to engage in maladaptive behavior and help you learn to change your beliefs. They will also help you learn how to solve problems in your daily life. CBT therapists will encourage you to set SMART goals to aid you to track your progress.
While each kind of cognitive behavioral therapy employs an entirely different approach however, they all concentrate on identifying the underlying mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and then changing them. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but most are based on the concepts of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating events with their effects. During Full Posting will be awarded for completing tasks. You'll also be punished for failing to complete the task.
In your initial sessions together, your therapist and you will be able to identify the problematic behavior and replace them with healthier ones. They might also assign homework to help you develop the abilities. You could require between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the nature and severity of your condition.
CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD which affects people as young seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can assist people suffering from various mental health issues, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family, and relationship issues as well as work-related issues.
A counselor will listen to your issues and provide an objective viewpoint. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can teach you techniques and coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress, or depression. They can help you deal with major life changes like divorce or the loss of a beloved. They can also help you learn how to deal with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, while others may be covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.