Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counselling and drugs. Both are crucial to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be irritable and unorganized, aswell as hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, the basal Ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. adhd adult treatment are usually increased in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used frequently mixed with other substances, including methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available as syrups, liquids, pills or patches.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain's synapses, improving concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. They are the most frequently used drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can trigger negative side effects, such as a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and a rise in heart rate or blood pressure. They can also interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70% to 80% of the people who use them. Not all people respond the same way to the medication and the effects may not last long.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work well, or they can't tolerate the side effects. If this is the case, doctors might prescribe nonstimulant drugs. These medications aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they do aid in improving attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to effect and aren't as effective. They do not raise dopamine levels, and they have a different effect on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and the guanfacine. The most common side effect of these medications is the feeling of drowsiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication before bedtime. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks after the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on how 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 may start you on a medication from one of these groups in order to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It can take several weeks to experience their full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medication is best for you. They may combine two antidepressants or other medicines to boost the effects of your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most popular augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants may have a variety of side effects. It is important to speak with your doctor about the side effects since some of them could interfere with your daily activities. These side effects may range from mild to extreme and depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been known to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine levels in the brain. This is the reason 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 drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost energy and help you feel more awake. They could be helpful for people suffering from insomnia or very severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia however they can be beneficial for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based on the belief that feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be altered. CBT is a measurable, short-term program that teaches you new methods to deal with problems and bad habits. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
CBT seeks to transform unhelpful thoughts and feelings into positive emotions or behaviors. The technique is a mixture of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This type of psychotherapy is typically short-term, and can be carried out in a group setting or individually. A therapist will teach you various techniques, and you'll practice them in your everyday life. These techniques include learning how to recognize negative automatic thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping a journal.
A therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that cause you to engage in maladaptive behavior and help you learn to change these thoughts. They will also help you learn how to deal with problems that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to establish goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based) to help you track your progress.
Although each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and changing the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ different methods however they all are based on the principle of operant and classical conditioning that involves associating stimuli to their effects. During the therapy the therapist will reward you for completing tasks and penalize you for not completing the tasks.
During the first few sessions the therapist will assist you to identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You might be given homework to help you master the abilities. Depending on the severity of your condition it could take anywhere from 6-20 one-on-one sessions.
CBT can be used to treat a number of disorders that include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD, a condition that can affect people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled sessions 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 over the phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from various mental health issues including schizophrenia, depression, 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 listen carefully to your issues and provide an objective view. They will be able to discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They will be able to teach you coping skills and techniques for managing stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you deal with major life changes like divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health care plans from your doctor.