Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatments for ADD. It is important to try both to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentional and unorganized, aswell being hyperactive. They suffer from low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal Ganglia and thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are available as prescription drugs such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, as well as diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be illegally used and often mixed with other substances like cocaine and methcathinone. They can be taken as pills, syrups or liquids, or patches which are applied to the skin.
They improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your physician about any concerns.
add treatments for adults can lessen ADHD symptoms in about 70% to 80% of people who use them. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication, and the effects might not last long.
Some people discover that stimulants aren't working well or they don't like the side effects. In this instance doctors will prescribe non-stimulant medications. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do help improve attention, focus and control of impulses. Doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to increase their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin working and don't work as fast. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants and don't increase dopamine levels in the brain. adhd adults treatment include the atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and Clonidine. The most common side effect of these medicines is sleepiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication at the time of sleep. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks of beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants affect chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. They are classified according to the way they affect neurotransmitters, with each group having drugs 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).
Your doctor may prescribe a medicine that belongs to one of these groups in order to relieve depression or anxiety symptoms. These medicines may not provide immediate relief, as it can take weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide on the best treatment for you. You may mix two antidepressants or add other medications to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. This is referred to as augmenting. The most popular augmenting drugs are aripiprazole quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants can have different side effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor because they could interfere in your daily activities. These side effects can range from mild to severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are known to have less adverse effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason SNRIs are considered more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used for their energizing effects and help you feel more awake. They can be helpful for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) as well as mirtazapine are two of the most common. These drugs can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness, however they can be useful for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and can be changed. CBT is a measurable, short-term process that can teach you new ways to cope with stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
The goal of CBT is to transform negative thoughts into positive emotions and behaviours. It is the combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This kind of psychotherapy is usually short-term, and can be carried out either in a group setting or in a private setting. A therapist will teach you various methods, and you'll apply them in your daily routine. Some of these techniques include: being able to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, implementing mindfulness meditation and keeping a mental journal.
A Therapist can also assist you in identifying negative thoughts that cause you to adopting maladaptive behavior and teach you how to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem solving skills so that you can handle challenges that come up in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists will also guide you to develop goals that are SMART (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, and time-based) to help you track your progress.
While each form of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavioral treatments focus on identifying and changing the thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ different methods however they all are based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning that involves relating stimuli to their effects. During treatment, you will be rewarded for working through tasks. You will also be penalized when you fail to complete them.
In the first few sessions together, your therapist and you will identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You might be given homework to help you build the skills. Depending on the nature of your condition, you may require up to 6-20 one-onone sessions.
CBT is effective in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety depression and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for adults with ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy that involves regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to discuss your issues. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or by phone. Counselling can be used to treat a range of mental health problems, 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 attentively to your concerns and provide an objective view. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to alter them. They will be able to teach you coping strategies and techniques to manage stress, anxiety or depression. They can help you cope with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a loved. They can also show you how to deal with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, whereas others may be covered by Medicare rebates if you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.