Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatment options for ADD. It is essential to try both to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD are irritable, disorganized and are often hyperactive. They lack blood flow in the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. They also have low levels of dopamine. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the body's systems. They are legally available as prescription drugs, including amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin; and illegally used, often mixed with other substances, like methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches that are placed on the skin.
They improve concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain synapses. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can cause adverse effects such as decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interfere with certain medications and medical conditions Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of people who are taking them. Different people respond in a different way to the medication, and the effects might not last long.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work for them or they don't like the negative effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but they do help improve focus, attention and control of impulses. Doctors often prescribe these medications along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin working and don't work as quickly. They don't raise dopamine levels and they have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine (clonidine), guanfacine, and clonidine. The most frequently reported adverse effect of these drugs is drowsiness. The drowsiness is reduced by increasing the dosage or taking the medication before bedtime. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks after the beginning of treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants alter chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are classified according to how they affect neurotransmitters, with each group having medications that work 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 might recommend a medication from one of these groups in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It can take several weeks to feel their full benefits. You and your doctor will determine which medicine is best for you. You may mix two antidepressants, or add other medications to enhance the effects of your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most popular augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants have distinct side effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about these side effects, because some could affect your daily activities. These effects can vary from mild to severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant that you're taking. You should also inform your doctor about any other medicines or herbal remedies you're taking, such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications like St. treat adhd in adults .
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are known to have less side-effects than other types of antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are regarded as more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost energy levels and help you feel more awake. They can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or extremely severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause insomnia, jitteriness or drowsiness, however they can be useful for many people with depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used for bulimia and as a smoking cessation aid.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based upon the notion that emotions and thoughts are interconnected and can be changed. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that helps you discover new methods to manage stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and feelings into positive thoughts or behaviours. It is a combination of two treatments which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. It's a type of psychotherapy that's usually short-term and can be done in a private or group setting. You will be taught a variety of techniques by a therapist, and then you will practice them in daily life. Some of these techniques include: being able to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation, and keeping a thought journal.
A Therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that cause you to take on a negative behavior and help you learn to change these thoughts. They'll also help you develop problem-solving techniques so that you are able to handle challenges that come up in your day-to-day life. CBT therapists advise you to set SMART goals to make it easier for you to keep track of your progress.
While each type of CBT employs a distinct approach, all cognitive behavior therapies focus on identifying and changing thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. The therapists will use different methods, but they are all based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. While you are in treatment you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You'll also be penalized for failing to complete the task.
In the initial few sessions your therapist will work with you to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They may also assign homework to help you develop the skills. Depending on the degree of your illness 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 also works for adults with ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that involves regular, planned meetings with a therapist in order to discuss your concerns. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health problems that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to talk about friendship, family and relationship issues as well as work-related problems.
A counsellor will listen carefully to your problems and offer an objective perspective. They can identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to change them. They can teach you coping skills and techniques for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in dealing 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 for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates in the event that you have mental health plans from your doctor.