Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include drugs and counselling. It is crucial to test both to determine which is more efficient.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentive and disorganized, as well as hyperactive. They have a low blood flow to their prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased in response to treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems. They are legal as prescription medications, such as amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine), methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and are also illegally used, often mixed with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available in the form of syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are placed on the skin.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. They are the most frequently used drugs prescribed to adults with ADHD. They can trigger adverse effects like a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also interfere with certain medical and pharmaceutical treatments, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
About 70-80% people who are taking ADHD medications will experience reduced symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects may not be long-lasting.
Some people aren't a fan of stimulants or don't like their adverse effects. In this case, doctors will prescribe nonstimulant medication. These drugs may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can help improve focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors sometimes prescribe these along with stimulants to boost their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines take longer to begin working and they don't react as fast. They don't increase dopamine levels, and they have a different impact on neurotransmitters. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) and guanfacine and the clonidine. The most frequently reported side effect of these medicines is drowsiness. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking the medication before the time of bed. The drowsiness should diminish within several weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. They are classified based on how they affect these 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 health care provider might suggest you start taking one of these groups to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks to experience their full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the most effective medication for you. You may mix two antidepressants or add other medicines to improve the effectiveness of your treatment. This is known as augmenting. The most popular augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Different antidepressants can have different side effects. It is recommended to discuss these adverse effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These effects can be mild or severe, and they can be triggered by the type of antidepressant that you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications, such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs have been proven to cause less side effects than other antidepressants. These include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why SNRIs are considered more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are used to boost your energy levels which help you feel more alert. They can be beneficial for people suffering from anxiety or insomnia. treatment for add include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia or drowsiness. However, they can be beneficial for many people suffering from depression, ADHD and anxiety. They are also used for the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based upon the idea that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a measurable, short-term process that can teach you new methods to deal with stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
The goal of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive emotions and behaviours. The technique is a mixture of two therapies, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a kind of psychotherapy that's usually short-term and can be performed in a group or an individual setting. A therapist will teach you different techniques, and you'll be able to apply them in your everyday life. 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 help you identify negative thoughts that lead to behavior that is not optimal and provide strategies to change these beliefs. They will also help you learn how to tackle issues in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to establish SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to aid in tracking your progress.
While each type of cognitive behavior therapy has an entirely different approach however, they all concentrate on identifying the mental thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and changing them. The therapists use a variety of techniques, but the majority are built on the principles of classical and operant conditioning, which involves relating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. While you are in treatment you will be awarded for working through tasks. Additionally, you will be penalized for failing to complete them.
In the first few sessions, your therapist will help you identify problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They might also assign homework to help you master the techniques. It is possible that you will require anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the severity and nature of your illness.
CBT is effective in treating a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). It can also be effective in treating adult ADHD, a condition that affects people as young seven.
Counseling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist to talk about your issues. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face in groups, or by phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from a range of mental health issues like schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about family, friendship, and relationship issues and also work-related issues.
A counsellor will carefully listen to your problems and provide an objective viewpoint. They will be able identify patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They can help you learn techniques and coping techniques 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 teach you how to deal with chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge for their services, while others are covered by Medicare rebates when you have mental health plans from your doctor.