Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Drugs and counseling are both effective treatments for ADD. It is important to try both to determine which one is more efficient.
People with classic ADD tend to be inattentional and unorganized, aswell as hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus. They also have low dopamine levels. Treatment typically involves increasing dopamine levels.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the efficiency of the body's systems. They are available legally 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 cocaine and methcathinone (crack). They can be taken as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches which are applied to the skin.
They increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve working memory. They are the most frequently prescribed drug for adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects like a decrease in appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interfere with certain medications and medical conditions, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
About 70-80 percent of those who use ADHD medications will notice reduced symptoms. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication and the effects may not last long.
Some people discover that stimulants don't work for them or they aren't able to handle the negative effects. In this situation doctors will prescribe non-stimulant drugs. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants but they can help improve attention, focus and control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications are more difficult to use and don't perform as efficiently. They affect neurotransmitters differently than stimulants, and they do not increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and guanfacine. treatment for adhd in adults of these drugs is drowsiness. However it is possible to reduce drowsiness by increasing the dosage or taking them at bedtime. The drowsiness should diminish within a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
The majority of antidepressants alter the chemical composition in the brain, which are known as neurotransmitters. They are classified according to how they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having drugs 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 suggest you start taking one of these groups to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief, since it can take weeks before you experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide which medication works best for you. You may also take other medications or mix two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Different antidepressants have different side effects. It's important to talk to your doctor about these side effects as some may interfere with your daily activities. These side effects may be severe or mild, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs such as St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have fewer side-effects than other types of antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be more efficient than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other medications. 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 those suffering from anxiety or insomnia. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia however they can be beneficial for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These medications are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the notion that thoughts, feelings and actions are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a measurable, short-term program that teaches you new ways to cope with stressors and bad habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
The purpose of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. The method is a mix of two therapies which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term and can be performed in a group setting or in a private setting. You will be taught various methods by a therapist and then you will practice them in daily life. These techniques include understanding how to recognize negative automatic thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping a journal.
A therapist will also assist you in identifying the negative thoughts that lead to ineffective behaviors, and then teach you strategies to change these beliefs. They will also help you learn how to tackle issues that arise in your daily life. CBT therapists advise you to set SMART goals in order to make it easier for you to keep track of your progress.
While each kind of cognitive behavior therapy has a slightly different approach however, they all concentrate on identifying the thoughts that cause emotional distress and transforming them. The therapists will use different methods, but they are all based on the concepts of classical and operant conditioning, which involve associating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During the therapy the therapist will reward you for completing tasks and punish those who fail to complete them.
In treatment for adhd in adults will work with you to identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. They may also assign homework to help you master the skills. You could require anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, based 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.
Counselling
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy which uses regular, scheduled meetings with the therapy (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or by phone. Counselling can help people with various mental health issues including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to discuss relationship, friendship and family issues - as well as work-related difficulties.
A counselor will listen to your problems and provide an objective perspective. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to modify them. They can also teach you strategies and coping skills for managing anxiety, stress or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. They can also teach you how to manage chronic illnesses and addictions.
Some counsellors charge a fee for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health plan from your doctor.