Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Treatment options for ADD include counseling and medication. Both are important to test to determine which is more effective.
People suffering from classic ADD tend to be inattentional and disorganized, as well as 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 legally as prescription drugs, including amphetamines (Adder-all and Dexedrine) as well as the methylphenidates (Concerta and Ritalin) and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril and Fastin and also used illegally often in combination with other substances, such as methcathinone and cocaine (crack). They are available as pills, syrups or liquids, or patches that are placed on the skin.
They improve concentration by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and help improve working memory. They are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. They can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your physician about any concerns.
Around 70 to 80 percent of those who are taking ADHD medications will notice an improvement in symptoms. However, not everyone responds to the same medication, and the effects don't always long-lasting.
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 non-stimulant drugs. These drugs may not be as effective as stimulants, but they can boost focus and attention as well as control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs along with stimulants to boost the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to effect and don't work as quickly. They affect neurotransmitters differently from stimulants and don't raise dopamine levels in the brain. Examples include the atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and clonidine. Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side consequence. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking the medication at bedtime. The drowsiness should subside within a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. They are grouped according to how they affect these neurotransmitters, with each group having medications 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 to ease anxiety or depression symptoms. These medications may not offer immediate relief. It may take several weeks to feel their full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide which medication works best for you. You may also take other medications or combine two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most commonly used augmentation drugs are aripiprazole (Abilify) as well as quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects. You should discuss these side effects with your doctor because they could interfere with your daily activities. These effects can be mild or serious depending on the kind of antidepressant that you are taking. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications like St. John's Wort.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have less adverse effects than other antidepressants. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil and Pexeva) as well as sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs increase the levels of both 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 drugs. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are primarily used to boost your energy levels, helping you to feel more awake. They are beneficial for people with anxiety or insomnia. 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 medications are also used to treat bulimia, and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health issues. It is based upon the notion that feelings and thoughts are connected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented procedure that can help you learn new strategies to handle anxiety and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
The aim of CBT is to change negative thoughts into positive feelings and behavior. It is the combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. This type of psychotherapy is usually short-term, and can be carried out in a group or individually. You will be taught different techniques by a therapist, and then you will practice them in your daily life. These techniques include understanding how to recognize negative thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping an account of your thoughts.
A therapist can help you identify negative thoughts that lead you to adopting maladaptive behavior and teach you how to change these thoughts. They'll also teach you problem solving techniques so that you are able to face challenges in your everyday life. Therapists in CBT will also help you to set SMART goals (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, time-based, and relevant) to make it easier to track your progress.
While each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavioral therapies focus on identifying and modifying the fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they are all based on the principles operant and classical conditioning, which involves the association of stimuli with their effects. During the treatment the therapist will be rewarded for your accomplishments and will punish you for not completing the tasks.
During your initial sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They might also assign homework to help you develop the abilities. It is possible that you will require anywhere from six to twenty one-on-one sessions, based on the nature and severity of your condition.
CBT can be used to treat a variety of conditions that include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for adult ADHD which affects individuals as young as seven.
adhd treatments adults is a kind of psychotherapy which uses regular, scheduled meetings with a therapist (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. These sessions can last up to 50 minutes, and they can be conducted face-toface, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can aid people suffering from a range of mental health issues like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss friendship, family and relationship issues as well as work-related problems.
A counselor will listen to your problems and provide an objective view. They will be able to identify patterns of behaviour and suggest ways to change them. They can help you learn techniques and coping techniques to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. They can assist you in dealing with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a loved. They can help you learn to deal with addictions and chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services, and others may be covered by Medicare rebates when you have a mental health care plan from your doctor.