Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and medication are both effective treatments for ADD. It is crucial to test both to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be irritable and disorganized, as well being hyperactive. They have a lack of blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and the basal Ganglia. treatment of add have low dopamine levels. Dopamine levels are typically increased as part of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates and diet aids such as Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be used illegally and are often mixed with other substances such as cocaine and methcathinone. They can be taken as syrups, pills or liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin.
They improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. treatment of add in adults reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. They are the most frequently used medication prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. They can cause side-effects such as decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. It is important to speak with your physician about any concerns.
About 70-80% people who are taking ADHD medication will experience an improvement in symptoms. However, not all people respond to the same medication and the effects aren't always long-lasting.
Certain people find that stimulants don't work well, or they can't tolerate the adverse effects. If this is the case, doctors could prescribe non-stimulant medications. These drugs might not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can boost concentration and focus as well as control impulses. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to work 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 the atomoxetine (clonidine) as well as guanfacine and clonidine. The most frequently reported side effect of these medicines is the feeling of drowsiness. The drowsiness can be decreased by increasing the dose or taking the medication at bedtime. The drowsiness will subside within a few weeks of beginning treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants change chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They are classified according to the way they affect neurotransmitters, with each group having drugs 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 medical professional may start you on one of these groups to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications might not provide immediate relief. It could take a few weeks to experience the full benefits. Your doctor and you will decide the best medication for you. They may add other medications or mix two antidepressants to improve your treatment. This is referred to as augmentation. The most common augmentation medications are Aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel) and lithium (Lithobid).
Antidepressants can cause a variety of adverse effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your doctor, as they may interfere in your daily activities. These side effects could be severe or mild, depending on the type antidepressant that you are taking. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications or herbal remedies you're taking, such as over-the-counter drugs and herbs like St. John's wort.
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants, and are known to have less adverse effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. This is why SNRIs are regarded as more efficient 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 can be utilized to boost your energy levels and make 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 popular. These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia, but can be helpful for many people who suffer from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. They are also used to treat the treatment of bulimia as well as to aid in quitting smoking.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a research-based treatment for mental health disorders. It is based upon the notion that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is an approach that is short-term and goal-oriented which can help you develop new ways to deal with stressors and negative habits. It can be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
CBT is designed to transform negative thoughts and feelings into positive feelings or behaviours. It is a combination of two treatments which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. It's a form of psychotherapy that is often short-term and can be performed in a group or an individual setting. You will be taught different techniques by a therapist, and then you'll use them in daily life. These techniques include: understanding how to recognize negative automatic thoughts; practicing mindfulness meditation; and keeping a journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that lead you to engage in maladaptive behavior and help you learn to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem-solving skills so that you can face challenges in your daily life. CBT therapists will also encourage you to develop SMART goals (specific goals that are measurable, achievable relevant, and time-based) to aid in tracking your progress.
Although each type of CBT has its own approach, all cognitive behavior therapies focus on identifying and changing thinking patterns that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ various methods but they all operate on the principle of operant and classical conditioning that involves the association of stimuli with their effects. During treatment you will be rewarded for the accomplishment of tasks. You will also be punished for failing to complete the task.
During the first few sessions, your therapist will work with you to identify the problem behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. They may also assign homework to help you develop the abilities. It is possible that you will require between six and twenty one-onone sessions, based on the nature and severity of your illness.
CBT can be used to treat a number of ailments that include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also works in treating adult ADHD which can affect people as young as seven.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of psychotherapy that consists of regular, scheduled sessions with an therapist (counsellor) to discuss your problems. Typically, treatment for adults with add and may be face-to-face or in groups. They can also be conducted over the telephone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to talk about relationships, friendships and family issues, and also work-related issues.
A counsellor will listen carefully to your issues and provide an objective view. They can spot patterns of behavior and suggest ways to change them. They will be able to teach you coping strategies and strategies for managing depression, anxiety, or stress. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes such as divorce or loss of a loved one. They can also show you how to cope with addictions or chronic illnesses.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health plans from your doctor.