Treatments For ADD - Drugs and Counselling
Counseling and drugs are both effective treatments for ADD. Both are essential to determine which is more effective.
People with classic ADD tend to be irritable and unorganized, aswell being hyperactive. They have low blood flow in their prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and the thalamus. They also have low levels of dopamine. Dopamine levels are usually increased in the course of treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems. They are available in prescription medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, and diet aids like Didrex, Bontril, and Fastin. They can also be used illegally and are often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and methcathinone. They are available in the form of pills, liquids, syrups or patches.
They boost concentration by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain synapses. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve working memory. They are among the most commonly used medications prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause adverse effects like a decrease in appetite or difficulties sleeping, as well as an increase in heart rate or bloodpressure. They can interact with certain medicines and medical conditions. It is essential to talk with your physician about any concerns.
The use of medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70% to 80% of those who take them. Not everyone responds the same way to the medication and the effects may not last long.
Some people find that stimulants don't work for them or they aren't able to handle the adverse effects. In this situation doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medication. These medications may not be as efficient as stimulants, however they can boost attention and focus and control impulses. Doctors often prescribe these drugs alongside stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medications take longer to start working and they don't react as fast. They don't increase dopamine levels and have different effects on neurotransmitters. Examples include atomoxetine and clonidine and Guanfacine. 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 diminish within a few weeks after starting treatment.
Antidepressants
Most antidepressants work by changing the chemical substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The medications are classified according to how they interact with neurotransmitters. Each group has somewhat different medications. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A doctor may start you on a medication from one of these groups to help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. These medications may not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks before you feel the full benefit. You and your doctor will decide which medication works best for you. They may add other medications or combine two antidepressants to enhance your treatment. This is called an augmentation. The most common augmentation drugs are aripiprazole, quetiapine and lithium.
Antidepressants may have a variety of side effects. You should discuss these adverse effects with your doctor since they could cause problems with your daily activities. These adverse effects can vary from mild to severe and can depend on the type of antidepressant you're taking. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications such as St. John's Wort.
natural add treatment have been proven to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft).
The SNRIs boost levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. This is the reason they're believed to be more effective than SSRIs. They also have longer half-lifes than SSRIs and are less likely to interact with other drugs. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Atypical antidepressants are primarily used to boost your energy levels and help you feel more alert. They are beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or severe anxiety. They include bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs can cause jitteriness or insomnia, but can be helpful for those suffering from depression, ADHD, and anxiety. These drugs are also used to treat bulimia and to assist smokers in quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a well-established treatment for mental disorders. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings and actions are interconnected and can be altered. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented process that can help you learn new strategies to handle stressors and negative habits. It can also be used to treat depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
CBT aims to transform unhelpful thoughts and emotions into positive feelings or behaviours. The technique is a combination of two therapies that include cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It's a kind of psychotherapy which is usually short-term and can be done in a private or group setting. You will be taught different methods by a therapist and then you'll use them in daily life. Some of these techniques include learning to recognize your negative automatic thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation and keeping a thought journal.
A therapist can also help you identify negative thoughts that lead you to engage in maladaptive behavior, and show you how to change these beliefs. They'll also teach you problem-solving techniques to help you face challenges in your daily life. CBT therapists encourage you to set SMART goals to aid you to monitor your progress.
While each type of CBT takes a different approach, all cognitive behavior therapies are focused on identifying and changing fundamental thoughts that cause emotional distress. Therapists employ a variety of techniques, but most are built on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, which involves relating the effects of stimuli with the stimulus. During the treatment the person who is treating you will give you a reward for completing tasks and will punish you for not completing them.
During your initial sessions with your therapist, you and the therapist will look for problematic behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. You may be given homework to help you master the abilities. It is possible that you will require anywhere between six and twenty one-on-one sessions, depending on the nature and severity of your condition.
CBT is effective in treating a range of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for adults suffering from ADHD that affects people as young as seven.
treat adult add is a form of psychotherapy which uses planned, regular meetings with the therapy (counsellor) to discuss your concerns. The sessions can last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes and can be conducted face-to-face, in groups, or via the phone. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues that include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Counselling can be used to discuss friendship, family, and relationship issues as well as work-related issues.
A counselor will listen attentively to your concerns and provide an objective perspective. They will be able to discern patterns of behavior and suggest ways you can alter them. They can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage anxiety, stress, or depression. They can assist you in adjusting to major life changes, such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. They can also help you learn how to deal with addictions or a chronic illness.
Some counsellors charge fees for their services while others are covered by Medicare rebates, if you have mental health plans from your doctor.